In this article, our team of physiotherapists explore everything there is to know about Kinesio-Taping, from its specific uses to its many benefits. If you’re new to the concept of K-Taping, you may be curious as to how it works, especially in relation to paediatric physiotherapy. So, what is Kinesio-Taping?
Kinesio-Tape is an adhesive stretchy tape that is applied to the surface of the skin to support motion, reduce pain and improve circulation. Kinesio-Taping offers a multitude of benefits for children which is why it has become such a popular form of therapy in the paediatric community.
Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of Kinesio-Taping and how it is used in the realm of paediatric physiotherapy.
What Is Kinesio-Taping?
Developed in the 1970s by Japanese chiropractor, Dr. Kenzo Kase, Kinesio Taping is designed to provide muscle and joint support without restricting movement. Kinesiology tape or K-Tape is a stretchy, adhesive tape that is applied to the surface of the skin.
It is primarily used to help with motion, reduce pain and improve circulation. Rather than restrict motion, the tape moves with the body to enhance movement. This is due to its flexible and breathable nature. In comparison, other tapes like Athletic Tape are mainly used for support. As a result, they tend to be more rigid and less breathable because they aim to limit motion to provide stability.
Kinesio-Taping has gained immense popularity in recent years for its ability to enhance the healing process, especially within the paediatric population.
How Is Kinesio-Taping Used In Paediatric Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapists can assess your child’s posture and movement patterns to determine the best way to apply Kinesio-Taping. As mentioned above, the tape is applied directly to the skin and can be used to:
- Improve muscle contraction of a weakened muscle
- Inhibit contraction of an overused muscle or a muscle with increased tone
- Assist with retraining a muscle.
For children, taping can help to improve their postural control in different functional positions which over time, can accumulate into facilitating the development of fine and gross motor skills. In fact, it can even improve body awareness for certain limbs or parts of the body.
What Are The Benefits Of Kinesio-Tape?
Kinesio-Tape offers a range of benefits that can help children reach their full potential, including:
Enhanced Muscle Support & Stability
Children with muscle weakness can benefit significantly from using K-Tape as it offers valuable support and stability. This is because the tape’s elastic properties mimic the natural movement of muscles and joints, promoting proper alignment and reducing the risk of injury.
In fact, in conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, Kinesiology Tape can help children maintain better muscle function and posture. This makes their therapy sessions more effective.
Improved Range of Motion
Designed to stretch and move with the body, Kinesio-Tape is particularly beneficial for children who need to improve their range of motion. At Therapy Stars, our physiotherapists apply the tape strategically to facilitate movement in joints and muscles, helping children regain or enhance their mobility. This can be especially useful for children who are recovering from orthopaedic surgeries or those with conditions such as torticollis.
Pain Management
One of the main benefits of Kinesio-Taping is its ability to manage pain effectively. Kinesiology Tape provides a non-invasive, drug-free method to alleviate pain by supporting injured or overworked muscles and reducing pressure on sensitive areas. This can greatly improve a child’s comfort during therapy sessions and daily activities.
Lymphatic & Circulatory Support
The lymphatic and circulatory systems play an essential role in the body’s healing process. Kinesio-Tape’s unique application techniques can help improve lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Consequently, Kinesio-Taping can be extremely valuable for children with conditions like lymphedema or those recovering from surgery. Better circulation means faster recovery and reduced swelling.
Sensory Stimulation
Children with sensory processing disorders may benefit from the tactile stimulation provided by Kinesiology Tape. This is due to the gentle pressure and texture of the tape, which can help children become more aware of their bodies and improve their sensory integration. For example, children who struggle with sensory-related issues such as hypersensitivity can benefit from this form of treatment.
Encouraging Independence
One of the main goals of paediatric physiotherapy is to help children increase their independence in daily activities. Kinesio-Tape can be an empowering tool in this process. Providing the necessary support and stability, the tape can enable children to perform tasks they may have struggled with before, boosting their confidence and overall quality of life.
Who Can Benefit From Kinesio-Taping?
Children who can particularly benefit from kinesio-taping are those with:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Conditions with weakness or paralysis of a certain body part
- Down Syndrome
- Children with gait abnormalities such as toe-walking or flat feet
- Low muscle tone
- Decreased coordination
- Torticollis
- Lymphedema
- Painful orthopaedic injury
- Poor posture
When Should You Not Use Kinesiology Tape?
It’s important to know when not to use Kinesio-Tape. See below the list of occasions where Kinesiology Tape should be avoided:
- Skin problems/sunburn
- Swelling without detailed history
- Open wounds
- Severe trauma
- Allergic reaction to test patch
- Allergic reaction to long term use
- Avoid areas: neck, axilla, naval, groin
- Consider organs under taping areas
Current Research & Findings
In this section, our physiotherapy team at Therapy Stars outline the various research surrounding Kinesio-Taping:
1973 – Kinesio-Taping was invented by Dr. Kenzo Kase, an American-trained chiropractor. Research suggests that Kinesiology Tape can:
- Support and reduce muscle fatigue
- Stimulate weakened muscles
- Relax soft tissue & improve lymphatic flow
- Reduce pain and swelling
2016 – In her clinical practice, Esther De Ru, a key researcher in Kinesiology Tape, has found the application of elastic therapeutic tape to be a very effective treatment of Diastasis rectus abdominis. She has found that taping can mimic positive effects achieved through specific hand positions or stimuli.
For more information, take a look at De Ru’s book, ‘Elastic Therapeutic Taping in Paediatrics’.
2018 – A Review of multiple research projects found that Kinesiology-Taping on the trunk was effective in improving sitting balance in children with cerebral palsy. Please see the academic article below for further information.
Source – Scheepers, K., Unger, M., Pronk, S., Carstens, J. P., Pretorius, R., Robinson, A. C., & Fernandes, N. (2018). The efficacy of kinesiology taping for improving gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review. South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 74(1), 1-8.
Since its initial invention, more research has been conducted within the paediatric population into the effectiveness and application of elastic taping. Research suggests that the positive effects of taping on adults such as increased range of motion and improved sensation is transferable to the paediatric community. This increased range of motion is likely to lead to improved function and strength in children using therapeutic elastic taping.
Kinesio-Taping At Therapy Stars
In the world of paediatric physiotherapy, Kinesio-Tape is a versatile and effective tool that offers a wide range of benefits. Its ability to manage pain, support muscles, improve mobility, enhance circulation and promote independence makes it an invaluable form of paediatric therapy.
At Therapy Stars, we utilise Kinesio-Taping to help children overcome their challenges and reach their fullest potential, fostering a brighter and more promising future.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we use Kinesio-Taping in our clinic, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team – book a complimentary call today!
Kinesio-Taping FAQs
How Does Kinesio-Taping Work?
Kinesio-Taping was initially created to mimic therapists handling and uses tension and recoil of elastic tape to stimulate nerves in the skin to respond to the application of the tape.
Is Kinesio-Taping Safe For Children?
Yes, studies have shown that it is not just a safe but effective treatment for children with a variety of conditions.
How Long Can Kinesio-Tape Be Worn?
Kinesio-Tape can be worn up to 2-5 days and is water-resistant so can be worn in the shower. How long it lasts depends on the activities that are done and it can differ between person and area of application. After the tape has come off, you should allow the skin to breathe for a few days before reapplying.
Does The Application of Kinesio-Tape Hurt?
No. The application of Kinesio-Tape should not be painful. We would always recommend doing a small test strip and leaving it on for 24hrs to make sure that your child is not allergic to the adhesive. If you see any redness or irritation remove the tape and stop using.
Can Parents Apply Kinesio-Tape At Home?
Absolutely! If your therapist thinks that therapeutic taping will benefit your child then you can ask to be shown how to tape at home so that you can re-apply between sessions.
How Do You Prepare the Skin Before Applying Kinesio-Tape?
At Therapy Stars, we recommend that you make sure that the skin is clean and dry. Avoid using creams or oils as they can prevent the tape from sticking. Preferably any hair in the area should be trimmed or shaved as this gives the tape the best chance of lasting.
Can Kinesio-Taping Be Used Alongside Other Treatments?
Yes. Kinesio-Tape is often used in combination with other treatments and research shows that it is often more effective when used alongside other treatments. In fact, we’d argue that one of the biggest benefits of Kinesio-Taping is that it can be used in conjunction with our other physiotherapy treatments.
How Do You Remove Kinesio-Tape?
Kinesio-Tape should be gently removed from the skin. Please follow these simple steps to remove the tape safely:
- Gently peel back the edges of the tape and you can apply baby oil or lotion on top of the tape to loosen the adhesive.
- Remove the tape slowly and in the direction of hair growth.
- Press the skin at the end of the taped area while peeling the tape back against itself.
- Wash the area with soap and water after removing the tape.
How Soon Can Results Be Seen After Applying Kinesio-Tape?
Results can be seen immediately, and the best effects are often noticed in the first 24hrs when the tape has been freshly applied.
Can Kinesio-Tape Be Applied To All Areas Of The Body?
It is not recommended to use K-Tape over the front of the neck, armpit, groin or belly button but everywhere else is generally okay to apply tape. The only precautions are:
- Areas of broken skin
- Sunburn
- Irritated or areas of extreme swelling
- Severe trauma
- Areas with poor sensation and skin circulation
Is Kinesio-Taping Effective For All Children?
No. Not everyone will notice the benefits of therapeutic taping but since taping is non-invasive and incorrect application of the tape rarely has adverse effects, it can be explored as a potential treatment in most children. You should always consult a therapist with experience in taping before trying.
