Kinesio tape, is a modern taping technique used in various areas from athletes to those experiencing chronic pain, and even for aesthetic purposes like facial taping. Kinesiology taping is the technique of applying these tapes and is generally used to prevent injuries in athletes or to support recovery processes. This technique can help support muscles and joints, improve circulation, and reduce pain. Unlike traditional stabilizing tapes, Kinesio tape does not restrict movement.
What is Kinesio Tape?
Developed in Japan and becoming popular worldwide over time, Kinesio tape is an elastic and skin-friendly therapeutic support tool. The primary feature of the tape is its ability to move harmonically with the body due to its skin-like elasticity feature.
Its adhesive structure and medical fabric allow it to stay on the skin for an extended period and support bodily functions. The application of Kinesio tape can increase circulation and may encourage lymphatic drainage by lifting the skin and tissues at a micro level. Thus, it can reduce pain and speed up recovery.
What is the Purpose of Kinesio Tape?
Kinesio tape is a type of adhesive bandage used to relieve muscle pain, increase muscle stability, and enhance performance. The tapes provide support by targeting specific muscle groups and can enhance mobility. The main benefits are:
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Pain Reduction (Neurophysiological Effect): The tape stimulates nerve endings in the skin and can alter the transmission of pain signals, helping alleviate pain by functioning as the body's natural mechanism.
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Circulation and Edema Management: By lifting the skin, it can speed up blood and lymph flow. This effect especially facilitates the quick resolution of bruises and post-surgical edema (swelling).
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Improving Muscle Function: Depending on its application direction and tension, it can enhance the contraction ability of weak muscles or help relax overly tense muscles.
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Joint Stabilization and Postural Support: It provides dynamic support to joints, limiting abnormal movements. Additionally, it can aid in correcting posture by enhancing body position awareness in conditions like posture disorders.
In What Conditions Can Kinesio Tape be Used?
Kinesiology taping is a widely used method in both sports medicine and physical therapy practices. It can be effective in situations such as muscle pains, joint problems, sprains, and tendon strains. Kinesio tape can support muscles while simultaneously increasing blood circulation to expedite the healing process. However, consultation with a healthcare professional is essential before applying Kinesio tape.
The main areas of use are:
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Sports Injuries: Support after sprains, muscle strains, and impacts.
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Orthopedic Problems: Low back and neck hernia, scoliosis, shoulder pains, knee issues.
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Tendon Disorders: Achilles tendinitis, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, shoulder tendon inflammations.
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Circulation Problems: Lymphedema, swelling after trauma.
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Neurological Rehabilitation: Support to regain muscle control after a stroke.
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Women's Health: To alleviate back pains during pregnancy and provide abdominal support.
How Is Kinesio Tape Applied to the Face?
The facial area is quite sensitive due to its thin skin structure and dense muscle groups. Therefore, extra care is necessary when applying Kinesio tape to the face. Incorrect technique or excessive tension may cause skin irritation.
Kinesio tape is applied to the facial area with the following steps:
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Skin Cleansing: Before application, there should be no makeup, cream, or oil residue on the face. Clean and dry skin allows the tape to adhere better.
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Strip Preparation: As the facial area is narrow and curved, the tape is usually cut into small and thin strips.
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Low Tension Technique: Unlike body taping, the tape is applied with low tension on the face. This stimulates circulation in the skin without causing uncomfortable pressure.
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Application Areas: Under the eyes and along the cheekbone line for reducing edema, cheeks, and jawline for relaxation and toning support.
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Short-Term Use: While the tape can remain on the body for days, facial application is limited to a few hours. This allows the skin to breathe and reduces the risk of irritation.
How to Use Kinesio Tape?
Kinesio tape application is not done randomly; it should be applied according to physiological and anatomical principles to achieve the desired effect. The direction of placement, cutting shape, and tension of the tape may vary according to the area being treated.
Pre-Application Preparation
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Skin Cleansing: Before taping, the application area should be free of oil, cream, and sweat. Clean skin can help the tape adhere better.
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Hair Removal: The tape adheres poorly and can irritate the skin upon removal in areas with dense hair. Therefore, cleaning the area is necessary.
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Tape Cutting: The tape is cut into shapes like “I, Y, X or Fan” based on the purpose. Rounding the corners can help the tape stay longer on the skin.
Application Techniques and Tension
It is preferable for the muscle to be in an extended position during the application. The tension amount is adjusted according to the muscle condition and treatment purpose:
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Muscle Relaxation (Inhibition): Very light tension (0%–15%). The tape can be applied from the start to the end of the muscle.
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Muscle Activation (Facilitation): Moderate tension (15%–35%). The tape can be applied from the end of the muscle to the start.
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Mechanical Support/Stabilization: High tension (50%–75%). Preferred when extra support for joints is needed.
Duration of Use
Once the tape is applied:
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Lightly rub it with fingers to activate the adhesive through heat.
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Leave the beginning and end points without tension.
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After applying the tape, the person can continue normal activities; it is resistant to water and perspiration.
What Do Kinesio Tape Colors Mean?
Kinesio tapes come in various colors; beige, black, blue, pink, and green. However, there is no physiological or chemical difference among Kinesio tape colors. All colored tapes are made from the same material, having the same elasticity and adhesive properties. The choice of color is entirely dependent on psychological effects or aesthetic preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can Kinesio tape stay on the body?
Kinesio tape can stay on the skin for 3 to 5 days. However, the duration is kept shorter in facial applications, usually limited to a few hours.
Is the face-lifting effect of Kinesio tape permanent?
No, the face-lifting effect of Kinesio tape is temporary and only provides a lifting effect as long as the tape remains on the skin. Permanent aesthetic results require surgical or dermatological procedures.
Who should not use kinesiology taping?
It should not be applied to areas with open wounds, skin infections, or dermatological issues such as eczema. It is also contraindicated for individuals at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or in areas with malignant tumors.
Can Kinesio tape be used on children?
Yes, it can be used on children with the correct technique and under expert supervision. However, due to the sensitive skin structure of children, the tape duration should be shorter, and the application must be performed by a physiotherapist or doctor.