How does China sports tape work?

The China sports tape's designed to mimic the elasticity of the skin so you can make the most of your range of motion. The tape's medical-grade adhesive is also waterproof and strong enough to last three to five days, even when you're exercising or taking a shower.

When the athletic sports tape is pressed against your body, it will flinch slightly and gently lift your skin. This is believed to help create a microscopic space between your skin and the underlying tissue.

There are a range of tapes for special use, for example, kt tape tennis, soccer tape, football arm turf tape, baseball athletic tape, golf tape and volleyball finger tape.

Creates space in joints

A small study with 32 participants showed that when kinesiology tape was applied to the knees, it increased knee space. A similar study showed that kinesiology tape also increased shoulder space. Although the increase in space is slight, it helps reduce the chance of joint inflammation.

May change signals on pain pathways

Some physical therapists believe that tape alters the information your sensory nervous system sends about pain and pressure in your body.

Megan Scully, Ph.D., a certified physical exercise therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist, explains this:

"All of your tissues -- skin, connective tissue, fascia, muscles -- contain receptors for pain, temperature and touch."These receptors are all involved in proprioception -- your brain's sense of where your body is and what it's doing. Kinesiological entanglement creates a lift that takes the load off the underlying tissue. Decreasing pressure on these tissues can change the signals sent to the brain. When the brain receives different signals, it reacts differently, "Scully said.

Triggers are a good example. The physiotherapist uses waterproof sports tape to pull the skin up from these tight, knotted muscles. When this area depresses, pain receptors send a new signal to the brain, and the tension at the trigger is reduced.

A 2015 study showed that when kinesiology tape was used with hand pressure, trigger pain decreased and flexibility increased. A trusted source

May improve circulation of blood and fluids

If you've had been injured, Kinesiology Tape might help improve circulation and reduce respecialise in the area where you're hurt.

A 2017 study showed that kinesiology taping can improve blood flow in the skin. Trusted Source It may also improve the circulation of lymphatic fluids. Lymphatic fluid is mostly water, but it also contains proteins, bacteria, And other chemicals. The lymphatic system is The way your body regulates respecifyand fluid buildu. Kinesiology tape may help improve blood circulation and reduce swelling in the injured area.

A 2017 study showed that kinesiology bandages can improve blood flow to the skin. It also improves lymph circulation. Lymphatic fluid is mainly water, but it also contains proteins, bacteria, and other chemicals. The lymphatic system is your body's way of regulating swelling and fluid buildup.

The idea is that when the kinesiology tape is applied, it creates extra subcutaneous space, which changes the pressure gradient in the area under your skin. This change in pressure increases the flow of lymph.

Research results have been mixed. In two recent studies, kinesiology tape reduced fluid buildup in women undergoing breast cancer treatment and total knee replacement. Trust SourceTrusted source

Altering the flow of lymph can help bruises heal faster. Although few studies have confirmed this effect, some people have reported that when they remove the tape from injured body parts, the area under the tape is a different color than the area under the tape.

The theory is that when the sports tape is applied, it creates extra subcutaneous space, which changes the pressure gradient in the area underneath your skin. That change in pressure enhances the flow of lymphatic fluid.