I'm sure many of you would have seen the Kinesio Tape at this year's Olympic Games. You can't possibly miss the strips of brightly coloured tape on arms, legs, backs, you name it, of many of the top athletes. Even our beloved Dato Lee Chong Wei had skin coloured ones on his arms.
What is this Kinesio tape?
Many athletes believe it has medical benefits.
The tape was invented by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase in the 1970s. The U.K. web site for Kinesio tape claims it can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, relax muscles, enhance performance, and help with rehabilitation as well as supporting muscles during a sporting event.
Below are few general benefits of kinesio tape:
- Prevent injuries
- Treat injuries / rehabilitation
- Promotes blood circulation
- Posture correction
- Optimized performance
- Almost immediate treatment
- Able to shower and sleep with it
- Stays on up to 3-5 days throughout treatment
- No heavy bracing
- No restriction / elastic
So What Does it have to do with Pregnancy?
I really wish I knew about this for both pregnancies. Why? Because honestly as fit as you might be, at some point your back would have caused you some pain, carrying all that weight.
Kinesio tape is a drug-free, safe alternative, which can help relieve many pregnancy symptoms including back pain, swollen feet, sciatica, carpal tunnel, and other aches and pains. This makes it an ideal option for expectant mothers seeking relief from the aches and pains associated with pregnancy.
While I used a tube top for both pregnancies, it was more for hiding my unzipped pants than it offering any support at all. I hadn't known about belly wrapping then, so I just stuck with deep heat plasters to alleviate the pain - soooo AUNTY right?
I imagine (since I can't say I've used it myself), that if you placed the Kinesio tape on strategic places like the belly or your back, it could help lift and help to distribute the weight evenly resulting in added support.
Where should I place the tape?
According to diaryofafitmommy Sia Cooper, here are some placings that can greatly aid during pregnancy.
Technique #1 - Baby Belt
Technique #2 - Belly Belt
Technique #3 - Lower Back & Belly Support
Technique #4: Maximum Support
Where Can I Buy Them?
If you're thinking of giving these tapes a try, here are some links to check out:
Important: Please talk to your Chiropractor or healthcare provider to discuss if kinesiology taping is appropriate for you. Also, be sure to notify your practitioner if you have sensitive skin, or better yet, test it on a small patch of skin to ensure you aren’t reactive to the tape adhesive. Once your kinesiology tape has been applied, your practitioner will give you instructions on how to preserve the integrity of the tape while showering, bathing and dressing.
To read more about how Kinesio Tape can help with pregnancy, visit here: Diary of a Fit Mummy