We’ve all seen it.  The guy or girl in the gym, or running outdoors with tape in all directions?  Maybe you’ve seen it across the shoulder, around the knee cap, or on back of calves and wondered what is that stuff?  It’s certainly not the bandaged wrap we grew up with when I was injured. 
Although there’s no official science to back it up, we, and many others believe Kinesiology Therapeutic (KT) tape has numerous benefits.

KT tape is used to support and relieve pain in muscles, joints, and/or ligaments. It reduces swelling, increases mobility and enhances recovery. KT Tape can be used to prevent or treat many common muscle and joint related injuries including: sprains, muscle strains, subluxations, and tendonitis. KT tape provides support and pain relief before, during, and/or after an activity.  Range of motion is not limited.  KT tape, coupled with the body’s ability to heal itself, can provide therapeutic relief to a variety of populations and diagnoses.

How is it claimed to work?

Whilst the exact method of how it works is still being disputed, it is claimed that during injury, blood and other fluids build up causing inflammation and swelling. If there is too much inflammation, then the excess fluid is unable to be removed by the lymphatic system. In short, the lymphatic vessels become compressed which prevents oxygen and nutrients from being delivered to healing tissues. When KT tape is properly applied, the elasticity in the KT tape gently lifts the skin from the tissues below. This gentle lifting of the skin creates a space to improve blood and lymphatic flow which ultimately helps to alleviate pressure and reduce swelling. Once blood flow is restored, oxygen and nutrients are better able to reach damaged tissues to help enhance healing.

Taping is available, be it specific for an event at a cost of £15 per area or free of charge during treatment.