Kinesio Tape is a material resembling human skin that can be stretched up to 140% of its length. When applied to the skin, it is believed to have various physiological effects such as reducing pain, improving circulation and lymphatic drainage, and assisting muscle movement. This document discusses the use of Kinesio Tape for orofacial myofunctional intervention, noting that it allows therapists to directly stimulate the skin and proprioceptors, potentially improving mandibular posture, swallowing frequency, and pain relief for conditions like craniomandibular dysplasia.

1. Kinesio Tape®: a resource for
myofunctional intervention
Currently there are more possibilities of intervention available which enable health professionals to carry out a wider range of therapeutic activities. In 1973, a concept appeared in
Japan that allows body muscles a supported movement, generically called Kinesio Taping (Matos, 2002).
This material was developed with peculiar characteristics resembling human skin (Kraiczy et al, 2011). Consisting of a hypoallergenic, thermo active adhesive mass and without
any added drug, it is extensible up to approximately 140% of its length, having a similar thickness and weight to human skin. Kase et al (2003) had considered some effects,
depending on the techniques of application used and the degree of stretching of the band.
The purpose of this method of application consists in promoting a mechanism of lifting the skin that provokes an improvement of the sanguineous and lymphatic
circulation. Casales (2012) and Huang et al (2011) had pointed out in their study the effectiveness of this method in a wide variety of conditions.
This poster is intended to clarify the objectives of the Kisenio Tape application; to frame the neurophysiological effects that underlie the use of the Kinesio Tape; relate
characteristics of the material and its respective effects.
Keywords: ; Physiological effects; Orofacial Miology
2014
Susana Araújo(1) Ricardo Santos(2)
susanamarquesaraujo@gmail.com | ricardosantos_tf@hotmail.com
(1) SLP, MS student in Orofacial Miology and Swallow, Postgraduate in Orofacial Miology and Postgraduate in Oropharyngeal Dysphagia. SLP in Cerebral Palsy Association of Braga. Professor in the Postgraduate Program in
Orofacial Miology (IEPAP).
(2) SLP | MSc in Speech and Hearing Sciences | PhD student in Sciences and Health Technologies | SLP at Private Hospital of Trofa (Portugal) | Lecturer in the Speech Therapy Department in the School of Allied Health Sciences -
Polytechnic Institute of Porto (Portugal) | Invited Professor in the MSc of Orofacial Miology (ESSA) and in the Postgraduate Program in Orofacial Miology (IEPAP).
Krajczy et al (2012) affirm that some analyzed studies confirm the positive influence on
pain reduction that the method provides. Such effects are grouped in a set of actions
improving the functionality and wellbeing, which include analgesia, the effects on
expansion, drainage and articulation (Matos, 2012; Kase et al, 1998).
The analgesic effect is the result of the material on the skin, safeguarded for the theory of
the vestibule pain. In turn, the expansion effect summarizes the capacity to supply a
muscle or muscular group (Matos, 2012; Kase et al, 1998). Enciso (1999) evidenced the
reduction of pain and the increase in functionality when the method was applied.
Kase et al (1998) relates that lymphatic applications stimulate the increase of space
between the superficial fascia, subcutaneous tissue and muscles. Other authors
(Morais & Cervaens, 2012) add that this application technique assists in the opening of
the lymphatic pathways and slide the skin in relation to the fascia. The same authors cite
that the articulate effect improves the amplitude and quality of movement.
Garcia-Muro, F. et al (2010). Treatment of myofascial pain in the shouder with Kinesio Taping. A case report. Man Ther, 15(3), p. 292-5. - Huang C. et al (2011). Effect of the Kinesio tape to muscle activity and vertical jump performance in healthy
inactive people. Taiwan. - Kase, K. et al (1998): Kinesio Taping Therapy Perfect Manual – Amazing Taping Therapy to Eliminate Pain and Muscle Disorders. USA, Kinesio Taping Association. - Kase, K. et al (2003). Clinical Therapeutic Application of
the Kinesio Taping Method. Tokyo, Ken Ika. - Krayczy M. et al ( 2011). The Influence of Kinesio Taping on the effects of Physiotherapy in Patients after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Poland. - Matos, N. (2002). Kinesio Tape: Conceitos e aplicações
no mundo do desporto. - Revista Merino, R. et al (2011). The effects of Kinesio Taping on calf´s injuries prevention in triathlets during competition. Pilot experience. J. Hum. Sport Exerc, 6(2), p. 305-308. - Morais C., Cervaens M. (2012). O efeito da
drenagem linfática manual e das bandas neuromusculares na reabilitação pós-lipoaspiração para reconstrução mamária: estudo de caso. Revista Saúde & Tecnologia. P. 53-59. - Morini Junior, N. (2008) Conceito de estimulação tegumentar –
bandagem terapêutica. Rio de Motions. Research in Sport Medicine: An International Journal, 15(2), 103-112. - Thelen et al (2008). The clinical Eficacy of Kinesio Tape for Shoulder Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Clinical Trial. J Orthop Pheys
Ther, 38(7), p. 389-395.Training, (10-12). - Yasukawa, A., et al(2006). Pilot study: Investigating the effects ok Kinesio Taping ® in na acut pediatric rehabilitation setting. Am J Occup Ther, 60, p. 104-110. - Yoshida, A. & Kahanov, L. (2007). The Effect
of Kinesio Tape on Lower Trunk Range of Zuilian, M et al. (2008). Técnicas de Aplicação de Bandas Neuromusculares. Cascais: Aneid, Produtos Farmacêuticos.
INTRODUCTION
METHOD
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES
SUBMANDIBULAR APPLICATION SUBMANDIBULAR APPLICATION
 Increase local proprioception
 Increased the frequency of
swallows
 Pain relief
 Assists in mandibular posture
EFFECTS ON
MANDIBULAR POSTURE
EFFECTS ON
MANDIBULAR POSTURE
International Symposium on Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Rome | 6,7 e 8 June 2014
Generically this material promotes the constant and lasting stimulation of the
specialized receivers and the free nervous terminations. The behavior alteration of
the motor units increases neural excitement through the mechanical forces
imposed by the elasticity and reactive force of this material (Morini, 2008).
A research of literature was carried out in the Scielo, Medline, Pubmed based on articles published between 1998 and 2013. These were considered experimental or quasi-experimental
articles. The sample consists of symptomatic or asymptomatic subjects who have been submitted to the Kinesio Taping application.
CONCLUSION
This method constitutes a useful tool in the treatment of diverse conditions, such as in cases of craniomandibular dysplasia or for saliva control. It is accessible to therapists, allowing
a direct action on the tegumentary system. In addition it enables proprioceptive stimulation, movement correction and the increase of stability.
The movement of the phonoarticulatory structures, the adequacy of the tone and the internalization of new postures constitute common objectives when we compare the results
achieved with this method to others already used in therapy.