This tape is almost identical to human skin in thickness and elasticity. It is made from stretchy cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive. It can benefit musculoskeletal and sports injuries and inflammation. It can be worn without binding and restriction of your movement.
Kinesiology tape is used for treating not just athletic injuries but also a variety of physical disorders.
The tape was invented by Japanese chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase in the 1970's. By 1988 the tape had been used during the Japanese Seoul Olympics. Since then the tape has become a popular form of muscle taping used by many professionals across the world. You would have noticed that more and more people use the kinesiology taping to improve their performance, prevent injury and allow them to return to sport quicker.
Application:
Generally you need someone qualified to do that as they can teach you how to tape yourselves. The tape is applied with the affected muscle in a stretched position. You will start taping from the origin of the muscle to the insertion point. The elasticity of it lifts the skin very slightly to allow a little bit better circulation through. It also helps with the movement of lactic acid and blood as it takes the tension of certain muscles.
Usually you don't feel that the tape is on your skin because it is so elastic and it moves with you. The athletes can move naturally without the constant feeling that something is pulling them in a certain way.
Also when you applying the tape avoid oily skin as it wouldn't stick on the skin. Try to avoid washing the tape area and change the tape on the 2nd or 3rd day until you get better.
The tape is in four shapes:
Shape "I" is used for small or linear places and it's a basic shape
Shape "Y" is used for large muscles
Shape "X" is used for long muscles
Shape "Fan Strip" is used for hands or feet
