I learned about KINESIO tape more than 20 years ago (roughly in 2001) when studying to be a Chiropractic Physician at the National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois. It was in 2010 that I became a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioners (CKTP).

Little did I know that it is an art, not just another treatment modality. Just like Chiropractic, there is hands-on experience but also the ability to diagnose precisely and then the absolute knowledge of human anatomy. That being said, understanding the importance of the diagnosis and anatomy makes this not just any ordinary modality.

Once you have the diagnosis nailed down, it’s about knowing the structures (tendon, muscle, ligament, joint, fascia) you want to treat with tape. Then the techniques taught by the Kinesio Taping Association International (KTAI) are used to successfully reduce pain, inflammation, dysfunctional mechanics and improve neuromuscular response, stability, physiology.

There has been so many techniques developed by CKTPs based off the those introduced by its creator, Dr. Kenzo Kase more than 40 years ago. A Chiropractor, originally from Japan and now the retired CEO/Father of KTAI with his US headquarters located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There are world symposiums hosted by KTAI where CKTPs from around the world can share techniques and ideas used to treat a plethora of diagnoses.

The basic technique is understanding the diagnosis then the origin and insertion of the muscle or the attachement of structures. Simply by knowing these imperative details, we can now facilitate or inhibit, overactivate or underactivate those muscles to provide a response that creates an inorganic correction to allow for temporary improvement in overall function.

One of my best treatment success stories was a semi-professional soccer player for one of the three sports teams I work with exclusively. He came in on crutches after sustaining a knee injury. Well, after KINESIO taping him, he literally walked out, not using the crutches but holding them in one hand. We were able to create a form of inorganic stability, like a functional brace, to provide him with stability that would be waterproof and on there for 3-10 days.

There are many people/trainers/practitioners/doctors who tape with many types and brands of tape out there. From my experience, a CKTP will provide the highest quality and precise treatment to create that stability or pain relief that we all look for when we need relief quickly.

For further information, I did a very short podcast in 2020 discussing the art of KINESIO taping. Click the following link to check it out: What is Kinesiotape and why it can help you.

If you are intersted in trying it and would like a consultation, please contact the office to schedule today.

Yours in health – Dr. SJ