Kinesiology Taping Review

I injured my left shoulder last June and have been struggling with getting it mobile ever since. I’ve been to a physiotherapist and I’m doing the exercises recommended. But, I’m wondering why is it taking so long to heal. I saw a new book release about kinesiology that I thought might help accelerate healing my shoulder and getting it back into shape. But, it was not at all what I expected. I thought it would share different strength training movements, but instead, it talked about taping. I’ve never heard of taping and wasn’t really sure how effective it was as an alternative treatment.

If you had the chance to watch certain events of the recent Olympics, you may have noticed some athletes adorning brightly colored tape on various parts of their bodies. After perusing through this new book, it donned on me that these athletes are sporting Kinesio Tape. What’s with the tape? What’s its purpose? Why all the different colors? I found my answers in a new book called, Kinesiology Taping, The Essential Step-by-Step Guide.

So, what exactly is Kinesiology Taping? It’s using colorful, elastic, cotton adhesive tape, to treat an abundance of conditions. Whether it’s a sports injury, muscle cramps, arthritis, pains, strains or migraines, taping can provide profound relief from pain. The tape comes in a variety of colors. We are attracted to colors intuitively and each symbolizes different characteristics and energy. For example, I love purple and really enjoy the read up about this color. It’s a dignified and extraordinary color. It stands for inspiration, art, magic, transformation, mystery, spirituality, meditation, and much more. You can also combine two or three different colors together, there is no rule. So, it’s recommended you choose a color/s that resonates with you.

The tapes come in different shapes, I-strip, Y-strip, X-strip, 3-pronged strip, and the Tentacle strip. The tape was designed to mimic the human skin’s elastic properties and when applied exerts a certain amount of pull on the skin. It’s applied over and around muscles for therapeutic uses like reducing pain and inflammation, increasing circulation, and providing muscular support. The book also points out that stretch, clean skin, and the appropriate starting position are important.

The tape can be applied by someone experienced with kinesiology taping, or by yourself, as long as it’s applied correctly. The length of time to wear the tape is reflective of the injury. It can be anywhere from a few hours to a week. There is a step by step guide to applying the tape so you can achieve success. For guidance, there is a whole chapter on “Which Tape for Which Complaint“, so all the guesswork is taken out. There are also individual pages that deal with specific problems with clear instructions and photo images so you can duplicate the procedure.

With my personal issue, there are several “how-to” taping instructions for various parts of the shoulder. Most of them would have to be applied by someone who knows this skill. It’s opened my eyes to other means of healing and I just might attempt it.

Having a healthy skeletal structure is necessary for everyday life and if we happen to injure one part of our body, it will affect the rest. Taping has proven to be a very innovative and effective way for everyone from athletes, professional or recreational, to homemakers to deal with injuries or ailments.

Disclaimer: I received a product for review only. The opinions expressed here are my own, yours may differ.