The other day, as my children and I watched WWE wrestling, they called my attention to a particular wrestler who had colorful tape wrapped around one of his arms.
Given that the wrestler had a history of injuries to that arm, they were curious as to what that tape was.
What exactly are tapes and what purpose do they serve? What are the different kinds of tapes and are there any major differences?
Is Athletic Tape the same as K-Tape?
The answer is no; they are not the same. Athletic tape and kinesiology tape (KT) have different purposes, properties, and applications.
Athletic tape is a rigid, non-elastic tape that is applied to joints or muscles to immobilize or restrict movement.
On the other hand, kinesiology tape is a flexible, elastic tape made to resemble the thickness and elasticity of skin.
Although KT tape and athletic tape can both be used in sports and physical activities, they each have unique properties and uses. While KT tape is renowned for its elasticity, flexibility, and therapeutic properties, athletic tape places a greater emphasis on support and stability.
5 Benefits of the Athletic Tape
In sports and physical activities, athletic tape is frequently used for a variety of purposes.
1. Joint Support and Stability:
Athletes frequently use athletic tape to support and stabilize joints like the ankles, wrists, knees, and elbows. It can provide compression, lessen the chance of injuries like sprains or strains, and help prevent excessive movement.
2. Injury Prevention:
Athletic tape can be used to help prevent injuries, especially in vulnerable or overused areas. It can be used to add support and guard against potential injuries during sports or physical activities on body parts like the ankles, fingers, or thumbs.
3. Muscle Compression:
Athletes can compress their muscles by wrapping athletic tape around particular muscle groups. This compression may help to improve proprioception (awareness of one’s body’s position), lessen muscle vibration, and possibly even increase the strength and endurance of the muscles.
4. Tendon Support:
Tendons like the patellar tendon and Achilles tendon can be supported with athletic tape. It provides stability, lessens the likelihood of overuse injuries or tendinitis, and lessens stress on the tendons.
5. Splinting and Immobilization:
Athletic tape can occasionally be utilized to make short-term splints or to provide immobilization for minor fractures or joint injuries. In the interim, it aids in stabilizing the injured area while seeking appropriate medical attention.
6 Common Benefits of the Kinesiology Tape
Kinesiology tape, also referred to as KT tape or kinesio tape, is a flexible acrylic adhesive-coated cotton or synthetic fiber tape that doesn’t obstruct normal movement. It has a number of applications in therapeutic, rehabilitative, and athletic settings. such as
1. Pain Relief:
Kinesiology tape can aid in easing the pain and discomfort brought on by muscle sprains, strains, overuse injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions. It applies constant, gentle pressure to the skin, which can help block pain signals and encourage feelings of relief.
2. Injury Rehabilitation:
To support hurt muscles, tendons, or ligaments during the healing process, kinesiology tape is frequently applied. It supports the healing process and encourages appropriate movement patterns while stabilizing the injured area and maintaining full range of motion.
3. Swelling and Inflammation Reduction:
Kinesiology tape application can enhance lymphatic drainage and lessen swelling or inflammation by using specific techniques. The lifting action of the tape on the skin makes room, improving fluid circulation and preventing fluid buildup.
4. Enhance Muscle Function:
It is possible to use kinesiology tape to increase muscle activation and provide support. During sports or workouts, it can aid in enhancing muscle function, proprioception (body awareness), and coordination.
5. Posture Correction:
By giving feedback and support to particular muscle groups, kinesiology tape can help promote good posture. It can aid in reactivating weak or inactive muscles and promoting joint alignment, both of which contribute to better postural habits.
6. Performance Enhancement:
Some athletes use the KT to improve their performance, benefiting from the increased blood flow, muscle support, and sensory feedback from the tape.
It’s important to note that using athletic tape or kinesiology tape appropriately requires skill and correct technique. When it comes to specific taping requirements, athletes, trainers, physiotherapists, or other medical professionals with experience in taping techniques can offer the necessary direction and support.
This post was originally published November 9, 2016.
