Kinesiology taping is a taping technique designed for use in both therapeutic (injury rehabilitation) and working athletic situations.
How it Works
The tape stretches and is flexible. Therefore, it does not restrict range of motion, and at the same time, provides stability and support. The degree of stretch used when applying the tape and application pattern is of paramount importance in obtaining the desired results.
Consequently, a thorough assessment of the horse's needs and issues is critical. It is the foundation for successful tape application.
The tape interacts and lifts the skin thereby decompressing the tissue and enabling increased blood flow and oxygenation. Additionally, the lifting affect forms small convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of affected areas and facilitation of lymph drainage. The lifting of the skin and tissue decompression also impacts how pain receptors respond to messages from the brain associated with pain and swelling. This, in turn, helps to facilitate both the healing process in the case of injury and the recovery process in the case of training.
The tape also helps prolong the benefits of manual therapies because the tape helps to increase the stretch of the collagen fibers in the muscles.
Benefits
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Decompresses the tissue thereby enabling increased blood flow and oxygenation which promotes and facilitates healing
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Decreases muscle spams, tension, soreness and trigger points
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Helps relax overused muscles
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Decreases edema and swelling
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Provides support to tendons, ligaments and joints in both athletic and injury rehab situations
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Helps to improve muscle and joint mechanics
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Tissue decompression helps provide pain relief by decreasing the pressure on the skin's pain receptors and how the receptors respond to messages from the brain
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Can be used in a preventative manner for horses that have weaknesses or are prone to injuries
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Can help horses recover faster in athletic training situations
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Can assist with horses that have chronic conditions such as lesions, kissing spine and chronic stiffness