The therapists at A+ Sports Therapy are qualified and experienced within the application of both “Traditional Taping & Strapping” plus the relatively new “Kinesio Taping Method“.
Sports men and women have been using taping & strapping for decades, it is now common place in most sports. We regularly use taping as an adjunct to other treatments to assist in recovery or rehabilitation. We use both traditional and Kinesiology tape (the colourful tape seen on many high level sports people today).
Traditional Taping & Strapping
You’ve definitely seen it before the brown or white tape strapped to a person’s arms, knees or ankles to name a few. From the sports field to the gym, people have decided to use taping and strapping as a means of injury management in training or competition. Some use tape in sports for injury prevention purposes to restrict joint and muscle movement and therefore reduce the potential risk of injury. Others, after an injury has occurred use sports tape to support tendons and ligaments and to enable functional movement of the skeletal structure during exercise.
This type of strapping tape is non-elastic and is wrapped tightly around an injured joint or muscle to provide rigid support and restrict movement. This form of taping can only be worn for short periods of time, after which it must be removed to restore movement and circulation.
Strapping & supportive taping is commonly used by therapists to:
- Relieve Pain
- Improve Joint Stability
- Enhance Athlete Confidence
- Reduce Injury Recurrence
- Prevent Injury
Kinesio Taping Method
There are several benefits claimed for using this type of taping. One of which is correcting the alignment of weak muscles, as well as facilitating joint motion as a result of the tape’s recoiling qualities. Additionally, the tape is claimed to lift the skin increasing the space below it, increasing blood and lymphatic flow. This in turn is said to relieve pain and enhance recovery from injury.
The tape itself is extremely thin and made with elastic and cotton so it is very stretchy. The tape is applied on a stretch which is greater than its normal length so it will “recoil” after being applied, creating a pulling force on the skin or muscle that it is being applied to. The direction of pull, the shape and the location of the tape, all play a role in how it functions.
Kinesio taping was invented by a Japanese chiropractor called Dr Kenzo Kase in the 1970s. The UK website for Kinesio tape claims it can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, relax muscles, enhance performance, help with rehabilitation and support muscles during a sporting event. Although it has been brought into the limelight by famous sports personalities, it is a technique that is also suitable for non-sports related injuries.
Taping & Strapping + Kinesiology Taping Treatment Costs at A+ Sports Therapy
- £15.00 for a 15 Minute Treatment (including tape)
- £30.00 for a 30 Minute Treatment (including tape)
