Kinesio Taping® is a therapeutic tool utilised by rehabilitation specialists in all programs (paediatric, geriatric, orthopaedic, neurological, oncology and others) and levels of care (acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, home care and Day Rehab). The idea of using elastic tape to mimic the therapist’s hands was first presented by the chiropractor Kenzo Kase in the 1970s. Since then, it has become the modality used in pain management, soft tissue injury, tissues and joints malalignment, oedema, and more.
Kinesio Taping® is an interesting approach in muscular, tendon, ligament and circulatory disorders. The therapeutic interest lies in the reduction of tissue repair times, allowing faster recovery, as well as a continuation of activity. Kinesio Tape’s mode of action relies on the skin as a sensory vector. Indeed, there are small “cutaneous aspirations”, which increases the interstitial space. This stimulates nociceptors, as well as mechanoreceptors, sensitive to mechanical deformations of the skin. Another mode of action of Kinesio Tape is the activation of venous and lymphatic microcirculation. Indeed, the phenomenon of skin traction increases the gaping of blood and lymphatic vessels, this relieves pain, limits swelling and promotes natural healing processes. Finally, following the Kinesio Tape installation technique, the latter will reduce edema and hematoma, it will stimulate or inhibit a muscle, reduce pain by the “Gate Control” phenomenon, or even “stabilize” a joint.
