Do you ever wonder why some pro athletes are wearing colourful tape on their shoulders, knees and elbows? This tape is called kinesiology tape. Kinesio tape is very thin and light weight mostly made of cotton and elastic properties, the tape mimics skin and can be stretched to different tensions. It can be used anywhere on the body and is applied to provide support that helps you stay active while recovering from injuries. It works by affecting the way your muscles fire either by relaxing them, or helping them fire stronger. Physiotherapists commonly use kinesio tape for muscular injuries, postural correction and to help decrease swelling. The tape in some situations can be a great alternative to bulky braces and can be easy to apply once the technique is shown. If you’re suffering from pain and think this tape may help, ask your physiotherapist at your next treatment!

Kristy Maksymyk, Prairie Trail Physiotherapy
www.prairietrailphysio.ca