Kinesiology Taping 101

Who uses kinesiology tape?

Kinesiology taping has evolved into a widely used and accepted treatment for many people, including professional and amateur athletes. It works great for the elderly, children, and all of us everyday people too! You may think you don’t know what kinesiology tape is, but more than likely you have seen the blue, black, tan or pink strips on Olympic swimmers, volleyball players and track athletes.

In the physical therapy setting, kinesiology tape is used to assist in the treatment of many different injuries. I use it frequently on shoulders, wrists/elbows, knees, and ankles with great success. My ultimate goal is also to teach the client or family member to tape themselves. This helps them to learn to manage their pain or symptoms on their own.

Where can I find kinesiology tape?

Kinesiology tape has become available to purchase over-the-counter. It comes in 50 or more brand names! It was originally created by Kenzo Kase, a chiropractor, to influence the skin and prolong the effects of his treatments between visits. His brand of tape is called Kinesiotape or Kinesio Tex Tape. Continue reading “Kinesiology Taping 101”

What “Engage Your Core” Actually Means

Promoting health and wellness goes beyond my profession into my everyday life. As a healthcare professional it is important that I set a good example of healthy living, so I exercise daily. I usually exercise at home and I’m frequently guided by an instructor on my TV or computer. I could create my own workouts, but I am the type of person who, like many of my patients, needs someone to push me to do more.

I listen to many of my “celebrity trainers” say “engage your core.” “Do a lunge and engage your core.” “We’re going to side plank for one minute — oh, don’t forget to engage your core!” “You should be engaging your core throughout this whole workout!” I’m sure there are many of my fellow home or gym exercise enthusiasts thinking, “Wait, what exactly does that mean!?” Thankfully, it’s not complicated, but it can easily be done incorrectly. Continue reading “What “Engage Your Core” Actually Means”