Many famous athletes wear different-coloured tapes in myriad patterns on shoulders, thighs and calves.

The patterns of Kinesio taping not only ensure that athletes with niggling injuries can compete, but also that they would have completed an event in good shape.

In 85 per cent of cases worldwide, Kinesio taping is used for medical indications as well as for sports indications in 15 per cent of cases. Kinesio Taping treats a wide range of orthopaedic, neuromuscular, neurological and medical conditions. Examples include achilles tendonitis, hamstring injuries, bruising, shin splints, tennis elbow and lower-back pain.

The Kinesio taping method involves taping over and around muscles to help and give support or to prevent over-contraction.

The different techniques give the practitioner the opportunity to offer support, maintaining full range of motion, and providing facilitation of lymph flow all day long. It is most commonly used in the acute stage of rehabilitation.

Kinesio taping alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopicallylifting the skin.

The result is that pressure and irritation are taken off the neural and sensory receptors, alleviating pain. Pressure is also gradually taken off the lymphatic system, allowing it to drain more freely.

Kinesio taping does not replace other taping methods and vice-versa.

Every taping method has its use and indications. For example, ‘white athletic taping’, most commonly used in the US, is rigid and requires a pre-tape prior to application to protect the skin from irritation.

It is typically applied immediately prior to an activity to prevent and protect acute and chronic injuries, left on for a short period of time, and taken off immediately after conclusion of activity. There are no rehabilitative uses or benefits.

By contrast, Kinesio taping is a healing taping technique, not only offering the patient or athlete the support they are looking for, but also rehabilitating the condition.

After a number of sessions at the practitioner, self-application is possible. Kinesio taping is available from leading pharmacies.

Kinesio taping should only be applied by certified Kinesio practitioners. The first Kinesio Taping course was completed in Malta in July, in collaboration with the Maltese Association of Physiotherapists, from which course 20 practitioners have been certified.

For more information on Kinesio training courses and benefits of Kinesio taping, call Pro-Health Ltd on 2146 2654 or e-mail kinesio@prohealth.com.mt.