Saturday 29 November 2014

Kinesiology taping is definitely the buzzword at the moment in the field of Sports Medicine. Many top professional teams in a wide variety of sectors of sport in both the UK and wider afield are having this new phenomenal tape applied to them. During a goal celebration at Euro 2012 Italy's Mario Balotelli revealed three wide stripes of light blue tape on his lower back. At Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic had the tape on his elbow. It also featured at the London 2012 Olympics.

But what is Kinesiology tape and how does it work? When a muscle is swollen the area between the skin and the muscle is compressed which constricts the flow of lymphatic fluid. This results in discomfort and pain. Kinesiology tape, when applied with the correct application method, will lift the skin to ease the pain and absorb inflammation of the muscle. In addition it will raise the area between the skin and the muscles to enhance circulation and lymphatic drainage. Stretching the skin and muscles before tape application is essential, due to the wrinkling effect that occurs when the skin is taped and in normal position and so it is often applied in conjunction with massage treatment. As the body moves the tape will function as a pump, continually stimulating lymphatic circulation. As the technique relieves localised pressure on pain receptors muscle pain should be reduced.

Kinesiology taping can aid sports injuries by;

Relieving pain
Supporting muscles in movement
Removing lymphatic fluid congestion
Correcting joint mis-alignment
Assisting in positioning a muscle or joint into proper position for rehabilitation
Assisting a weak muscle by placing it in a normal position
Correct your gait cycle and postural problems
Increasing the red blood cells ( increasing oxygen to the muscles )

Sports Massage Therapy Exeter is fully qualified and trained with John Gibbons in Advanced kinesiology taping for the athlete and also trained by the leading tutors at Rocktape UK (Level 1 and Level 2 kinesiology taping). If you feel your team or team members, may be able to benefit from my experience I would be very happy to discuss my services further. As a Sports and Remedial massage therapist, physical therapist and personal trainer I use all my knowledge in anatomy and physiology to treat patients/clients in a very professional manner to keep my clients performing at their highest levels physically possible.

Further details are available on my website www.sportsmassagetherapyexeter.org.uk

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