The colored bands that players use, called Kinesio Tape, are functional bandages that serve to stabilize the joints and preserve the athlete's muscles, tendons or ligaments during training or competition.
Thus, the adhesive tapes normally used by the players serve to:
- Improve performance in training;
- Improve local blood circulation;
- Reduce impact on joints without limiting movement;
- Check for better support of the affected joint;
- Decrease pain in the injured site;
- Increase proprioception, which is the perception of your own body;
- Decrease local swelling.
However the use of tapes should be part of a treatment that also includes muscle strengthening and stretching exercises, as well as other techniques to prevent and combat injuries. Here are some options in: What to do to combat muscle fatigue.
How to Use Kinesio Tape
Although anyone can benefit from using this functional bandage, they should be placed by a physiotherapist, physician, or physical trainer at the injury site to provide better support, avoid pain, and decrease muscle fatigue. These adhesive tapes may be placed in the form of X, V, I, or in web form, depending on the purpose of the treatment.
The tape is made with hypoallergenic material and should be changed at the most every 4 days, and it is not necessary to take it out for a shower. Their price ranges between 25 and 50 reais and can also be used by people who do not play any kind of sport.
See too:
- What to eat before and after exercise
- Best exercise to lose weight
