How is tape different from a patch? Kinesio tape: types, cost, when to use and where to buy. Tips for use

; The procedure for applying tape is called taping. A tape bandage is a highly effective, very precise, custom-made bandage or fixation.

Sports tapes

There are many taping techniques designed to support various joints and ligaments of the human musculoskeletal system.

Not long ago, a new, special type of tape appeared - physiological, or “kinesio” tape. This type of tape is not professional sports tape in the full sense of the word. This is a separate, independent product. The effect of kinesio or physio tape on a local area of the human body is not based on mechanical fixation and support, as is the case with classic sports tapes, but on the activation of blood and lymph flow in the local area due to the special configuration of the tape fabric, which has a texture and elasticity very close to living human tissue.

Color spectrum

While watching television sports broadcasts, you probably noticed tapes of various colors on athletes. Those who are superficially familiar with tapes may think that, for example, black tape is for fixing the muscles of the legs, blue for the back, and so on. In fact, the color of the tape does not play any role from a medical point of view, but only provides the opportunity to choose the appropriate color for your sportswear. Basic tapes are usually white. And very rarely beige. Kinesio tapes, depending on the manufacturer, can be beige, blue, pink, black, red, yellow, purple, green, orange, white.

Why does an athlete need kinesio tapes?

Kinesio tapes are necessary so that you can achieve your goals and results even with injuries.

Kinesio tapes treat and relieve pain for various joint and muscle injuries

Improves blood circulation and lymph flow

Protects and strengthens ligaments and tendons

Support muscles and joints

Accelerates the process of natural restoration of soft tissues and provides

Therapeutic effect for 24 hours a day while wearing

The essence of the kinesio taping technique

At first glance, the simple method of kinesio taping has a deep meaning, based on a thorough study by a Japanese doctor of all processes occurring in damaged tissues. The injured muscle becomes inflamed and swollen, causing compression and reduced space between it and the skin. As a result, the outflow of lymphatic fluid worsens, without which the removal of decay products of the affected tissue is difficult. This compression, influencing the skin pain receptors, causes a corresponding sensation in the brain. Dr. Kenzo suggested applying his original tapes to pre-stretched damaged muscles and skin. Unstretched kinesio tape causes muscles and ligaments to contract and return to their original position, resulting in the formation of skin folds.

It is this so-called “fold effect” that is the “secret” of the kinesio taping technique. Rising above the muscles and ligaments, the skin helps create additional interstitial space, which, in turn, stimulates lymphatic drainage and reduces pain.

How to apply tape

In the 70s of the last century, Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase noticed that manual medicine is effective in treating many different diseases, but its results are temporary. He began to look for a unique remedy that would enhance the effect of manual therapy and massage and consolidate it for a long time.

His company Kinesio began developing such a product. In 1979, a special elastic adhesive tape (tape) with special properties was born, called kinesio tape, and the method of working with such tapes was kinesio taping. The world learned about this in 1988 during the Olympic Games in South Korea.

Despite the fact that now, in addition to Kinesio brand tapes, there are also , the name “kinesio tapes”, due to its simplicity and brevity, is often used to name other kinesiological tapes.

The best kinesio tape has the elasticity inherent in the skin, does not prevent the evaporation of sweat from its surface, allows it to breathe, is resistant to water and does not lose its healing properties in it, thereby providing a round-the-clock therapeutic effect for several days.

Kinesio tape helps in the following cases:

Prevention and treatment of sports injuries;
Use in the training process and competitions;
Postoperative treatment;
Rehabilitation after stroke;
Rehabilitation in pediatrics;
Treatment and correction of the musculoskeletal system.
Pregnancy.

To decide which kinesio tape to choose and which kinesio tape is better in a particular situation, you need to take into account their quality characteristics.

Depending on the object of influence there are:

Depending on the appearance, tapes are sold:

rolls;
cut into strips;
set for different parts of the body.

Delicate kinesio tape СureTape – for use in medicine and aesthetics

Produced in South Korea at our own factory

8 colors available, maximum range of sizes (1cm, 2.5cm, 5cm, 7.5cm width, rolls of 5 and 31.5m, special punch tape for fascial techniques)

Impeccable, standard hypoallergenicity (eco-cotton, delicate glue)

Tape No. 1 in European medicine, quality confirmed by an independent TUV audit

It is not felt by patients when worn, suitable for taping any of the most delicate areas, including aesthetic kinesio taping

Price 899 rub. excluding discounts for a 5x5 roll - comparable to well-known brands, but at the same time CureTape significantly surpasses them in quality!

There is a wide variety on the market today kinesio tapes , differing in sizes, colors and materials from which they are made. It should be noted that, depending on the characteristics, one or another type of kinesio tape has its own characteristics and scope of application. Therefore, in this article we will talk in detail about each type of tape and the types of injuries for which they are used.

The main characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing tapes include:

Kinesio tape size

Depending on the roll size (roll width/roll length), all kinesio tapes are divided into the following categories:

(roll width 5 cm, roll length 5 m) – the most common (standard) size of kinesio tape used by both athletes and traumatologists in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal injuries. The main types of pathologies for which such tape is applied include: pain in the neck and shoulder girdle, back and lower back pain, sprain of the lower extremities, “tennis elbow” and many others. By purchasing a standard roll of kinesio tape, you can cut a strip from the roll of the length that you need, depending on the area where the application will be glued. Usually one standard roll 5 m long is enough for many applications;
Roll 5 cm * 3 m– differ from the standard kinesio tapes described above only in the shorter roll length, which is 3 m, and the lower price of the tape. This series of tapes was developed for beginners who want to try the taping method for the first time. A three-meter roll length is enough to perform several basic applications (knee, ankle, lower back, shoulder, etc.);
Roll 2.5 cm * 5 m– such kinesio tapes will be the best option if it is necessary to tap narrow parts of the body (for example, the phalanges of the fingers) or for children’s kinesio taping;
– this width (7.5 cm) of the tape is ideal for application to large (wide) injured areas of the body, as well as for taping for lymphedema and swelling of the knee joint. In addition, a tape of this size is quite widely used in plastic surgery to eliminate swelling after surgery;
Roll 10 cm * 5 m– like the previous type, tapes of this size are used mainly for application to wide areas of the body or for lymphatic drainage;
Roll 5 cm * 32 m– such tapes are a variation of standard tapes with the only difference being that they are six times longer. As a rule, such economical rolls (each of which is enough for more than 120 applications) are purchased by professional athletes or doctors who regularly resort to the taping procedure.
– the scope of application of such tapes is the same as that of standard kinesio tapes. However, they are more convenient to use, since each roll consists of twenty, pre-cut, strips having a length of 25 centimeters and different widths (5 cm, 7.5 cm or 10 cm). When taping, you do not need scissors, which is the main advantage of this type of tape. The disadvantages of this type of kinesio tape include the fact that, depending on the problem area on which the application is applied, these tapes may not be enough and you will still have to cut out the required application from standard rolls.

In addition to size, kinesio tapes differ in color, which also plays an important role when choosing a tape.

Manufacturer (country of production) kinesio tapes

Currently, the Russian market offers many different brands of kinesio tapes from various manufacturers. However, unfortunately, not all of them are of high quality and meet the necessary requirements for elasticity and stretchability. Most brands of kinesio tapes, including those declared as kinesio tapes from Germany, the Netherlands, and the USA, are produced in China, which is reflected in the quality of the cotton and glue of the products. Due to the insufficiently high quality of the glue of kinesio tapes produced in China, such tapes adhere much worse to the skin, peel off faster and can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, when purchasing kinesio tape, it is very important to check the country of manufacture of the product and carefully read the production address indicated on the tape box, so as not to purchase low-quality products and not be disappointed in the effectiveness of the kinesio taping technique. The highest quality kinesio tapes, according to reviews and clinical studies by specialists, that meet all the necessary requirements, are currently produced in Korea and Japan, due to the fact that in these countries they are very careful in the selection of materials and quality control at all stages of production. Kinesio tapes BBTape (Bio Balance Tape) are manufactured in South Korea to the highest quality standards and are the only official kinesio tapes developed by the Korea Balance Taping Medical Association. That is why these premium kinesio tapes are today recognized by experts as one of the best tapes on the world market. The effectiveness of using BBTape kinesio tapes has been proven as a result of numerous studies both in Russia (see article Experience of using BBTape kinesio tapes in medical practice ), and all over the world.

Kinesio tape color

The BBTape brand's assortment is currently the widest in the world and includes kinesio tapes in twelve different colors, as well as a collection of eighteen tapes in designer and children's colors. Let's say frankly that the color of the tape in no way affects its medicinal properties, but it does have a certain physiological effect on the patient:

brown– refers to neutral colors;
blue– has a calming effect on the patient;
pink– causes positive emotions;
yellow– promotes mental balance and harmony;
orangeeve– has a stimulating effect;
black– the color of individuality;
green– neutral, non-irritating look;
red– stimulates the patient’s desire for a speedy recovery.

Also, in addition to the usual colors, BBTape produces , which have a modern design, are great for taping children and will undoubtedly attract the attention of others.

Despite the skepticism of most people about the color therapy method, doctors are still inclined to believe that the color of the tape plays an important role in the patient’s recovery and helps improve his emotional background.

Kinesio tape material

In addition to the above characteristics, kinesio tapes also differ in the materials on which they are made. So, there are the following types of kinesio tapes:

– a basic type of kinesio tape, the properties of which are close to the properties and elasticity of human skin and do not cause irritation. Such tapes consist of 100% cotton, coated with a special hypoallergenic acrylic glue, the properties of which are significantly activated when the body temperature rises (for example, when rubbing the tape with your hand after applying an application or during the training process);
nylon kinesio tapes– are distinguished by an increased level of elasticity compared to standard tapes, which makes them indispensable during a particularly intense (using heavy loads) training process. The peculiarity of such kinesio tapes is that when tensioned, they retain energy and release (direct) it in the relaxation phase, which promotes a better flow of oxygen and nutrients to muscle tissue. Nylon kinesio tapes, unlike cotton tapes, can stretch not only in length, but also in width, which makes them indispensable for many clinical diseases and during hospital treatment;
synthetic kinesio tapes (made of rayon)– are distinguished by thinner and more durable material, which ensures a tight fit of the heat to the skin and increases the wearing period. Completely breathable, resistant to moisture and have a silky, pleasant-to-touch surface with a slight gloss. They have proven themselves excellent in cosmetology, because... ideal for taping sensitive areas (face, neck, chest), and in pediatrics when taping children;
– have good water resistance, which is why they are popular among athletes involved in water sports, as well as for taping areas of the body with increased sweating;
kinesio tapes with soft glue– ideal for taping people with particularly sensitive skin prone to allergic reactions, for whom standard kinesio tapes are not suitable, children, the elderly, as well as for use in neurology and pediatrics;
– cotton kinesio tapes with safe fluorescent paint applied to the surface of the tape. They are mainly used by athletes and ordinary people when playing sports in the dark, for example running in open areas, alpine skiing, cycling, etc.

As you can see, from the wide variety of sizes, colors and materials from which kinesio tapes are made, everyone can choose exactly the model that is needed in a given situation. However, when listing the types of kinesio tapes, it is necessary to separately highlight another type of tape, developed by the Korean Balance Taping Medical Association in South Korea and gaining increasing popularity among kinesio taping specialists around the world - crosstapes.

For injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system tape applied not only to the damaged area, but also to the healthy undamaged areas adjacent to it.

It is very important to properly separate the adhesive strips from the packaging. They are cut with scissors, and in cases where very quick application is required, they are torn off. When performing this procedure, the doctor’s (masseur’s) hands must be clean and dry, otherwise tape will stick to them.

Adhesive plaster bandages, no matter what part of the body they are applied to, can only be applied correctly if certain rules are followed:

Tape should only be applied by a qualified specialist (doctor, massage therapist, trainer) with special knowledge and skills taping
Before overlay teip the body area should be clean, dry, hair should be shaved
The athlete should be laid down or seated in a comfortable position so that there is room for application. teip was motionless and accessible. Give it an average physiological position
The segment (body part) on which it will be applied tape, it is necessary to give the position in which it will be after application teip
The doctor (or massage therapist) must face the athlete in order to be able to observe him. If symptoms indicating improper application are detected teip(cyanosis, swelling, severe pain or lack of sensitivity and active movements), it must be removed and a new one applied
Apply tape start with fixing tours (above and below the site of the disease)
Overlay teip done with two hands: with one hand they roll out the head of the adhesive plaster, and with the other they straighten its passages
Each subsequent turn of the adhesive plaster should cover the previous turn by half or two-thirds
Adhesive plaster strips should be pulled evenly so that the strips do not move, form folds or constrictions, and do not peel off from the surface of the body.
At the end of the overlay teip it is reinforced with control rounds
Properly applied tape should not cause discomfort, pain, numbness, tingling, poor circulation, etc.
Cannot be applied tape during the competition period, without having tested it in training. Apply tape must be the same doctor (massage therapist)
Particular attention should be paid to protecting certain areas of the body from strong compression with an adhesive bandage, preventing compression of blood vessels and nerves
Cannot be applied tape in case of severe pain, tissue swelling, on areas of the body with hair, contaminated or damp skin. If in the area on which it will be imposed tape, there are abrasions, scars, it is treated with iodine (brilliant) and a piece of bandage, a bactericidal adhesive plaster is placed

1 Size of kinesio tapes

2 Manufacturer (country of production) of kinesio tapes

3 Colors of kinesio tapes

4 Kinesio tape material

5 Crosstapes

Today there is a wide variety on the market, differing in sizes, colors and materials from which they are made. It should be noted that, depending on the characteristics, one or another type of kinesio tape has its own characteristics and scope of application. Therefore, in this article we will talk in detail about each type of tape and the types of injuries for which they are used. However, you will find more materials about kinesio taping for every taste in the section.

The main characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing tapes include:

Kinesio tape size

Depending on the roll size (roll width/roll length), all kinesio tapes are divided into the following categories:

(roll width 5 cm, roll length 5 m) - the most common (standard) size of kinesio tape, used by both athletes and traumatologists in the treatment of patients with musculoskeletal injuries. The main types of pathologies for which such tape is applied include: pain in the neck and shoulder girdle, back and lower back pain, sprain of the lower extremities, “tennis elbow” and many others. By purchasing a standard roll of kinesio tape, you can cut a strip from the roll of the length that you need, depending on the area where the application will be glued. Usually one standard roll 5 m long is enough for many applications;
- differ from the standard kinesio tapes described above only by a shorter roll length, which is 3 m, and a lower price for the tape. This series of tapes was developed for beginners who want to try the taping method for the first time. A three-meter roll length is enough to perform several basic applications (knee, ankle, lower back, shoulder, etc.);
- these narrowest cotton kinesio tapes in the range will be the best option if it is necessary to tap narrow parts of the body (for example, the phalanges of the fingers), for kinesio taping of children and aesthetic taping of the face and neck;
- an ideal choice for taping small parts of the body, as well as for application to the face and neck in cosmetology and during aesthetic taping procedures. Made of eco-cotton with hypoallergenic glue, a roll length of 5 m is enough for a sufficient number of applications;
- this width (7.5 cm) of the tape is ideal for application to large (wide) injured areas of the body, as well as for taping for lymphedema and swelling of the knee joint. In addition, a tape of this size is quite widely used in plastic surgery to eliminate swelling after surgery;
- like the previous type, tapes of this size are used mainly for application to wide areas of the body or for lymphatic drainage;
- such tapes are a variation of standard tapes with the only difference being that they are six times longer. As a rule, such economical rolls (each of which is enough for more than 120 applications) are purchased by professional athletes or doctors who regularly resort to the taping procedure.
- the scope of application of such tapes is the same as that of standard kinesio tapes. However, they are more convenient to use, since each roll consists of twenty, pre-cut, strips having a length of 25 centimeters and different widths (5 cm, 7.5 cm or 10 cm). When taping, you do not need scissors, which is the main advantage of this type of tape. The disadvantages of this type of kinesio tape include the fact that, depending on the problem area on which the application is applied, these tapes may not be enough and you will still have to cut out the required application from standard rolls.

In addition to size, kinesio tapes differ in color, which also plays an important role when choosing a tape.

Manufacturer (country of production) kinesio tapes

Kinesio tapes BBTape (Bio Balance Tape) are manufactured in South Korea to the highest quality standards and are the only official kinesio tapes developed by the Korea Balance Taping Medical Association. That is why these premium kinesio tapes are today recognized by experts as one of the best tapes on the world market. The effectiveness of using BBTape kinesio tapes has been proven as a result of numerous studies both in Russia (see article ), and all over the world.

Kinesio tape color

brown- refers to neutral colors;
blue- has a calming effect on the patient;
pink- causes positive emotions;
yellow- promotes mental balance and harmony;
orangeeve- has a stimulating effect;
black- color of individuality;
green- neutral, non-irritating look;
red- stimulates the patient’s desire for a speedy recovery.

Also, in addition to the usual colors, BBTape produces , which have a modern design, are great for taping children and will undoubtedly attract the attention of others.

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