Kinesio Tape and Acupuncture Tape – Then Taping Works as a Therapeutic Method

Taping involves the use of elastic, adhesive Kinesio Tape to stabilise affected areas of the body without restricting freedom of movement. The benefits of taping in podiatry and foot health range from pain relief and pressure relief to the treatment of malalignments. You can find both Kinesio tape with strong adhesive properties and high comfort, as well as acupuncture tape based on the principles of acupuncture in the RUCK range.

What is Kinesio tape?

Kinesio taping was pioneered by the Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase, who first developed Kinesio tape for sports injuries in 1973. The therapeutic method is based on a holistic diagnostic and therapeutic approach known as kinesiology. The focus is on resolving blockages and inhibitions in the body to restore patients’ well-being. Rather than completely immobilising affected body parts, taping aims to stabilise weakened joints and muscle groups thanks to elastic tape, correct malalignments and preserve freedom of movement to the extent possible.

How does taping work in podiatry and foot health?

In podiatry and foot health, taping is also known as podo-taping. For a wide range of foot complaints, podo-taping provides an effective method of combining high levels of comfort, effective relief and pain management – ranging from Pressure protection and corns right through to malalignments such as hammer toes or flat-spread feet.

Podo-Taping uses skin-friendly, breathable cotton adhesive bandages that are present either on or around the affected areas. The cotton fabric is wavy and elastic so as not to restrict joint and muscle movement. To secure the tape, it is coated with a medical-grade, dermatologically tested acrylic adhesive that is activated thanks to body heat or friction.

How does Podo-Taping work?

As a holistic therapeutic method, the mechanism of action of Podo-Taping provides benefits for a wide variety of foot complaints. Acting like a second skin, the secured tape influences the underlying tissue during motion, stimulates pain receptors and promotes muscle relaxation and pain relief. The five fundamental properties of Kinesio Tape include:

• Relieving pain: Whether to reduce friction and pressure, for sore joints and muscles, or to treat corns – podo-taping effectively relieves health problems. Problem areas are relieved and stabilised, delivering better comfort. Taping also stimulates pain receptors to reduce pain.
• Supporting and stabilising muscles or joints: Particularly in the case of sports injuries, but also for joint, muscle and postural problems, taping stabilises natural movement patterns, prevents incorrect loading, provides pressure protection and mobilises the musculoskeletal system.
• Correcting malalignments: In cases of malalignments such as flat feet, splayfoot, hallux valgus or hammer toes, podo-taping promotes the correction of foot and toe alignment, thereby supporting healthy posture.
• Improving blood circulation: Podo-Tape, and acupuncture tape in particular, utilises the principles of acupuncture. The tape stimulates pain, acupuncture and muscle trigger points and stimulates blood circulation and lymph flow. This effectively alleviates pain and strengthens the immune system. Specialised acupuncture tape consists of grid-patterned plasters that can be used on their own or in combination with Kinesio tape.
• Activating nerves: For health problems caused by polyneuropathy, podo-taping can stimulate the nervous system and relieve neuropathic pain.

To achieve the full benefits of podo-taping, it is essential that the directions for its application are followed correctly. If you would like to incorporate taping into your treatment repertoire, the RUCK Academy provides suitable Kinesioped Taping basic and advanced training courses.

Discover the benefits of podo-taping – with Kinesio Tape from RUCK

As a non-invasive method, taping with Kinesio tape provides pain-free treatment for a wide range of health problems. Thanks to its simple application, high comfort and skin-friendly, breathable materials, podo-taping delivers rapid pain relief, gentle corrective treatment and relief for joints and muscles. With high-quality Kinesio tape and acupuncture tape from our own RUCK brand, you can be confident in skin-friendly, dermatologically tested products that deliver reliable results both in practice and during mobile treatments.