It is just no fun to be sidelined by an overuse injury! Common running injuries include: iliotibial (IT) band syndrome, runner's knee, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and achilles tendinitis. Most of these ailments require some degree of rest from running -- this is when cross training with aerobic machines (excluding the treadmill) is essential. During the injury period and when beginning to re-introduce running, I strongly recommend using Kinesiology Tape.
Kinesiology Tape was developed in 1979 by chiropractor, Dr. Kenzo Kase.
Dr. Kase believed that in order to reduce pain and speed healing, athletes should keep muscles moving and try to improve circulation. Traditional injury treatment involved heavy taping which restricted movement and therefore, blood flow to injured muscles and supporting structures (ligaments, tendons and cartilage). Unlike traditional treatment, the Kinesiology Taping Method gently lifts the layer of skin and attached tissue covering the muscles so that blood and other body fluids can move more freely in and around that muscle.
Dr. Kase believed that in order to reduce pain and speed healing, athletes should keep muscles moving and try to improve circulation. Traditional injury treatment involved heavy taping which restricted movement and therefore, blood flow to injured muscles and supporting structures (ligaments, tendons and cartilage). Unlike traditional treatment, the Kinesiology Taping Method gently lifts the layer of skin and attached tissue covering the muscles so that blood and other body fluids can move more freely in and around that muscle.
I have tried four different brands of Kinesiology Tape and my very favorite is RockTape! RockTape adheres to the skin better than any other brand and has the greatest amount of stretch due to the tape's specialized nylon, which is extremely flexible and very water-resistant. Unlike other Kinesiology Tapes, RockTape can be used both to apply compression (which promotes recovery) or decompression (which relieves pain and swelling). RockTape comes in a variety of outrageous colors and patterns as shown in the photo above.
RockTape will:
- aid in injury treatment
- reduce muscle fatigue and promote blood flow for faster recovery
- promote proper form in various sports by helping athletes coordinate their movements, which leads to increased efficiency of movement and enhanced performance (see website for more details on this specific use of RockTape - http://rocktape.com/
The RockTape website (http://rocktape.com/) has specific information on taping techniques for different injuries and also for enhancing performance in a variety of sports. Also, each roll comes with a sheet of detailed instructions.
When applied properly, RockTape typically stays on for three to five days. RockTape was specifically designed for endurance athletes like runners, swimmers and cyclists. It has been used extensively during Ironman Triathlon events -- this is a true testimony of its adhesive capabilities.
Yes, RockTape does truly ROCK!
*RockTape can be purchased through Amazon. You can click on the Amazon Store link to the right of my blog posts to purchase. Just put "RockTape" into the search box and choose from the various colors and patterns! As an Amazon Affiliate, I will received financial compensation for any purchases that you make after clicking through the Amazon link on my blog. I appreciate your support!
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