How KT Tape Supports Athletes
You’ve seen it on Olympians, professional athletes, and even your fellow competitors at the Philadelphia Marathon; those brightly colored strips of tape strategically placed on shoulders, knees, and backs. This is Kinesio Tape, a versatile tool used by athletes of all levels to enhance performance and manage athletic injuries. But what does it actually do?
Stabilization and Support
One of the primary benefits of athletic tapes like KT tape is their ability to provide support and stabilize an area without severely restricting movement. Unlike traditional rigid athletic tape, which often aims to immobilize a joint, Kinesio tape is designed with elasticity. When applied correctly, it mimics the flexibility of human skin.
This means that whether you're an amateur athlete hitting the Schuylkill River Trail or a professional athlete training for the big game, KT tape can offer support to overworked or injured muscles and joints. It provides a gentle reminder to your body, enhancing proprioception. The increased awareness helps improve stability, reducing the risk of further athletic injuries or helping you move with more confidence during recovery.
Beyond Stability: More Benefits of KT Tape
The magic of KT tape doesn't stop at stabilization. Research and clinical use suggest several other advantages:
Pain Relief: By gently lifting the skin, the tape creates a small space between the skin and the underlying tissues. This can reduce pressure on pain receptors, offering noticeable relief.
Reduced Swelling & Improved Circulation: That same lifting action is thought to improve both blood flow and lymphatic drainage. This helps flush out inflammatory substances and reduce swelling more quickly, speeding up the healing process.
Muscle Function: Depending on the application technique, KT tape can be used to either facilitate weak or underused muscles or inhibit muscles that are overly tight or in spasm.
Enhance Your Massage Session at reGen
Kinesio taping works hand-in-hand with sports massage. While a deep tissue massage helps release tension, improve flexibility, and address deeper issues, applying KT tape afterward can help prolong these benefits. It supports the newly released tissues and can help re-educate your muscles, extending the positive effects of your session long after you leave our studio.
For all our clients, we believe in providing comprehensive care to keep you moving at your best. That’s why we’re excited to offer Kinesio taping as part of your regular sports massage sessions. If you or your therapist decide it could benefit you, we’ll apply it right then and there with no extra charge.
Ready to experience the combined power of expert massage and supportive taping? Book your next session with us today and ask about adding KT tape!