Kinesiology tape is an elastic therapeutic tape used for managing various physical conditions, and its effectiveness depends on the application method. Two primary techniques, inhibition and facilitation, dictate how the tape interacts with the body’s muscular and nervous systems. Understanding the distinction between these methods is the first step in comprehending how the tape works.
The Principle of Facilitation
Facilitation is a taping technique designed to enhance the activation of an underactive or weak muscle. This approach helps “wake up” muscles that are not firing correctly, improving stability and movement patterns. To facilitate a muscle, the tape is applied from its origin (the attachment to a stable bone) toward its insertion (the attachment to a bone it moves).
The application begins by anchoring the tape at the origin with no stretch. With the muscle in a stretched position, the tape is applied over its belly with 25% to 50% tension. The end of the tape is then laid down at the insertion point with no stretch.
The theory is that as the tape recoils, it provides a continuous sensory stimulus to the skin and underlying muscle. This constant input encourages increased neural drive and more effective contractions. This method aims to improve the muscle’s ability to contract and provide support, and the feedback enhances proprioception, the body’s awareness of its position in space.
The Principle of Inhibition
In contrast to facilitation, the inhibition technique is used to decrease activity in overused, tight, or spasming muscles. The goal is to reduce tension and pain by calming an overworked muscle. This is achieved by reversing the application direction, applying the tape from the muscle’s insertion point back toward its origin.
A defining feature of this method is the minimal stretch applied, using only a light 15% to 25% tension. The process begins by anchoring the tape at the insertion point without tension. The muscle is then elongated, and the tape is gently laid down over the target area toward the origin.
The theory is that the tape’s gentle lifting action on the skin creates microscopic space between the skin and underlying muscle. This increased space decompresses the area, reducing pressure on pain receptors and lymphatic channels, which may help reduce pain and inflammation. This decompression also sends sensory signals to the nervous system that downregulate muscle tone, telling the muscle to relax.
Underlying Neurophysiological Mechanisms
The effects of facilitation and inhibition are mediated by the tape’s interaction with the nervous system through skin stimulation. The skin contains mechanoreceptors, nerve endings that respond to mechanical stimuli like pressure and stretch. The tape’s elastic properties create a pulling force on the skin, constantly stimulating these receptors.
The direction and tension of the tape determine the signals sent to the central nervous system. The greater stretch (25-50%) of facilitation generates intense sensory input, which the brain interprets as a signal to increase motor output. Conversely, the lighter stretch (15-25%) of inhibition provides different feedback thought to dampen motor neuron activity and promote relaxation.
Another proposed mechanism is the Gate Control Theory of pain, which suggests the spinal cord has a neurological “gate” that can block pain signals from reaching the brain. The constant, non-painful sensation of the tape activates large nerve fibers that transmit touch and pressure. These signals travel faster than pain signals, effectively “closing the gate” and reducing pain perception.
Practical Application Scenarios
The choice of technique is directly related to the condition of the muscle being treated, either to increase support for a weak area or provide relief for a tense one.
An example of facilitation is taping the quadriceps muscle to support the knee joint after an injury has caused weakness. The goal is to enhance the quadriceps’ ability to stabilize the patella (kneecap) and control movement. The tape is applied from the hip (origin) toward the shinbone (insertion) with a facilitatory stretch to encourage muscle activation.
Conversely, a common application for inhibition is managing upper trapezius tension from poor posture or stress. The objective is to relax the muscle and reduce chronic tightness that can lead to neck pain. The tape is applied from the shoulder (insertion) toward the neck (origin) with a light, inhibitory stretch to decrease muscle tone.