Services & Specialties

Services: Kinesio Taping

Kinesio Taping (KT) is a technique based on the body’s own natural healing process. This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name “Kinesio.” Muscles are not only responsible for the movement of body segments but they also take part in controlling the venous and lymphatic flow, heat production, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms. Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body’s own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance.

For the first 10 years, orthopedists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and other medical practitioners were the main users of KT. Soon thereafter, it was used by the Japanese Olympic volleyball players and word quickly spread to other athletes. Today the technique is accepted by medical practitioners and athletes in Japan, United States, Europe, South America and other countries. Marwan Khayat is our certified Kinesio Taping practitioner and he uses KT extensively as part of his integrated therapeutic intervention.

The KT technique uses a highly specific designed tape that allows a full range of motion. This latex free product makes it hypoallergenic and safe to use from the pediatric to geriatric populations. The tape can be worn up to 3–5 days due to its water resistance quality. Kinesio Taping works with the lymphatic system to increase circulation of blood and lymph in order to rehabilitate and relieve pain. Used for virtually all clinical conditions, KT is extremely versatile in its ability to re-educate the neuromuscular system, promote lymphatic flow, reduce pain, enhance performance, prevent injury, and promote injury resolution.

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What Does Kinesio Taping Do?

When muscles are injured as a result from trauma or overuse, they react by an inflammatory process that leads to decrease in the space between the skin and the muscle and constrictions in the lymphatic flow. In addition, this compression applies pressure to the pain receptors located at skin level which in return increase the levels of pain and discomfort. Taped area are thought to forms convolutions that increase the space between the skin and muscles thus promoting the flow of lymphatic fluid.

When Is Kinesio Taping Used?

Kinesio Tape is used for virtually anything from headaches to foot problems. For instance: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Low Back Pain (LBP), knee conditions such as patellofemoral pain, knee instability, Runner’s knee, Jumper’s knee, Patellar tracking, shoulder conditions such as Rotator Cuff injury, Hamstrings and Quadriceps muscles injury, whiplash, Tennis Elbow, Plantar Fasciitis, Pre and Post surgical edema, Ankle Sprains and as an injury prevention method.

How Is Kinesio Taping Used?

When treating weakened muscles the tape is applied starting from where the muscle begins (ORIGIN) and ending where the muscle ends (INSERTION). When treating or preventing cramping or muscle fatigue with over-used muscles then the tape should be applied from insertion to origin.

For more information about Kinesio Taping, please contact Marwan Khayat, PT at 301.656.5613 or khayat@bethesdaphysiocare.com.

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