How Does Kinesiology Tape For Horses Work?
Kinesiology tape is very different from leg wraps, bandages, vet wrap tape, etc, in several important ways.
Firstly, the tape stretches & is flexible. Therefore, it does not restrict the range of motion, & at the same time, provides stability & support. The degree of stretch used when applying the tape & application pattern is of paramount importance in obtaining the desired results.
Secondly, the tape interacts & lifts the skin, thereby decompressing the tissue & enabling increased blood flow & oxygenation underneath.
Additionally, the lifting effect forms small convolutions in the skin, thus increasing interstitial space & allowing for a decrease in inflammation of affected areas & the facilitation of lymph drainage. The lifting of the skin & tissue decompression also impacts how pain receptors respond to messages from the brain associated with pain & swelling. This, in turn, helps to facilitate both the healing process in the case of injury & the recovery process in the case of training.
​Thirdly, the tape also helps prolong the benefits of manual therapies because the tape helps to increase the stretch of the collagen fibres in the muscles.
Benefits of Equine Kinesiology Tape
Decreases edema and swelling
Can assist with horses that have chronic conditions such as lesions, kissing spine and chronic stiffness with horses that have chronic conditions such as lesions, kissing spine and chronic stiffness
Decreases muscle spasms, tension, soreness and trigger points and helps relax overused muscles
Tissue decompression helps provide pain relief
Decompresses the tissue thereby enabling increased blood flow and oxygenation which promotes and facilitates healing
Aids faster recovery from training
Provides support to tendons, ligaments and joints in both athletic and injury rehab situations
Helps to improve muscle and joint mechanics
Where veterinary treatment is required we are more than happy to work with your vet to find the best approach for your horse. We are not vetanarian's and can not diagnose medical conditions. However, we are able to confidently assess and evaluate your horse’s muscular system.
