Adam Kemist, C.Ped and his wife Michelline own the
On Your Mark running and walking store in Los Altos, California. A long time health and wellness professional, Adam is a Board-certified Pedorthist with biomechanics expertise and also has several years of experience as an FNF member. This month in
Ask the Practitioner, Adam answers a few questions about Kinesio tape, which has become an increasingly popular tool among professional and recreational athletes.
FNF: What is the Kinesio Taping Method and how did it come about?
AK: In the mid-1970s, Dr. Kenzo Kase was a well-known Japanese practitioner licensed in chiropractic medicine and acupuncture. He could not find a tape to give him the results that he desired for himself and his patients. So he developed Kinesio Tape.
The Kinesio Taping Method is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while allowing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. It is used to successfully treat a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and medical conditions. Both Kinesio® Tex Tape and the training protocol have shown results that would have been unheard of using older methods and materials.
FNF: What are some of the most common problems Kinesio taping can address for runners?
AK: Plantar Facitiis, Heel spurs, Achilles problems, Patella tracking, shin splints and any pulled muscles
FNF: When do you know you might be a good candidate for trying this treatment?
AK: Any time that you have a nagging injury or discomfort that is not getting resolved with massage and stretching, or an acute injury that is disrupting your training. Both are great opportunities for Kinesio Tape to show how affective it can be.
