Bodywork: The Benefits of Sports Tape

Where did sports tape start?

This multicolored, zebra-like taping first saw worldwide exposure during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Since then, sports taping has become a popular form of muscle and taping used by many health and fitness professionals across the world.

Kinesio Tex tape was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in Japan more than 25 yrs ago. In the 1970’s Dr. Kase began searching for a sports taping method that could assist in the healing of traumatized tissue and muscles. He found that standard taping techniques, such as athletic taping and strapping, provided muscle and joint support, however, they reduced range of motion, did not support the fascia, and, in some cases, inhibited the actual healing process of traumatized tissue. A new treatment approach was needed. – Kinesio UK

Today, there are over 50  “kinesiology” or “sports” tape companies on the market, each developing their own version of sports taping — KinesioTape, KT Tape, Rock Tape, Sparthos Tape. And you know what? With some slight differences in application, fabric, adhesive, and comfort level, they all basically do the same thing; reduce pain!

How does sports tape work?

When the tape is applied to your body, it recoils slightly, gently lifting and decompressing your skin. Creating this space between your skin and underlying tissues unloads the tissues. Your brain and body respond differently to unloaded (versus loaded) tissue, specifically:

• increased blood flow
• decreased swelling
• increased joint stability
• reduced pain
• Improved muscle performance

How does MovEvolution use sports tape?

Sports taping can be used on almost anyone, from the weekend warrior to the multisport athlete. The type of sports application we use will depend upon your injury, weaknesses, goals, and sport. 

In combination with other modalities, sports taping is a terrific tool. We’ve seen some miraculous, instantaneous responses from folks coming in with knee pain jumping, shoulder pain reaching, and back pain bending. See how we’ve used sports tape to:

• regain knee extension after an ACL surgery.
• work with electrical stimulation to increase quad stability.
• increase strength in a “frozen” shoulder.

When appropriate, we often show clients how to apply sports tape on themselves, as well as how to use simple tools such as lacrosse balls, foam rollers, and bands to complement the taping techniques we use in the studio. 

Check out our BODYWORK page and see what you could use to help you heal, move and evolve. In combination with other modalities, sports taping is an excellent modality to add to your training toolbox.

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