Why We Offer Kinesio Taping to Our Patients

Have you ever seen an athlete on television with brightly colored tape decorating their shoulder, abdomen, shin, or foot? It’s not some new fashion trend, and it’s not decoration at all. It’s a proven technique to relieve pain, and we use it here at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center in Monmouth County, New Jersey.

Kinesio taping was developed by a Japanese doctor in 1979 and since then its use has spread immensely. Worldwide, more than 150,000 medical professionals use Kinesio taping techniques. It’s used by the NFL, the NBA, and by sports professionals in golf, tennis, cycling, soccer, and more.

How it works

Kinesio tape is a thin, elastic tape that’s applied to the outside of your skin wherever there’s pain or inflammation. Once applied, the tape ever so slightly lifts your skin, allowing for better flow of blood and lymphatic fluids, reducing pressure, and promoting quicker healing.

How we use it

Our board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Joseph Saka, and Dr. Katy Statler, may recommend Kinesio taping as part of an overall plan to

·        improve ankle instability

·        relax strained muscles

·        reduce heel pain

·        correct a muscle imbalance or weakness

·        give extra support in the foot or ankle where needed.

Applying Kinesio tape takes special skill and a very particular certification. We’ve got a physical therapist on staff right here in our office in Howell - Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP. Those last four letters after her name tell you that she’s a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner, meaning you can be sure she’s received the necessary training to apply the tape correctly. And that means faster results for you.

Advantages

Kinesio tape is a safe, comfortable, and effective therapy:

·        it feels light and comfortable

·        it allows for full range of motion - it doesn’t restrict movement

·        your can wear it in the shower

·        it comes in a range of colors

·        it’s made of 100% cotton, hypoallergenic, and latex-free

·        can be used by people of all ages

·        doesn’t involve any medication

Simple to apply and wear

Valerie will cut the tape to your foot according to the doctor’s therapeutic goal and specifications and expertly rub it onto your clean, dry skin. After waiting about an hour for proper adhesion, you’re free to go about your day. Each application will last for several days.

For more information about how Kinesio taping can help provide a speedy recovery from your sports or overuse injury, make an appointment online or call us at (732) 905-1110.