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KINESIO® TEX TAPE

>> Wednesday, September 2, 2009


KINESIO® TEX TAPE

IN THE PEDIATRIC POPULATION - by DeDe Wanzek

If you watched the 2008 Summer Olympics you most likely saw athletes

with colored tape on them. That tape was Kinesio® Tex Tape. The Kinesio

® USA and it’s international partners provided about 50,000 rolls of

tape to the athletes of the 2008 Summer Olympics.


Kinesio® Tex Tape is a uniquely designed elastic tape which enhances

muscular, joint and circulatory function. It is comprised of a polymer

elastic strand wrapped by 100% cotton fibers, which allow for evaporation

of body moisture and allow for quick drying. There is no latex

in the tape and is hypo allergenic. The elastic properties of the tape

allow for range of motion, compression and lifting of the skin. The tape

can be worn 24 hours a day, 3-5 days a week allowing the patient full

therapeutic benefits on a constant basis.


Kinesio® Tex Tape was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase, D.C. in 1973. He is

a graduate of the National College of Chiropractic in Chicago, Illinois.

He has opened chiropractic offices in Japan as will as in Albuquerque,

New Mexico. The development of Kinesio® Tex Tape was born out of his

frustration when patients were unable to maintain therapeutic gains

between visits. Patients would often do well in the clinic with tactile or

verbal cues, but then would not maintain the position or posture when

at home, work or play. This familiar scenario is shared by pediatric

therapists as well. Kinesio® Tex Tape acts as a tactile cue between

clinical visits.


Kinesio® Tex Tape is used across the lifespan, but currently the fastest

growing usage is in the pediatric population. In the pediatric population,

the tape can be used to help facilitate or relax a particular

muscle. For example, it can be used to help activate the abdominal

muscles resulting in improved postural stability. For children with very

tight muscles, it can help relax those muscles. The tape can also be

used to support the joints of the feet, legs or arms to provide stability

and improve postural alignment as a child is learning to weight bear

though an extremity. Kinesio® Tex Tape is also very helpful in alleviating

constipation, swelling, and sinus pressure. The goal of the tape

is to provide lasting effects for the condition for which it is applied.

However, for some children the need for taping can be ongoing.

The Kinesio® Taping Association has forty seven certified instructors

across the United States who teach the proper application and use of

the tape. More information on the use of Kinesio® Tex Tape can be

found on their web site at www.kinesiotaping.com.


DeDe Wanzek, physical therapist who works at Special Children Center in Hudson, Wisconsin

is a Certified Kinesio®Taping Instructor. Special Children Center is a nonprofit

organization that provides speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy

to the pediatric population.

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