RockTape is a special kind of tape known as kinesiology tape.
We at Emerald Coast Chiropractic are designated a Rocktape Doc, recognizing the fact that we have undergone special training on the use and application of Rocktape kinesiology tape. Kinesiology tape can help facilitate healing and enhance athletic performance.
First used by acupuncturists and chiropractors in Japan, today kinesiology tape is used by practitioners throughout the world to treat injuries and improve sports performance.
While the use of kinesiology is often associated with athletes such as Michelle Wie, Adrian Peterson and Jason Khalipa, the reality is that RockTape is effective for the treatment of a wide variety of problems, not just sports injuries.
RockTape is made from 97% cotton and 3% nylon. The adhesive is a hypo-allergenic, acrylic-based and contains no latex.
Turn down the volume on pain
More specifically, it runs interference on pain. Ever walk your shin and rub it, and suddenly realize you feel better? RockTape on the skin can interfere with painful signals which are directed to the brain. When the signals arriving to the brain are altered, it does not produce the sensation of pain. When kinesiology tape is properly applied, many of our customers call it “magic” or think that it fixed their injury instantly. In fact, it helps to change how your body interprets pain, turning down the pain “volume” that your body hears. RockTape does so by affecting the nerve endings and different types of receptors in the skin of the injured area.
Decompresses an area of swelling and inflammation
When RockTape is applied to the skin, it has a microscopic lifting effect underneath the skin and between the many layers. This allows for greater blood flow to and from and area, all while allowing the by-products created by inflammation to be removed more quickly.
It does so by allowing congested or compressed blood vessels (capillaries, lymph vessels, arteries, veins) to flow more freely. It also creates more room in between layers of fascia, muscle, fat, skin, and other structures.
It delays fatigue
Research has shown that RockTape on skin can attenuate muscle fatigue. In rehab, this is very important, not only for the parts of your body that are currently hurting, but also for the surrounding areas as they help to pick up the slack for muscles that are currently not working well.
It normalizes muscle tone
When someone is injured, fatigued, sick, or inflamed, the symphony of muscle action that normally takes place with great accuracy often falls out of tune. This can happen all over the body. For instance, research has shown that people who sprain their ankle tend to have altered activity of their hip muscle as a result. RockTape helps bring dormant muscle back to life and help calm down the overactive muscles. It helps your body coordinate movement as if it weren’t hurt, hence allowing it to heal properly.
It spreads physical stress
Unlike conventional taping which is meant to prevent any movement at all, RockTape is meant to allow full movement of the taped area. Through elastic properties and quick recoil, RockTape can help distribute forces to other nearby areas through the fascia, ligaments, and even bones.
The proper use of kinesiology tape can enhance the performance of both sports participation and everyday life.