Kinesio Taping (RockTape)

Kinesio tape is a unique therapeutic tool that has provided new options in rehabilitation and sports medicine throughout the world. It is used to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while allowing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. It is commonly used to re-educate the neuromuscular system, reduce pain and inflammation, enhance performance, prevent injury and promote good circulation and healing. The natural elasticity of the tape creates a microscopic lifting action of the skin, which activates both neurological and circulatory healing mechanisms. Reduced pressure on pain receptors can rapidly relieve acute pain, while improved blood flow and lymphatic drainage reduce swelling and facilitate healing.

With slight variations in taping technique, kinesio taping can accomplish the following:

• Provide structural support to joints and muscles without restricting a healthy range of motion.

• Correct improper muscle function by providing neurosensory feedback during movement.

• Relieve pain from both acute injuries and chronic pain conditions.

• Reduce swelling and inflammation through enhanced lymphatic drainage.

• Accelerate healing via improved blood flow to injured tissues.

• Prevent overuse and overcontraction of working muscles.

• Accelerate recovery from intense exercise.

• Reestablish normal muscle activation following an injury.

• Increase muscle tone in injured or neurologically inhibited muscles.

• Delay fatigue and improve endurance through enhanced muscle ‘snap back.’