What is Kinesio Taping^®?
Kinesio Taping^® gives support and stability to joints and muscles without reducing circulation or range of motion. It is also used for edema and pain management. This technique stimulates natural healing processes through the body’s neurological and fluid systems. Circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, and many other body functions are under muscular control, a fact that is the basis of soft tissue therapy. Employment of Kinesio Taping^® creates a new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs and can reeducate the neuromuscular system, reduce pain and inflammation, and even prevent injury or enhance performance (see www.kinesiotaping.com for more information).
In use for more than two decades in the fields of sports performance, physical therapy, and pain management, the first application of Kinesio Taping^® was for a patient with articular disorders. Early on, orthopedists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and other medical practitioners were the main users. Later, after Kinesio Taping^® was used by Japanese Olympic volleyball players, word of its effectiveness quickly spread. Today, Kinesio Taping^® is accepted by medical practitioners, rehabilitative specialists, and athletes around the world.

How does Kinesio Taping^® work?
Kinesio Tex Tape^® is about the same texture and thickness of the skin and supports the elasticity and movement of muscles–it is designed for a 30-40% longitudinal-only stretch and, when applied, lifts the skin, assisting in lymphatic drainage, as well as supporting surrounding soft tissue.

Formed from a porous cotton fabric and a medical grade acrylic adhesive that bears up under immersion and allows the skin to breathe, Kinesio Tex Tape^® is LATEX FREE and NON-MEDICATED. Water resistance is especially necessary for taping of the hands and feet. Kinesio Tex Tape^® was designed to be worn for 3 to 5 days without irritation and, an hour after application, will withstand athletic activity and showering without coming off. Proper application does not require multiple layers; the tape can be applied in a multitude of specialized shapes with the direction and amount of stretch dictated by individualized assessment at the time of taping. While traditional sports taping is used strictly during a sporting event and around a joint for stability and support (and often obstructs the flow of bodily fluids–an UNDESIRABLE side-effect), Kinesio Tex Tape^® is applied over muscle to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused and tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. The Kinesio Taping® Method provides a full range of motion, support, and stability without adversely affecting one’s natural range of motion.