The Great Kinesiology Tape Debate
You've seen it on athletes of all levels, from weekend warriors to Olympians. But does kinesiology tape actually work, or is it just a placebo? Let's take a closer look at the science behind this popular recovery tool to find out.
How Kinesiology Tape Works
Kinesiology tape is thought to work in two ways: by providing support and by relieving pain. The theory is that the tape lifts the skin away from the muscles and fascia (the connective tissue that surrounds muscles) to create more space. This extra space allows for improved circulation and reduced inflammation, which can speed up the healing process.
In terms of pain relief, kinesiology tape is thought to disrupt the pain signals that are sent from the muscles to the brain. By doing so, the tape can help to reduce pain and improve range of motion. Mobilitytape in specific is infused with natural analgesics to create a hot/cold sensation. This further reduces the users pain, while letting the kinesiology tape work its magic.
The Science Behind Kinesiology Taping
There is some scientific evidence to support the use of kinesio tape. A 2016 systematic review looked at 11 studies on the use of kinesiology tape for pain relief. The authors concluded that there is evidence to suggest that kinesiology tape may be effective in reducing pain in people with various conditions, including knee osteoarthritis, shoulder impingement syndrome, and plantar fasciitis.
A separate systematic review looked at 10 studies on the use of kinesiology tape for musculoskeletal injuries. The authors concluded that there is evidence to suggest that kinesiology tape may be effective in reducing pain and improving function in people with various conditions, including elbow tendinitis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and Achilles tendinitis.
Conclusion:
Given its widespread use and positive responses overall, it's clear that there are benefits to using kinesiology tape. However, not enough research has been done to say it's a science-backed solution.
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