What is Colored Tape on Athletes?
Colored tape on athletes is officially called kinesiology tape. It is put there to reduce pain and swelling on the affected parts of the body that are injured during sports activities. These tapes may be pre-cut to fit the affected parts of the body, or they may be manufactured in large sizes and cut manually to fit the body. These tapes come in different sizes and colors, depending on how strong and adhesive they are.
How do these tapes work?
There are several theories as to why these kinesiology tapes work. There are two main theories that we will discuss, and these are the sensory gating theory and the movement illusion theory.
However, first we must establish the connection between the brain and the skin. The brain receives signals from the skin by way of receptors. Thus, kinesiology tapes, when placed on the skin, send different signals to the brain about the condition of the part of the body involved.
Sensory Gating Theory
A tape that stretches over a painful joint will send different signals to the brain that will distract the brain from making the body feel pain. This is called nociceptive signalling. The nociceptive receptors from the brain will, in a way, be confused by the tape. Instead of sending signals of pain, they will recognize the stretching of the tape. This may even improve the body’s coordination.
Movement Illusion Theory
Another theory is that having the skin stretched by the tape fools the brain into thinking that the joints have moved. The skin being stretched makes the brain think that the joint has moved without pain. Thus, the kinesiology tape has worked wonders in making your brain think that there is no pain involved in the movement.
Need More Help in Kinesiology?
Give us a call today! TalkLocal can help you find a personal trainer near you who will be able to help you with joint pain and exercise. We’ll connect you with up to three, local professionals in just minutes.
