K taping has been used for many years to provide support to an injured area, helping to reduce pain and swelling and improve performance. If you’re wondering whether K taping could benefit you, read on.
What is K taping?
K taping is a therapeutic technique that’s used to alleviate pain and swelling by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting action decompresses the tissues underneath, increasing blood flow in order to promote healing. The pain receptors under the skin are also decompressed, which reduces pain. First developed in the 1970s, there are hundreds of K tape brands to choose from.
Many therapists use RockTape, which is considered one of the leading brands in the industry. K tape tends to be made from a blend of cotton and nylon, letting it mould to the skin more easily and feel breathable. This ensures it’s not uncomfortable or restrictive on the body.
What are the benefits of K taping?
K taping can offer a range of benefits. As well as promoting healing and reducing swelling and pain, K tape allows for smoother and fuller movement. This is because it mimics the elasticity of the skin, enabling you to move with less restriction. K taping can also be used to aid proprioception, which refers to your body’s ability to sense any movement, action, and location. It is present in every single muscle movement you have. The tape helps to maintain a more ‘normal’ biomechanical movement.
Are there any disadvantages to using K tape?
There are a few downsides to using k-taping for soft tissue injuries. One of these is that it can restrict movement in some cases, potentially hindering performance. It could also be harmful if it’s not applied properly, causing further injury or skin damage. However, both of these problems can be avoided if it’s applied by an experienced therapist. Look for a therapist with lots of experience in K taping and who knows the best approach and type of K taping treatment to help with your injury. This will ensure that K taping is used safely and effectively.
Who can use K taping?
K taping can be used by anyone who has a soft-tissue injury or pain. Whether you’re an athlete with overused or injured muscles or an elderly person with a degenerative joint disease, K taping could be beneficial to you. If you’re not sure if K taping is right for you, book a consultation with one of our therapists. We will suggest incorporating K taping into your treatment plan if we feel it will help your recovery.
Book K taping treatment in Chelmsford
If you have a soft tissue injury or pain, K taping could be appropriate for you. At Faye Pattison Physiotherapy, we provide K taping treatment in Chelmsford, with our therapists highly experienced in applying RockTape to achieve highly effective results. To book a session, call us on 01245 901170, or alternatively, request a callback via the website and we’ll contact you right away.