First used by acupuncturists and chiropractors in Japan, today kinesiology tape is used by practitioners throughout the world to treat injuries and improve sports performance.

Tape is applied along the length of the injured muscle and as the elastic tape recoils it lifts the skin from the tissue below. This has an effect of:
• reducing the sensation of pain
•promoting circulation assisting in the reduction of any swelling or bruising and enhancing the blood flow to the injured muscle.
•Biomechanics dysfunction – The tape provides support or stability without restricting the range of motion.
•Postural dysfunction – It improves the proprioceptive feedback to the area which assists in the retraining of the muscles that maintain the correct posture.

Equine Kinesiology Tape  is used to enhance performance in reducing the negative effects of fatigue. That is, it doesn’t necessarily make an athlete’s performance greater than baseline measures, but can reduce the drop off in performance that is often evident when fatigue is a factor.

• Improve endurance as the increased circulation can assist to improve the supply of oxygen to muscles and the removal of the lactic acid.
• Improve recovery time after intense training sessions or races, as the increased circulation assists in the removal of waste products such as lactic acid.

It can be used as either a sole or an adjunctive treatment in equine therapy. It can be used to reduce or control pain, manage swelling or oedema, increase joint range of motion and muscle function, and maintain a level of functionality and comfort for the horse throughout the rehabilitation process. It can also be used to assist the equine to maintain functionality and comfort in training and assist with recovery, thus facilitating overall soundness in the equine athlete.

Key Symptoms that taping may assist:

• Muscle Strains or Tear
• Muscle Stiffness
• Post Acupuncture / Body Work Inflammation
• Prolong the Effects of Myofacial Release
• Tendonitis, Tendonopathy or Desmitis
• Rehabilitation, Management and/or Prevention of Movement Dysfunctions

Safety

It is important to note that some horses may behaviorally react to the tape, just as they would a nuisance fly on their skin. This is due to the horse’s highly evolved proprioception mechanism that is regulated and monitored from receptors located in the muscles, tendons and joints. Always position yourself in a safe place in relation to the horse when applying the tape. It may advisable to lunge the horse to determine the effect of the tape on the horse, prior to riding.