What is Taping?
Sports Taping is a treatment technique used by many practitioners in sports medicine, involving the application of adhesive tape to various areas of the body. Taping accommodates all ages and is meant to provide support and stability during physical activity.
Athletic Taping vs Kinesio Taping?
Athletic Taping and Kinesio Taping are two different techniques used in sports and rehabilitation settings, each with its own purposes, application methods, and characteristics. Here are the key differences between the two:
Purpose:
- Athletic Taping: Athletic taping is primarily used for providing support, stability, and protection to joints and muscles. It is often used to restrict or control joint movement during athletic activities, prevent injuries, and support injured areas during the recovery process.
- Kinesio Taping: Kinesio taping, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing and facilitating the body’s natural healing process. It aims to provide support without restricting movement and is used to improve muscle function, reduce pain, and promote lymphatic drainage.
Tape Material:
- Athletic Taping: Athletic tape is typically made of rigid materials and is designed to be non-elastic, providing strong support and stability to the targeted area.
- Kinesio Taping: Kinesio tape is made of a more elastic and breathable material, and is designed to mimic the elasticity and thickness of human skin, allowing for greater range of motion and flexibility.
Tension & Application:
- Athletic Taping: Athletic tape is applied with tension, which means it is pulled tight during application to restrict joint movement and provide support.
- Kinesio Taping: Kinesio tape is applied with minimal tension. This allows it to lift the skin slightly and create a space that can help with circulation, lymphatic drainage, and pain reduction.
Duration:
- Athletic Taping: Athletic tape is typically worn for shorter durations, such as during a game or training session, and is often removed once the activity is completed.
- Kinesio Taping: Kinesio tape can be worn for longer periods, sometimes up to several days, as it is designed to be more comfortable and breathable for extended use.
Goals:
- Athletic Taping: The primary goal of athletic taping is to provide immediate support and protection to prevent or manage injuries, especially in high-impact sports.
- Kinesio Taping: Kinesio taping aims to promote the body’s natural healing processes, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve functional movement without limiting range of motion.
It’s important to note that both techniques have their place in sports medicine and rehabilitation, and their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific injury or condition being treated. Additionally, proper training and technique are essential for both Athletic Taping and Kinesio Taping to achieve the desired outcomes.
QubeCore Sports & Rehab offers Taping services in North Vancouver for a wide range of conditions. To book your appointment with one of our practitioners, call 604.210.2274 or simply book online by clicking HERE.
