Ever wondered what the famous beach volleyball women’s team of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings were wearing on their shoulders in the Olympics? Yep, it was kinesiotape.
Growing up, I had athletic tape to use on my ankles. This, if you haven’t had the chance to use it, is a totally different animal. For instance, you can wear it for 3-5 days. You can wear it into the shower. You can sleep with it on. It is used to enhance a muscle in a vigorous workout, or quiet down a muscle. It stretches two ways, and can be used preventatively as well as for rehabilitation.
The versatility of the tape and ease of application is one of it’s best qualities.
I had the unfortunate circumstance of catching an edge snowboarding recently, and went to my dear friend and massage therapist Kim Dewey in Lake Oswego, Oregon, for help. I asked her to share some of her tips on using the tape as it has far-reaching applications. Her biggest tip, which she repeats frequently in the tutorial is, “stretch the client, not the tape!”
What does she mean by that? Well, I suggest you watch her in action explain how to use it and pitfalls to avoid.
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve had a chance to use this tape and for what purpose!
