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Kinesiotaping St. Catharines

What Is Kinesio Tape?

Kinesio tape was developed by Dr Kenso Nakamura in the 1980s to treat sports injuries such as tennis elbow. It has been used for many years now but it’s only recently become more popular due to its ability to be applied over clothing without causing discomfort.

The original design consisted of two layers: an inner layer made up of elasticised cotton fibres which provides support while allowing movement; and an outer layer made up of non-elasticised nylon fibres which helps prevent contraction.

The kinesiology tape or also known as kinesio tex tape is a thin, elastic bandage that can be used to support and stabilize muscles. It has been shown in clinical studies to help reduce pain and improve function for people with musculoskeletal injuries or conditions such as arthritis, back problems, sports-related strains, sprains, tendonitis/bursitis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprain, knee injury, etc.

The benefits of using the tape are: it helps relieve muscle tension; reduces inflammation; increases blood flow; improves range of motion; decreases swelling; promotes healing; provides compression therapy; supports joints; stabilizes tendons; relieves pressure on nerves; prevents scar tissue from forming; and aids in rehabilitation after surgery.

How Does It Work?

Tapes have an adhesive surface which sticks directly to skin without causing irritation. When applied correctly, they provide gentle but effective compression around injured areas. They also promote circulation by increasing lymphatic drainage and reducing edema.

Taped areas may feel cooler than untapped ones because the tape draws heat away from the body. This effect lasts only about 15 minutes. After this time, taped areas become warmer again.

Why Use It?

It’s important to note that there is no evidence that taping methods alone will heal any condition. However, when combined with other treatments, it can make them more successful.

Kinesiotaping Can Help With:

  • Improve contraction of a weakened muscle
  • Reduce muscle strain and provide pain relief
  • Improves muscle fatigue and spasm
  • Reduce over-stretching and over-contraction of muscles
  • Re-educate muscles through sensory feedback
  • Lessen edema (swelling) through aiding the lymphatic system
  • Minimize post-traumatic or post-surgical bruising through improved circulation
  • Help mobilize scar tissue by enhancing glide between tissue layers
  • Help correct joint mechanics through aiding muscle function around the joint
  • Relieve pain by activating the natural analgesic system in our skin receptors

Benefits Of Kinesiotaping

Kinesiotaping is very different from traditional white athletic taping applications. Instead of using the rigid white tape, kinesiotaping utilizes an elastic form of tape that does not restrict motion. Elastic kinesiology tape involves taping over and around specific muscles in order to assist and give support and/or to prevent over-contraction. Kinesiotaping is designed to work on the body's neurological and circulatory systems. Muscles work at a variety of levels and are most often associated with movement. Muscles, however, are also very important in circulation of venous blood and lymph flow. Therefore, when muscles do not function properly a variety of symptoms may be produced. Kinesiotaping is utilized to help increase lymphatic drainage, reducing edema/swelling, facilitating muscular contraction, and to manage pain.

What Other Services And Techniques Do You Offer At Your Health Clinic?

Acupuncture, Chiropractic services, Patient education, Manual therapy, Massage therapy treatment, Taping techniques, Active release therapy, Exercise therapy, 3-D body scan, Naturopathic medicine, Manipulative therapy techinque, etc.

Why Choose NHRC For K-tape Physiotherapy In St Catharines

At Niagara Health & Rehab Centre our clinicians use kinesiotaping as an adjunct therapy to their treatment plan and rehab. Used correctly, kinesiotaping can dramatically speed the rehabilitation process by lessening pain and improving tolerance to exercise and movement. For more information or to book an appointment please contact NHRC at (289) 362-3600

Areas We Serve:

Our patients come from all across Niagara including:

Grapeview
Haig
Western Hill
Lakeport
Thorold
Port Dalhousie

Insurance Covered physiotherapy, chiropractor, massage therapy. Extended Health Coverage Direct Billing Available.

Clinic Hours:

Monday 8a.m.–7p.m.
Tuesday 8a.m.–7p.m.
Wednesday 8a.m.–7p.m.
Thursday 8a.m.–7p.m.
Friday 8a.m.–6:30p.m.
Saturday 8a.m.–2p.m.
Sunday Closed