Asheville Blue Ridge Runner: Kinesio Tape and Kinesio Taping Method

Kinesio Tex Gold tape and the Kinesio Taping method were developed by Dr Kenzo Kase, a well known Japanese practitioner licensed in chiropractic and acupuncture medicine. The Kinesio Taping method is used to treat anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in between. It has grown to become a standard worldwide therapeutic and rehabilitative treatment used by medical and sports professionals.

Bart first learned about Kinesio Taping while reading Lance Armstrong's book, "Every Second Counts"and has successfully used it for an Achilles tendon flare up. There are several good instructional videos on YouTube instructing the viewer on how and where to apply the tape, how to properly anchor the tape, and how much tension to use depending on the application. If you have any doubts, Kinesio recommends that you consult a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP) before applying the tape for the first time. Locally, we are aware that Cornerstone Physical Therapy in South Asheville has a CKTP on staff. For more information please visit www.kinesiotaping.com and you can find some great deals on amazon.
Kinesio Tex Gold Tape: http://tinyurl.com/Kinesio-Tex-Gold

Kinesio Taping concepts:
Muscles constantly extend and contract within a normal range of motion; however, when muscles over-extend and over-contract, muscles cannot recover and become inflamed. When a muscle is inflamed, swollen or stiff due to fatigue, the space between the skin and muscle is compressed, resulting in constriction to the flow of lymphatic fluid. This compression also causes pressure to the pain receptors beneath the skin, which in turn communicates, "discomfort signals" to the brain and the person experiences pain. Kinesio Taping aims to give free range of motion in order to allow the body's muscular system to heal itself bio-mechanically. It creates a lifting effect on the skin's surface, which improves circulation and relieves pain. It may be applied using different amounts and directions of tension, so the tape has the ability to relax or stimulate muscles unlike traditional sports tape which is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event.

Kinesio Tex Gold tape is an ultra thin elastic therapeutic tape. It is breathable, made up of 100% high grade cotton fiber and has an elasticity very close to living human tissue. It is latex free. It can be used for up to five days and water does not affect it so it can be used during swimming or taking showers without coming off. It also features a 100% medical-grade acrylic adhesive. The tape also comes in a variety of colors as well.