Dr. Kenzo Kase did not just come up with an idea for tape and then sit back to see what others could do with it. His priority has always been making his patients feel better. In addition to the input of thousands of trained practitioners and instructors worldwide, he continues to be active in the development of applications, products and adaptations – all designed with the goal of better patient care. Progress is constant, as new therapeutic results are considered. If Kinesio may seem slow to make changes, keep in mind that every innovation is tested extensively by Dr. Kase and his team of experts, and by trained practitioners in the field.
Kinesio® Taping Technique is a therapeutic taping method that allows for treatment for all types of clinical conditions such as orthopedic, neurologic, and even autonomic pathologies in age groups. The application guidelines allow for and assist normal circulation/lymphatic flow, normal muscle function, remodeling of fascial tissue, and can improve joint balance. The Kinesio® Taping Method is designed to guide the body toward homeostasis.
There are two Kinesio Tapes, and there is a reason for that. Recognizing some of the advanced needs and specialized uses of Kinesio Tape in the medical setting, Dr. Kase created Kinesio Tex Gold FP, which stands for the more micro-targeted fingerprint pattern of the adhesive in the advanced tape product. This is particularly effective when used for circulatory, lymphatic, or neurological treatments. For many muscle and joint Kinesio Taping techniques, Kinesio Tex Classic tape is still the choice of the practitioner or everyday user.
The Classic and “FP” Kinesio Tapes have a great deal in common. From the beginning, Dr. Kase believed his tape needed to mimic the qualities of the superficial layers of the skin: the epidermis. The thickness of the Kinesio Tex Tape is approximately the same as the epidermis. This design element was intended to decrease the distraction of tape on the skin when properly applied. After approximately 10 minutes, the conscious recognition of the tape decreases however the proprioceptive input to the body and brain continues.
KInesio Tape fibers are designed to stretch longitudinally up to 40 to 60% of it resting length. (A 10 inch strip of Kinesio Tex Tape will stretch to 14 to 16 inches in total length). This is approximately the stretch capability of normal skin in areas such as the knee, low back and cervical region.
The heat activated acrylic adhesive is bonded to the fabric in a wave pattern similar to fingerprints. This assists the lifting of the skin, often seen as convolutions. The breathability and gentle adhesive allow for repeated applications without skin irritation. Like the skin, Kinesio Tex tape is porous. The combination of the cotton latex free fabric and the wave pattern adhesive improves patient comfort by allowing the skin to breathe. The water resistant protectorate applied to the cotton fibers resists moisture penetration and allows for “quick drying”. This assures that the patient may shower and the tape will remain effective and in good position for three to five days.
All Kinesio® Tex products are uniquely designed to be gentle to the skin, comfortable for days at a time and allow normal mobility through any stage of the rehabilitation process.