Life and movement are intimately related. Even in the smallest structures, movement is in itself a sign of life and functionality.

The living beings are in constant motion. And although the movements that take place inside the human being are not visible, they are vital. Some examples of this are the intestine movements, the process of slip between the skin and subcutaneous tissue and the mobility between the muscles and peripheral nerves.

The Kinesio Taping technique is based on the assumption that through small stimuli can balance and movement patterns of the human organism. The Kinesio Taping Bandages are based on concepts from medicine and science of motion. This method, which originated in kinesiology, enables muscles and other structures of the human body assisted movement.

The main physiological effects of Kinesio Taping bands are applied:
- Analgesic Effect: It favors the stimulation of mechanical, thermal, chemical and algesic;
- Effects of Expansion: Support capability of a muscle or muscle group during a movement or motor activity;
- Effect of Dreinage: The bands allow the wrinkling of the skin, which will facilitate increased space between the superficial fascia, skin tissue and muscles thus improving blood circulation and lymphatic;
- Articulate Effect: With bands Kinesio you can adjust / correct joint misalignment, repositioning structures in shortening, normalize the axis of motion of a joint and relieve the mechanical stresses exerted therein, with the ultimate aim of improving the breadth and quality of movement.

There are significant differences between this technique and Functional Tape. The Functional Taping limit range of motion, unlike the bands that help Kinesio muscles giving them functional support without limiting movement and promoting the process of tissue regeneration.

The Functional Tape involves the application of bands, elastic or not, on the skin. Its purpose is to protect the structures of a functional unit injured in overhead or at risk, limiting and controlling the amplitudes selectively capable of causing or aggravating the injury in question, thus allowing a proper mechanical operation within safe limits.

The aims in using this technique are:
- Protect the structures that may aggravate the injury;
- Control of the inflammatory response;
- Providing conditions for the repair process;
- Allow the function, without compromising tissue repair;
- Prevent recurrences;
- Quick recovery;
- Prevents the loss of function;
- Functional movement done without pain.

The indications are:
- Contusions;
- Ligament injuries;
- Muscle injuries;
- Joint injuries;
- Tendon injuries;
- Capsular injury;
- Dislocations;
- Fractures;
- Edema.

Vanessa Gallo (Physiotherapist)

About the Author

Degree in Phisioterapy by Atlântica University, specializes it self in Kinesio Taping technique applying.

Make your appointment here.