In any athletic performance, injuries are bound to happen, and recovery becomes very crucial. The term ‘balance taping’ has become more mainstream and synonymous with faster, effective recovery times. But what IS balance taping? Simply put, it is the use of kinesiology tape on an area of concern to not only give additional support to the joint, but it also increases flexibility and range of motion by promoting proper blood circulation.

Unlike regular Athletic Tape which restricts movement of the joint, kinesiology tape does the opposite. The tape is uniquely designed to stretch the body's joint or muscle whilst increasing the body’s natural healing process. When used in conjunction with acupuncture, balance taping is a fantastic way to speed up the healing process to get your body back into your normal activity.

What Can Balance Taping Be Used For?

There are several uses for the tape. Most common uses include joint and muscle pains, restricted movements of the body due to pain or injury, assist in faster recovery time for injuries, support and assist in the correct alignment of the body, decrease swelling/ stiffness of muscles or joints, etc...

How Does it Work?

Kinesiology tape is designed to act and work as close to human skin as possible, allowing increased flexibility and movements to the applied areas. The tape provides and creates a balance in the neural circuitry between the muscles, joints, tendons, and skin allowing it to reduce swelling, pain, and improving muscle and joint functionality and performance. It is also thought to realign joint positions to its original or correct location.

Balance taping also inhibits nocio-ceptors (pain pathways) to the skin, muscles, and joints. By decreasing the pain input to the brain, it normalizes muscle tone, decreases pain, and muscle spasms on the affected area or areas.

How Do I Remove the Tape?

First, it is important to take of the tape within 48 hours of its initial application. If it is not removed within that time frame, the adhesive tape/glue on the tape can be 'stuck' more to the skin causing possible increased skin irritations when the tape is removed. Oils such as baby oil, petroleum jelly, or olive oil can also be used to assist in the removal of the tape. The best and most simple way is to have the area of the tape moist or wet especially when coming out of a shower or bath and slowly remove the tape from the skin.

If you have any further questions about balance taping and its benefits, do not hesitate to reach out to us with any injuries or concerns you may have! Remember, we want you get back into the game FAST with Fast Relief Acupuncture!

As you’re probably aware, acupuncture has been growing to be more mainstream as studies continue to be conducted that show its many benefits. However, what you may not have heard of is a growing segment called ‘sports acupuncture’. This has been gaining popularity amongst both professional and non-professional athletes alike due to the wide range of healing capabilities and its effectiveness in treating common sports conditions.

Organizing a list of the top five benefits and conditions sports acupuncture treats is an excellent way to better educate you on the subject overall and to see if you too can find the relief you’ve been looking for through Sports Acupuncture.

If you have a regularly sore back or neck, or experience muscle pain from time to time, acupuncture is a fabulous healing method. Using acupuncture, the insertion of needles into specific areas, releases both endorphins and helps to improve circulation. The release of endorphins helps to relieve the pain itself, while the increased circulation increases blood blow and oxygen to the injection site. This promotes healing and the removal of waste and dead blood cells so that healthy new blood can reach the damaged area.

Acute Traumatic injuries, or injuries caused from a single blow or hit to the body, are common among athletes especially. These vary from torn ligaments, pulled tendons, and sprains. The reason acupuncture is utilized so frequently with these kinds of injuries is due to how much it reduces healing time.

 Seeking out treatment as early as possible is highly recommended. Once treatment is given, the acupuncture can help to reduce swelling dramatically and alleviate pain associated with the injury. Because acupuncture promotes circulation and blood flow to the region, healing time drops so that you can get out on the court or field once more.

Chronic Conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, arthritis, sciatica, and tendonitis are amongst the most common conditions treated with sports acupuncture. These are caused by overuse of a particular muscle or muscle group over time. This causes stiffness, pain, and possibly a reduced range of motion. In the same way that acupuncture works to heal acute injuries, the promotion of oxygen and circulation of healthy blood flow to these areas allows the body to remove waste and the dead blood cells found deep within the layers of muscle and tendons where the initial problem resides to help to correct the problem.

Both athletes and non-athletes need to be ready to tackle the challenges that each day has for them. Sports acupuncture provides stress relief and promotes better mental health. By allowing the body and muscles to relax, releasing endorphins, and promoting the production of serotonin levels, you will find yourself less stressed, anxious, and overall more mentally sound.

Lastly, sports acupuncture is a great pro-active approach to taking preventative measures. This means in terms of preventing injuries by using acupuncture in key areas such as the lower back, hips, legs, and wherever injuries would be most frequent. It increases flexibility in muscles and decreases the amount of stress placed on the joints to reduce the likelihood of a sprain or tear. Another way that acupuncture is preventative is due to its effectiveness in improving the immune system. If the body is healthier overall, the chances of getting sick are reduced, and the ability to heal becomes much better.