History

A Brief History of Kinesio Tex Taping®

The Kinesio Taping® Technique and Tape was developed by a Japanese chiropractor, Dr. Kenzo Kase. Dr. Kase searched for methods to assist the body in healing traumatised tissue. Athletic Tape provided support, but he wanted to use a material that was more similar in elasticity to the skin or muscles.

In 1973 Dr Kase developed his own tape - Kinesio® Tex, and the Kinesio Taping® method. In 1988 Kinesio Taping® gained worldwide exposure when it was used by Japanese athletes at the Seoul Olympics. The technique then spread to the USA. Kinesio Europe was founded in 2001.

The technique was introduced to the UK in 2004 - with Limbvolume Ltd as the authorised distributor and training provider. Kinesio Taping® was originally used on athletes, today it is used extensively for athletes and non-athletes in Asia, Europe, and the United States of America in hospitals, clinics and professional sports teams.

What is Kinesio Tex®?

Kinesio® Tex is a specialist tape designed for Kinesio Taping® treatment. Designed and manufactured by Kinesio in Japan, Kinesio® Tex is recognised as the only tape that uniquely meets the requirements for the Kinesio Taping® technique. Its properties are very different from traditional athletic tapes and has been developed to give optimum results when using Kinesio Taping® to treat muscular disorders and lymphoedema reduction.

The KT method involves taping over and around muscles to assist and give support and prevent over-contraction. Kinesio Tex is different to other athletic tapes as it is designed to give support whilst maintaining full range of motion, and facilitates lymphatic flow 24 hours a day.

Some features of Kinesio Tex Tape® are:

• 100% cotton and latex free
• Elasticity of up to 30-40% from resting length
• Tape is applied with 10% stretch
• Medical grade, heat sensitive acrylic adhesive
• Allows the skin to breathe
• Thickness and weight approximates that of skin
• Easily tolerated
• Allows range of motion and does not restrict like conventional athletic tape
• Elastic properties support and reduce muscle fatigue
• Facilitated myofascial release and improves lymphatic flow - in turn reducing pain and swelling
• Can be worn for several days (3-5) without re-application
• Cost effective patient management (6-10 applications per roll)

Conditions Treated

Kinesio treats a wide variety of conditions due to its ability to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, relax the muscles, enhance performance and facilitate rehabilitation while supporting muscles in movement.

Kinesio® Tex can assist many conditions including: