What is a muscle athletic grip tape
Muscle athletic grip tape, also known as Kinesiology Tape, is simply a tape that sticks to the muscles, but it is different from traditional sports tape.
Muscle athletic grip tape were first developed in Japan in the 1970s by chiropractor Dr. Kase.
At the time, he didn’t want to use hard medical tape, so he created a new type of tape that mimicked the elasticity of human skin.
Professional athletic grip tape, physical therapists, and coaches all started using the sports tape when it was developed, but it wasn’t until Brazilian volleyball player Carey Walsh won an Olympic gold medal with a muscle tape at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The “KT sticker” in the population really became popular.
Originally, the patch was made of cloth and paste, but today most muscle patches are made of cotton, spandex and adhesive with thermal glue and release paper.
According to Gleason Wickham, a licensed physiotherapist and sports conditioning expert, this muscle patch basically stretches about 40% of its original length, while maintaining elasticity, while also providing support and no interfere with body movement.
How does athletic grip tape work on muscles?
“When a muscle patch is used, it causes compression or decompression of the muscles in the relevant area and changes pain signals in the brain.”
Karen Scanterbury, PhD, physiotherapy, cites an example when an athlete receives an anterior knee crucifix.
After ligament repair surgery, the leg may feel weak, but if the muscle fibers are used after the application of the muscle patch, the muscle strength can be increased.
According to this principle of action, the muscles are attached to the increasingly “fashionable and cool” appearance.
First, the natural tension and lines can be used to pull up the epidermis and increase the gap between the subcutaneous tissue, thereby promoting circulation and reducing swelling.
Secondly, athletic grip tape can also use the tension of the patch to relax the tight muscles, help the muscles to contract and work, and make the movement easier.
In addition, it also stabilizes the joint and prevents joint abnormalities during exercise.
What physical conditions are muscle patches suitable for?
According to these theoretical effects, muscle stickers seem to be beneficial and harmless, but it is interesting that in the sports medicine community, there is not a lot of experimental evidence to show that muscle stickers can reduce swelling and pain.
Runner’s World cites an analysis of scientific studies suggesting that it may have a limited effect on improving strength and range of motion.
“Muscle stickers can be applied to different parts. Although it looks simple, there are many problems in use, especially not to stimulate overactive muscles.”
Dr. Scanterbury emphasized, “If you use the wrong way, the longer the athletic grip tape is, the longer you use it. The more damage is done.”
Wikipedia's explanation of tape bandage
