Physiological Effects

On the other hand, if joints or ligaments are injured, the tape should be STRETCHED before application to the skin. The damaged joints or ligaments are incapable of functioning normally and rely on stretched tape for correction. It is also important to note that while depending on the injury, tape is either stretched or not stretched, this does not mean that the actual application technique will change.

Tape can be applied as a single strip [I], or in the shapes of an "X" or "Y", depending on the shape and size of the targeted muscle(s). The basic principle of therapeutic taping for weakened muscle is to wrap the tape around the affected muscle. Start from where the muscle begins [ORIGIN] and continue along the muscle, and finish where the muscle ends [INSERTION].  This particular application process is typically used for supportive purposes.  As the muscle fibers contract, Kinesio Tex Tape supports the contraction by pulling and stimulating the skin and muscle back towards the point of origin.

For preventing cramping or over-contraction (overuse of muscles), tape should be applied from [INSERTION] to [ORIGIN]. If you are treating yourself without assistance, it is important to remember the basic principle of stretching the skin before application, no matter where the pain is located. For example, if the body-side of the forearm is the source of the pain, you should bend your hand back before applying the tape. Similarly, if the source of pain is the outside of the forearm, then the wrist should be bent forward. This principle must be strictly observed. For treatment of muscle pain, Kinesio Taping is ineffective unless the skin is stretched.  This particular application process is typically used for acute conditions such as strain or sprain, muscle spasm, and edema from injury or surgical procedures.  As the muscle fibers contract, the Kinesio Tex Tape will relax or slack said muscle.