If you’re suffering from a joint, muscle or tendon condition that causes pain, swelling or restricted motion, sooner or later someone’s likely to suggest you try Kinesio Tape. Don’t make the mistake of assuming this is just a fancy name brand athletic tape. It has special elastic properties and a unique adhesive that’s very unlike other standard tapes you may have used in the past.

What Is Kinesio Tape?

This specially designed tape is made of porous cotton fabric and relies on a medical grade adhesive to hold it in place. It’s available in various sizes and colors, and it’s water resistant.

The elasticity of this special tape is a close match to that of skin. It’s made of porous cotton fabric that’s breathable, so the skin below isn’t bound and restricted from air flow. This tape is water resistant, too, so you can even cleanse the area beneath it.

How Does Elastic Tape Help?

Unlike regular athletic tape, this tape isn’t used to wrap in layers for compression or support. Instead, it’s arranged in specific patterns that are designed to treat a variety of conditions. The placement of the tape, as well as the degree of tension with which it is applied achieves a variety of goals.

Elastic tape can lift the skin, provide pressure stimulation, limit or assist motion and even channel lymphatic fluids. It can help reduce swelling, ease pain and provide support for tired muscles, among other uses.

Physical therapists, sports injury specialists and a variety of other medical specialists recommend and rely on elastic tape for treating their patients. You can learn taping methods and buy elastic tape over the counter to treat conditions at home, too.

Some of the many conditions Kinesio Tape may help with include:

· Tendonitis

· Strains/Sprains

· Carpal tunnel syndrome

· Swollen areas

· Shin splints

· Rotator cuff problems

· Bursitis

· Headaches

Elastic tape is designed to be worn for several days. Usually, it’s worn for between 3 and 5 days, after which time it starts to lose its elasticity.

Because Kinesio Tape is water resistant and made of a breathable cotton fabric, it’s perfectly fine to leave in place during showering or bathing. You can even wash the skin beneath the tape without worry about the adhesive loosening.

If you haven’t tried elastic athletic tape, it’s easy to find in retail shops and online. Look for specific taping methods for your condition and ask someone to assist with placing the tape for maximum benefit.