Kinesio Taping is a Japanese method to take the strain off muscles. Kinesio Taping is made from a special material with elastic properties that protects and supports the muscle. The method was developed in Japan in the 1970s by Dr Kenzo Kase and is used by sports athletes, including David Beckham, to give their aching muscles more elasticity.

KINESIO TAPE PRODUCTS

• Kinesio Tape Products. These are products and an application method that is a new and effective treatment of lymph oedema reduction, muscle disorders, and joint dysfunction.
  
  
• The technique uses a special adhesive cotton tape applied to stretched skin. Used with Kinesio Taping applications it can greatly aid the flow of lymphatic fluid, alleviating pain. Kinesio Tape has been proven to reduce recovery time in many sports related injuries.
  
  
• Now being used by many worlds top sports stars, Olympic athletes and professional and amateur sports men and women.
  
  
• Simple and quick to apply.
  
  
• Immediate results.
  
  
• Easy for patients to self-apply.
  
  
• Cost effective patient management.
  
  
• Allows free range of motion and does not restrict.
  
  
• Reduces pain and swelling.
  
  

Conventional athletic tape is designed to restrict the movement of affected muscles and joints. For this purpose, several layers of tape must be rolled around and/or over the afflicted area, applying significant pressure, resulting in the obstruction of the flow of bodily fluids...an UNDESIRABLE side-effect. This is also the reason athletic tape is generally applied immediately before the sports activity, and removed immediately after the activity is finished.

On the other hand, Kinesio Taping is based on a different philosophy that aims to give free range of motion in order to allow the body's muscular system to heal itself bio-mechanically.

To ensure that the muscles have free range of motion, tape with an elasticity of 130-140% of its original length is used for Kinesio Taping. This specific elasticity also will not allow an over stretch of the muscles themselves. It may look like conventional athletic tape, but Kinesio Tape is fundamentally different.

KINESIO TAPE COURSES

Training Levels

Kinesio UK run a variety of Kinesio Taping® courses, as well as providing practitioners with the opportunity to host courses at their own venues. Courses run for one, two or three days and are held in various locations across the UK and Ireland. There are 3 Main Course Levels - KT1, KT2 and KT3 plus Instructor Training.


KT1-One day course-Open to everyone (A basic knowledge of muscles is required)

The KT1 course introduces practitioners to the Kinesio Taping® Method. During the 8 hours of this course, the fundamental concepts of Kinesio Taping® will be discussed and practitioners will learn the basic taping methods using Kinesio Tex Tape®. Attendees will be given ample time to practice KT methods in order to enhance your skills. Upon completion of this course, attendees will be able to apply the Kinesio Taping® Method to relax overuse syndromes, stimulate weak muscles and decrease pain and swelling.


KT2-One day course-Practitioners only (KT1 required)

The KT2 course consists of advanced concepts and corrective techniques, building on the material learnt in KT1. During this course, attendees will learn about the six corrective techniques (Mechanical, Functional, Space, Fascia, Ligament/Tendon, and Lymphatic) and discuss their applications. Again, attendees will have plenty of time to practice applying these techniques. Upon completion of this course, practitioners will be able to discuss and apply the KT method to orthopaedic and neurological conditions.


KT3-One day course-Practitioners only (KT1 and 2 required)

The KT3 course can be addressed to specific professions and clinical conditions such as Sports Medicine, Lymphoedema, Paediatrics and Hand Therapy. This advanced course allows practitioners to further develop their skills in their specific area of interest. After all three courses have been completed, practitioners will become certified.

KINESIO TAPING FOR SPORTS

Alleviate Pain, Enhanced Performance and Facilitate Rehabilitation

When an athlete suffers an injury, the outcome and implications are often more severe than for a normal person. Kinesio Taping® is a new and effective treatment for muscle/joint dysfunction. The method is extensively used within America and Asia, and it is now being introduced to Europe. The method is ideal for physiotherapists, sports injury practitioners and lymphoedema specialists.

This new taping method is fundamentally different to other athletic taping techniques. Using a highly elastic and unique adhesive tape called Kinesio Tex, alongside specialist Kinesio Taping applications, the method gives muscles support, even during intense activity, without affecting circulation or range of motion. This key feature allow athletes to continue their training and sporting activities despite injury.

Kinesio Taping can also be applied so that it lifts the skin away from the fascia, forming convolutions and facilitating lymph flow 24 hours a day. This technique can be used to relieve pain and swelling.

Kinesio Taping® in the USA has aided athletes such as Tiger Woods and Lance Armstrong. At the 2004 Olympic Games, Kinesio Taping was used by the Olympic Village Physio Team to treat many athletes. In the UK, Kinesio Taping is being used in hospitals, clinics, universities, schools, and by professional sports teams.

For many practitioners working within this field, the Kinesio Taping® applications are a major breakthrough which substantially reduce recovery times and improve fitness levels for their clients.