KINESIO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Elastic Therapeutic Tape (ETT) and Elastic Therapeutic Taping Method (ETM)?
Elastic therapeutic tape (ETT) is an elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive that is used with the intent of treating pain and disability from athletic injuries and a variety of other physical disorders utilizing a specific Elastic Taping Method (ETM). Kinesio® is the authentic ETT and ETM.
You should know and rest assured that when you are using the Kinesio Taping® Method and Kinesio® Tape, you are using the method and tape that was not only used in the invention of the global ETT industry by Dr Kase, you are also using the one brand that has been setting the ETT and ETM industry standard around the world since 1979.
Isn't all tape Kinesio tape?
No! Not all tape is created equal. Kinesio® is a name brand, just like Band-Aid®, Dr. Scholl’s®, Nike® and Under Armour®.
Isn't Kinesio, short for Kinesiology?
No. Kinesio® is the name of Kinesio Holding Corp, a company that that specializes in developing, researching and evolving Kinesio® Tape products and the Kinesio Taping® Method as created by the company’s founder in 1979.
Do all brands of tape use the Kinesio Taping® Method with their tape?
Many try to. However, the Kinesio Taping® Method is not a catch-all title of all things ETT or ETM. While a very few elastic tape companies have developed distinctive taping methods, usually focused on a single area of care such as Sports Medicine or Pediatrics, most of the of the brand names you may see are simply tape manufacturing and marketing companies. To make sure you are buying authentic Kinesio® Tape, look for the Kinesio® Registered Trademark on the packaging.
What is Elastic Therapeutic Tape?
Elastic therapeutic tape is an elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive that is used with the intent of treating pain and disability from athletic injuries and a variety of other physical disorders.
What is Elastic Therapeutic Taping Method?
All other Elastic Therapeutic taping methods were developed in recent years, more than 20 years after the original Kinesio Taping® Method was developed. Companies sought to duplicate the tape itself, not the method. By developing the Kinesio Taping® Method and creating Kinesio® Tape, Dr. Kase pioneered and revolutionized the first non-opioid natural healing taping industry, known as the Elastic Taping Method. Following Kinesio’s extensive publicity in the United States during the Beijing Olympics in 2008, many medical manufactures have tried duplicating the appearance and some effects of the tape; many have been successful in selling their duplicated tape brands to the retail market. However, only 1% of those big tape manufacturers have developed a specific taping modality; most currently mainly use the Kinesio Taping® Method with a more generic brand of tape. Brand “X” is in fact a knock-off brand of Kinesio® Tape and in most cases is only a tape manufacturer. The Kinesio Taping® Method and Kinesio® brand tape, when used in conjunction with each other, provide the most reliable combination to address muscle support, ligament dysfunction and joint damage.
Why Kinesio® is not the stickiest?
Kinesio products and clinical policies are designed with patient comfort and effectiveness in mind. To sum it up, we do not seek to be the stickiest. Kinesio® adhesive and elasticity is designed for the optimal therapeutic window (3-4 days) along with physiological considerations regarding skin health and hygiene. It’s not about duration but rather consistency, effectiveness, patient health and comfort.
We are not the stickiest because our tape must correspond with the aims of the Kinesio Taping® Method and our ability to tape even the most sensitive skin and for a wide variety of patient populations. Through our trained clinicians and their practical experience in patient care, we have developed our fabric and adhesive process to fulfill a wide range of patient care capabilities, treating pediatrics to senior citizens and everyone in between.
Why isn't Kinesio® the stretchiest?
Kinesio Tape and brands featuring they are the "stretchiest", although similar, are designed for different purposes. Kinesio Tape, which mimics the texture and elasticity (stretch) of living human skin, is designed to help in rehabilitation and injury prevention. Its aim is to return the body to homeostasis.
Our clinicians feel that “Less is more.” Healing and healthy function are obtained and maintained through the minimum possible amount of tape and level of tension (stretch) for each application. Does that mean we never stretch the tape? Of course not! There are many applications which employ substantial tension on the tape, or where the tape is applied to stretched tissue, but these applications are used judiciously, in response to valid assessment protocols.
Study after study, conducted with Kinesio and other brands, has verified that elastic therapeutic tape does not enhance performance. No tape application can make anyone run faster, jump higher or lift more weight. A body can do what that body can do, although Kinesio Taping may make individuals feel more comfortable or less strained. As one clinician noted, “We are not trying to make normals into super-normals.”
Kinesio’s primary interest is in patient care and comfort. There are limits to the amount of stretch – or “tension” – any patient’s skin can tolerate, particularly over an extended period of rehabilitation or other treatment. But moderate stretch is important.
Kinesio® brand tape differs from rigid types of strapping tape in both form and function. Most strapping tapes are non-elastic, and are wrapped tightly around an injured joint or muscle to provide rigid support and restrict movement. They can only be worn for short periods of time, after which they must be removed to restore movement and circulation.
Kinesio® Tape, on the other hand, has unique elastic properties that allow it to provide an appropriate level of dynamic support, protecting muscles and/or joints, while still allowing a safe and functional range of motion.
Rather than being wrapped completely around injured joints or muscle groups, Kinesio® tape is applied directly over and/or around the periphery of these areas. This non-restrictive type of taping allows most applications to be worn for 4-5 days, allowing therapeutic benefits to accumulate 24/7 for the entire time they’re worn.
Why doesn’t Kinesio have more colors or cool patterns?
Kinesio® Colors:
- Beige was the first color of Kinesio® Tex Tape. Today, many competitive athletes can only use this color during competitive sports.
- Red (pink) and blue were developed for color therapy.
- Red represents heat and energy.
- Blue represents cooling and calm.
- Black was developed for athletes.
The dyes are hypoallergenic and derived from plant extracts. Extra ink or dye used for printing patterns can impair to stretch and recoil process. Proper recoil is essential for proper taping benefits. In most cases, inks and dyes weigh down the fabric, losing some of the “natural” wave feeling embedded in the adhesive. This can lead to an uneven healing process since the tape is not able to stretch naturally where logo is printed. It has taken years to develop a technique to incorporate printing into the fabric “naturally,” as we have done with our new Performance+ fabric. We have put a lot of thought into developing different patterns on our tape, but in the end, we always ask ourselves the question… are we developing tape for a fashion statement or are we developing tape for function?
The conclusion remains constant: We develop our tape as the tool to use for our Kinesio Taping® Method. This brings patient results to the forefront, as the tape has to primarily meet Kinesio® clinical medical standards.
What does the Kinesio Taping® Method and Kinesio® Tape do?
The Kinesio® Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused or tired muscles, and support muscles in movement on a 24-hour-a-day basis. It is non- restrictive and allows for full range of motion. In contrast, traditional sports taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during an athletic event. Kinesio® Tex Tape may be used to treat anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in between. Examples include rehabilitation from sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain (subluxation, herniated disc), knee and shoulder conditions, and many more.
What benefits distinguish Kinesio® Tape from other tapes?
- 100% High Grade Cotton – for comfort and air-permeability
- 140% Elasticity – same flexibility as human skin and muscles
- Heat Activated Adhesive – very light, mild, and hypo-allergenic
- 100% Latex Free
- Air permeable, microscopically lifts the skin, channels away moisture
- Durable – average usage allows 3-5 days per application
- More Economical – usually 8-10 applications per roll of tape
Is it Kinesio® Tape or Kinesio Taping® Method that ensures such great results?
They are inseparable. Without a doubt, the taping technique is the most important aspect in achieving the greatest therapeutic results. However the full benefits of the Kinesio® Taping Method were not possible until Kinesio® Tex Tape was developed. The Kinesio® Taping Method requires a tape that is comfortable and skin-friendly, possesses optimum elastic qualities, is the same thickness as the skin, and is durable enough to stay on for multiple days, even during sweating and showers.
How is Kinesio® Tape applied?
Without getting too technical, the tape is applied ≠≠over the affected area with the muscles in a stretched position. Then the tape is applied from one end of the muscle to the other with very little to no stretch on the tape itself. The tape is applied from the ORIGIN to INSERTION of the muscle for SUPPORT and from INSERTION to ORIGIN for REHABILITATION.
What are some suggestions for optimum taping results?
- Skin should be free of oil, sweat, or lotion prior to application.
- After application, rub down tape to activate heat-sensitive glue.
- Avoid extreme stretching of the tape during application to avoid skin irritation.
- Apply approximately 1 hour prior to activity or shower to allow glue to adhere properly.
- Skin irritation is extremely rare, but care should be taken with hypersensitive skin patients.
What is the difference between the colors?
There is no physical or chemical difference between the colors. The colors were developed to be compatible with color therapy. The beige was created for minimal visibility and the black was created after many requests. Color choice is a matter of individual preference. The colors can provide field advertising at athletic events, a conversational opener, and instant product recognition.
What is the difference between taping techniques?
There are three main taping techniques recognized in the United States:
- White Athletic Taping – The most commonly used taping technique in the U.S. The tape is extremely rigid and requires a pre-tape prior to application to protect the skin from irritation. Irritation is caused by the entrapment of moisture, high latex content, and severe compression of skin, muscles, and joints. It is typically applied immediately prior to an activity to prevent and protect acute injuries, left on for a short period of time, and taken off immediately after conclusion of activity. There are no rehabilitative uses or benefits.
- McConnell® Taping – A bracing or strapping technique using a super-rigid, cotton mesh, highly-adhesive tape. It affects the bio-mechanics of the patient and is most commonly used for patellofemoral and shoulder subluxation, as well as lumbar, foot, and hip impingement. It is typically left on for a shorter period of time (no longer than 18 hours) due to its constricting and suffocating feel and adverse skin reaction. The technique is primarily used for neuromuscular re-education of the affected condition and is widely accepted by the medical community.
- Kinesio® Taping Method – A therapeutic taping technique not only offering your patient or athlete the support they are looking for, but also rehabilitates the affected condition as well. Using a highly specific tape design that works with the body, allowing full ROM (and in most cases improving ROM), Kinesio® Taping will not affect bio-mechanics of the patient. Latex-free, Kinesio® Tex Tape is safe for sensitive skin and for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric. There is no compression on the skin, making it “light to the feel” and allowing comfortable wear over a 3-5 day period. Its water-resistant fabric wicks away moisture and allows the patient to bathe or even swim as usual. Lymph and blood circulation are facilitated in order to rehabilitate and relieve pain. It is used for virtually all clinical conditions.
Does Kinesio Tape contain latex?
Kinesio® Tape is latex free.
Which Kinesio brand tape is water resistant?
All our tapes are water resistant. For the best hold, it’s best if the tape is applied before activity and that the skin is clean, dry and free of any lotions or oils. It is recommended that after the tape is applied to the skin that the tape is rubbed to activate the adhesive as well as to help it adhere.
Does my billing address need to match my credit card address?
Yes. For credit card verification you must enter your billing address exactly as it appears on your credit card statement. Our payment provider might block payments for which the customer-entered zip/postal code does not match the code on file with the card-issuing bank.
However, the shipping address you wish to ship to does not need to match your billing or credit card address.
SEMINAR QUESTIONS
What is the difference between a KTA approved course and a non-approved course?
An approved Kinesio® Taping course is a course that has been recognized as meeting the educational standards set forth by the Kinesio® Taping Association, the governing educational body of the Kinesio® Taping Method. All approved courses offer the participant the most current and advanced teaching methods and protocols that have been specifically created to enhance Kinesio® Taping proficiency. All courses are taught by a recognized Certified Kinesio Taping Instructor® (CKTI®) who has met the training and re-certification training necessary to properly disseminate the Kinesio® Taping Method and its reasoning. The instructing CKTI® has submitted the proper forms, teaching plans, and course outline to KTA to insure that the seminar taught will meet the requirements necessary to obtain proper accreditation. Only approved courses are accepted in obtaining accreditation as a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner®.
In contrast, a non-approved course is a course and/or courses that has not met the educational standards, protocols and requirements established by the Kinesio® Taping Association. A non-approved course may be taught by an instructor who is not recognized or trained by the KTA, therefore KTA cannot guarantee the same high standards of teaching. Non-approved Kinesio® Taping educational units will not be accepted in obtaining the accreditation necessary to become a CKTP®.
What are the requirements to take a Kinesio Taping seminar?
In order to attend a Kinesio Taping® seminar, each attendee must meet all of the following criteria:
- Must have completed 80 course hours of anatomy and physiology
- Must have a working knowledge of the musculoskeletal system
- Must be able to do assessments by evaluating and/or diagnosing injuries and conditions
- Must have achieved or is a student in their junior or senior year (transcripts must be provided) working towards one or more of the following credentials: ARNP, ATC, CAT(C), CCSP, CDP, CHT, CLT, CMBT, CMT, CNMT, COMT, COTA, COTA/L, CPO, CRN, CST, CT, DC, DO, DOM, DPT, Lac, LAT, LLCC, LMBT, LMP, LMT, LOT, LOTA, LPT, LPTA, MD, MDT, MLD, MOT, MOTR/L, MPT, MT, MTC, NCMT, NCTMB, NDT, NMD, NMT, NP, NRC, OCS, ODT, OMD, OPA, OT, OTA, OTC, OTR, OTR/L, PT, PT-C, PTA, PA, RMT, RN, RPT, RPTA, SLP, Paramedics and Kinesiologists.
What is the difference between PH (Partner Hosted) and Official?
The only difference is Partner Hosted is hosted by someone else who takes the registrations, sets the price and hires the Instructor. An Official is hosted by Kinesio University®. The course content is exactly the same.
Can students become a CKTP (Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner)
Students can take the exam and upon graduation get their CKTP® designation.
Can I take “Kinesio Taping Assessments, Fundamental Concepts and Techniques” in one location and “Kinesio Taping Advanced Techniques And Clinical Reasoning” in another location and still get the discount?
Yes, but you have to call the Seminar Coordinator for them to set it up with you. If you register for all three seminar at the same time, both locations will be the same.
How soon will I be able to use the tape after taking “Kinesio Taping Assessments, Fundamental Concepts and Techniques”?
Immediately and you are encouraged to do so.
How many CEU’s apply for the courses?
CEUs awarded for seminars vary by state and profession.
For information for CEUs, please contact our Seminar Department at 1-888-320-8273 or via email at seminar@kinesiotaping.com
Will I be able to buy tape at the seminar?
If a Distributor is present at your seminar, you will be able to buy product. If one is not available you can go to www.kinesiotape.com
Can I just take 1 day of “Kinesio Taping Assessments, Fundamental Concepts and Techniques”?
No, you must attend both days.
Is the workbook included in the price?
Yes, the workbook and tape is included in the price. Please bring a notebook and your best pair scissors to the seminar.
If I take the course in one state can I get CEU’s in another state?
You will have to check with your local board for PT’s only. ATC, OT and LMT’s do transfer from state to state.” To “You may have to self-submit for approval. Please contact our Seminar Department at 1-888-320-8273 or via email at seminar@kinesiotaping.com
Do you offer online courses?
Because of the significant hands-on component of our certification courses, we are unable to offer them in an online format. A majority of the seminar time is devoted to hands-on exercises to give you practical, hands-on experience to help you apply your new skills immediately.
We do have a series of videos on specific clinical subjects, which are available on DVD or for download.