Hej, I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the use for the tape on the leg, that many pros have? Christoffer.
it's a cloth-like tape desinged to support joints, and therefor etake stress of muscles.. it's not just one stroke of tape sticke don there. there entire ankle is wrapped carefully, for rigidity...
Well, if you'd like some detail, I used to use strapping tape as I have collapsed arches. My physio told me to do it such that the tape is anchored to the leg and provides some of the cushioning the foot arch provides by pulling it up when weight is applied to the leg. Unfortunately for me I am quite heavy and the tape just gave under the pressure. Two layers too often left me with a oxygen starved foot, so I had to basically excercise a shin muscle to buggery to compensate (collapsed arches result in rather severe shin splints).
that's pretty severe. every tried out insoles? the only function i use the tape for if my ankle collapses...or my fingers
Well, I have shoes that are designed with proper arches built in and are endorsed by the Australian Sports Medicine Institute (or whatever they call themselves) due to this feature. But, my shin splints are rather less severe now, even without tape.
Kinesio Tape? I believe what you are talking about is Kinesio Tape. Invented by a Japanese Doctor. You can probably google Kinesio Tape and find more information on it.
Here's info on KT: What Does Kinesio Taping Do? Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, Edema, and Pain Management. Kinesio Taping is a technique based on the body's own natural healing process. This Kinesio Taping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name "Kinesio". Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms. Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body's own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesio Taping creates a totally new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs. The first application of Kinesio Taping was for a patient with articular disorders. For the first 10 years, orthopedists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and other medical practitioners were the main users of Kinesio Taping. Soon thereafter, Kinesio Taping was used by the Japanese Olympic volleyball players and word quickly spread to other athletes. Today, Kinesio Taping is accepted by medical practitioners and athletes in Japan, United States, Europe, South America and other Asian countries. The Kinesio Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion. In contrast, traditional sports' taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids... an UNDESIRABLE side-effect. Kinesio Tape is used for anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in between. Examples include: muscular facilitation or inhibition in pediatric patients, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain (subluxations, herniated disc), knee conditions, shoulder conditions, hamstring, groin injury, rotator cuff injury, whiplash, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, patella tracking, pre and post surgical edema, ankle sprains, athletic preventative injury method, and as a support method. For more information read about muscles and Kinesio Concepts.