Our founders began their journey a few years ago. Looking to develop a natural alternative to fight the inflammation and the pain that often restricts all types of people from carrying on normal healthy lives or preventing high-achieving athletes reach their goals. Aware of the common remedies – NSAIDs (ibuprofen), Steroids and Cortisone injections and their well-documented side effects, which in many cases can cause irreversible or long-term issues, they sought to offer a safer alternative that could empower individuals to lead healthy, pain-free lives without compromising their well-being.
Because both of our founders have a history of working in the CBD world, they knew CBD was going to be a cornerstone element to the solution he had in mind. They were well aware of the benefits CBD provides. From providing highly effective reduction of inflammation and helping balance the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. But for this article let’s concentrate on the use of Kinesiology tape – which stands on its own as a powerful part of the CannaTape Sport solution.
The History of Kinesiology Tape, and How Does it Work?
Currently, numerous brands of kinesiology tape are available in the market. However, the original product, Kinesio tape or Kinesio Tex Tape, was conceived in the late 1970s by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor. Dr. Kase looked for an alternative to traditional remedies and a tape that offered support without impeding movement, which was a departure from the constraints posed by traditional athletic tapes.
Today, there are multiple brands of kinesiology tape on the market, Kinesio tape, provides support but doesn’t limit movement the way traditional athletic tapes do.
If you've ever tuned into a volleyball match or an NFL football game, chances are you've seen it: vibrant strips of tape arranged in patterns on shoulders, knees, backs, and abs. This is kinesiology tape—a therapeutic adhesive applied strategically to the body. It serves a diverse range of purposes, including enhancing performance, easing pain, minimizing swelling, and expediting recovery.
Kinesiology tape, much like our own CannaTape, is made from a proprietary blend of cotton and nylon, engineered to mimic the elasticity of human skin while allowing for unrestricted movement. With its medical-grade acrylic adhesive, our tape ensures durable adhesion for extended periods, even during rigorous physical activity and showers.
When kinesiology tape is applied, the tape gently lifts the skin, generating a subtle gap between the skin and the underlying tissues. This mechanism carries significant implications for joint health, pain alleviation, and performance improvement.
Main Benefits
Multiple research studies investigating the effects of kinesiology tape have revealed numerous benefits. A review published in 2014 in The Physician and Sports Medicine suggests that kinesiology tape has shown the potential to reduce pain among individuals with musculoskeletal injuries, particularly when used alongside traditional therapies. Coastal Orthopedics notes kinesiology or other types of this tape appear to enhance muscle contraction, alleviate pain, reduce muscle fatigue, prevent cramping, improve range of motion in individuals with tight muscles and joints, and act as a pain reliever for those experiencing chronic muscle or joint discomfort. Valeo Health Clinic suggests that kinesiology tape offers a range of health benefits, including improved coordination and movement in athletes to aid in the prevention of injuries, enhanced physical performance, and effectiveness and beneficial for treating injuries such as sprains, tendonitis, golfer's elbow, rotator cuff issues, shin splints, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Additionally, kinesiology tape may provide pain relief beyond post-training recovery. For instance, a 2013 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that kinesiology tape significantly alleviated menstrual pain and effectively reduced premenstrual symptoms in women.
How kinesiology tape aids in muscle recovery
Kinesiology tape aids in rapid muscle recovery after workouts for several reasons. The primary benefit is the reduction of swelling and inflammation post-workout. According to Starkwood Chiropractic, this occurs as the tape alleviates pressure in the lymphatic drainage system. You might wonder how kinesiology tape alleviates pain. By lifting the skin, the tape relieves pressure on pain receptors located beneath the skin. Moreover, kinesiology tape enhances circulation, promoting the delivery of oxygen and removal of waste products in overused or injured muscles. Consequently, this facilitates the quicker elimination of lactic acid from the body, which assists in muscle recovery and rehabilitation. As a result, athletes can experience improved performance and return to the field or court sooner.
Creates space in joints: By creating space within joints, as demonstrated in studies. One study involving 32 participants found that when kinesiology tape was applied over the knee, it resulted in an increase in the space within the knee joint. Similarly, another study indicated that kinesiology tape increased the space within the shoulder joint. Although the increment in space may be minimal, it contributes to a decreased likelihood of joint irritation.
May change signals on pain pathways: Some physical therapists propose that the tape alters the sensory information transmitted by your nervous system regarding pain and compression in your body. A respected board-certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy and a certified strength and conditioning specialist explains it in this manner: "All your tissues—skin, connective tissue, fascia, muscles—contain sensory receptors that perceive pain, temperature, and touch. These receptors collectively contribute to proprioception—your brain's awareness of your body's position and movements. Kinesiology taping creates a lift that relieves pressure on the underlying tissues. By decompressing these tissues, the signals sent to the brain can be modified. When the brain receives altered signals, its response will consequently be different."
Trigger points provide a clear illustration. Physical therapists have utilized kinesiology tape to elevate the skin above these tight, knotted muscles. Upon decompression of the area, pain receptors transmit a new signal to the brain, leading to a reduction in tension within the trigger point. A study conducted in 2015 demonstrated that the combination of kinesiology tape and manual pressure resulted in decreased trigger point pain and increased flexibility in individuals.
Improvement of circulation of blood and fluids: If you've sustained an injury, kinesiology tape could potentially enhance circulation and diminish swelling in the affected area. A study from 2017 demonstrated that kinesiology taping has been shown to enhance blood flow in the skin, thus aiding in circulation improvement. Additionally, it may enhance the circulation of lymphatic fluids. Lymphatic fluid, primarily composed of water along with proteins, bacteria, and other chemicals, plays a crucial role in regulating swelling and fluid accumulation in the body. Furthermore, a product like CannaTape Sport kinesiology tape incorporated with our potent transdermal formula, and increased blood flow to the affected area enhances the absorption of this formula, thereby maximizing its effectiveness.
The theory is that when kinesiology tape is applied, it creates extra subcutaneous space, which changes the pressure gradient in the area underneath your skin. That change in pressure enhances the flow of lymphatic fluid.
In another recent study, kinesiology tape was found to decrease fluid buildup in individuals who had undergone total knee replacements. Altering the flow of lymphatic fluid may aid in accelerating the healing of bruises. While there is limited empirical evidence to validate this effect, some individuals report anecdotally that upon removing the tape from bruised areas, the skin underneath exhibited a different color compared to areas without tape. This observation further supports the notion of increased blood flow facilitated by the tape, which aids in promoting the expulsion of toxins.
Understanding the specific benefits of CannaTape Sport's kinesiology tape: Ideal for rest and exercise.
It offers additional support to weak zones: One of the primary advantages of using kinesiology tape is its ability to offer additional support to joints and muscles that require it most. Unlike traditional athletic tapes, which are typically employed to aid muscle recovery from overuse and injury but can restrict movement, kinesiology tape permits normal movement. Multiple conducted studies indicate that the use of this tape can enhance movement and circulation. Enhanced circulation aids in flushing out toxins and preventing fluid accumulation, thereby promoting quicker recovery. Unlike other kinesiology tapes, our product boasts the added benefit of our anti-inflammatory formula, which is transdermal, providing enhanced relief and support.
Kinesiology tape re-trains the muscle: Our tape can re-educate or rectify muscles that have adapted to an unhealthy mode of functioning, have become dysfunctional, or completely lost function. It can also address issues related to neck and head posture, as evidenced by a 2017 study that suggested improvement in walking among stroke patients. Curious about how this is achievable? According to physical therapists, it may be attributed to the peculiar sensation of the tape on the skin, heightening one's awareness of movement and posture.
To Enhance Performance: Athletes utilize kinesiology tape to optimize their performance and safeguard against injuries, particularly during competitive events. For instance, runners often apply kinesiology tape for marathons, strategically placing it on the glutes to enhance muscle efficiency. Moreover, taping can alleviate muscle pain and swelling and is occasionally utilized for the treatment of injured muscles.
When not to use tape: Before utilizing any device, braces, or medications, it is imperative to consider your individual circumstances comprehensively and consult with your physician. While kinesiology tape can be beneficial in various situations, there are specific circumstances where its use is not recommended. These include the following:
- Open wounds.Using tape over a wound could lead to infection or skin damage.
- Deep vein thrombosis.Increasing fluid flow could cause a blood clot to dislodge, which might be fatal.
- Active cancer.Increasing the blood supply to a cancerous growth could be dangerous.
- Lymph node removal. Increasing fluid where a node is missing could cause swelling.
- If you have reduced sensation in some areas, you might not notice a reaction to the tape.
- If your skin is sensitive to adhesives, you could trigger a strong reaction.
- Fragile skin.If your skin is prone to tearing, you should avoid placing tape on it.
How to apply kinesiology tape
Before applying kinesiology tape, ensure your skin is free from scratches, sores, or broken areas. If you experience an allergic reaction to the tape, remove it promptly. It's important to have clean, dry skin devoid of lotions before applying kinesiology tape. Seeking guidance from a trained professional, especially if you have injuries, is advisable to determine the optimal application method tailored to your specific needs.
Start by applying an anchor piece of tape to your skin without tension (about 1.5” to 2”), stretch the tape in the direction of the muscle, and release the tension for the final 1.5” to 2”. Follow this by applying another piece of tape to provide therapeutic tension to your muscles or joints. It's essential to consult your physiotherapist or another credentialed health professional for proper application techniques. Finally, conclude by applying a second anchor piece of tape without tension.
For even more tips and instructions please visit our Pro-Tips page for details about enhancing the effectiveness of CannaTape Sport kinesiology tape.
Now that we’ve gone over all the amazing benefits of how Kinesiology tape works and the amazing benefits it provides, it is easy to see why our founders thought the combination of their powerful inflammation-fighting formula and kinesiology tape was a match, and we’re pretty sure that you agree on why we call it the perfect workout companion.
Be sure to explore the other interesting and knowledgeable stories and articles waiting for you in our other blog posts. As you embark on your journey to optimal wellness with CannaTape Sport, don't miss out on the valuable information our blog has to offer. From fitness tips and deep dives into our amazing ingredients to recovery strategies, we've curated a collection of resources aimed at enhancing your overall well-being. We encourage you not only to delve into these articles but also to share them with friends, family, or anyone you believe could benefit from the wisdom and innovation encapsulated in CannaTape Sport.
Your journey to peak performance is not just a personal endeavor but a shared experience. Spread the word, share the knowledge, and let CannaTape Sport be the catalyst for transforming lives. Together, let's empower each other on the path to a healthier, more active lifestyle.
