How Does Kinesiology Tape For Horses Work?

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Kinesiology tape is very different from leg wraps, bandages, vet wrap tape etc in several important ways.

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Firstly, the tape stretches and is flexible.  Therefore, it does not restrict range of motion, and at the same time, provides stability and support. The degree of stretch used when applying the tape and application pattern is of paramount importance in obtaining the desired results.  

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Secondly, the tape interacts and lifts the skin thereby decompressing the tissue and enabling increased blood flow and oxygenation underneath. Additionally, the lifting affect forms small convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of affected areas and facilitation of lymph drainage.  The lifting of the skin and tissue decompression also impacts how pain receptors respond to messages from the brain associated with pain and swelling.  This, in turn, helps to facilitate both the healing process in the case of injury and 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 fibers in the muscles.

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