The Natural Cure All Taped Up
Our athletes and sporting figures are often spotted wearing logos and motifs. But what’s this bright blue tape we keep spotting?
No, it’s not some fashion statement or fad. Instead, it’s being hailed as an effective natural cure to help mend sporting injuries.
If you were observant enough you’ll have already noticed Serbian tennis star, Novak Djokovic wearing Kinesio tape on his ailing elbow during the Wimbledon championships. And football fans may have seen the three tramlines of the sticky stuff on the back of Italian striker Mario Balotelli during the Euro 2012 competition.
Although it may seem like a new idea, the Japanese tape has in fact been around since the 1970s.
Sticky solution
It is the brainchild of Dr Kenzo Kase who reveals that he came up with the idea because he found that standard taping techniques such as conventional strapping, too restrictive for his patients.
This may provide support for the muscles and joints, he says. But it limits movement and therefore gets in the way of the healing process by restricting the flow of inflammatory fluids below the skin.
Kinesio tape, on the other hand, lifts the skin to help the lymphatic flow, which in turn reduces pain and swelling. Despite studies into the effectiveness of the tape, Dr Kase acknowledges that some people are still cynical about Kinesio tape and recognises that only more solid scientific evidence will silence the cynics.
However, for many sportsmen and women, it seems that they are sticking with this natural cure. Perhaps we will see it appearing at the Olympics?
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If you enjoy reading these articles you might be interested in receiving our monthly newsletter. Read more here
Members don't forget you can view all past and present Newsletters on the site here
Virginia Mason has joined NaturalCures.com as a writer and editor. Virginia has a journalistic background of more than 30 years, working in various roles with regional, daily newspapers. Before joining NaturalCures.com she worked as a features writer and columnist, covering a variety of topics from the serious to light-hearted, interviewing various subjects including health professionals, politicians, artists and Hollywood superstars! She has a passion for wholesome and organic food and cooking and baking, and a keen interest in natural health and alternative and complementary medicine. She is particularly interested in the natural healing properties of plants and herbs. In her spare time she likes to relax through Pilates.
