10/04/2024
RockTape is a popular brand name for Kinesiology Tape (KT) it was developed by a Japanese doctor in 1970.
KT differs from the stiff athletic tape that you may be familiar with, which is often applied by a physiotherapist in the initial phases of injury treatment. This rigid tape locks the joint and its musculature in place which is just what you need to prevent further injury.
KT tape differs in the fact it is elastic and allows the body to move through its natural range of motion. After the acute phase of injury, rehabilitation of movement and strength is required to return to pre-injury function and form. The rehabilitation process can be supported and enhanced with the use of KT.
The elasticity of KT tape microscopically lifts the top layer of skin from the under-lying tissues which increases blood circulation and assists with the drainage lymphatic fluids, thereby decreasing edema and inflammation. Although the tape is elastic, it does also, with the right tension, provide a sense of stability and protection for joints such as at the knee and ankle.
This gentle lift of the skin may also decrease the pressure on pain receptors providing temporary pain relief. My clients have described it as a 'gentle hug' opposed to the rigid restraint of athletic tape. By provideing gentle sensory stimulation to nerve and propreceptor receptors in the skin KT benefits may also include helping to facilitate underactive muscles while inhibiting overactive muscles to help create balance in chronic overused areas. This helps to restore correct functional movement patterns.
Some of the inductions I have used RockTape for include...
* Swelling of ankles from sprains
* Odema of arms post breast cancer surgery
* Reducing 'Corks' from impact injury during sports
* Postural support/training for spinal tension
* RSI of wrists
* Pregnant belly support
* Sciatica type pain
* Shin splints
* Knee pain
* neck and shoulder strains
* Digestive bloating
* the list of potential uses is endless....
KT can be self applied with RockTape providing an instructional pamphlet for common injury sites. I find Pinterest to be a get resource on application techniques.
