Notah Begay III has become a catalyst in brand awareness and an advocate for the golf industry. Throughout his illustrious career, Notah was the only full-blooded Native American to win 4-times on the PGA Tour. As a retired professional golfer turned analyst for NBC Sports and The Golf Channel, Notah is very aware of the various disciplines of the game that challenge golfers on a daily basis as he has dealt with his own share of injuries during his career. The repetitious motion of golf and modern club head speeds place a tremendous amount of stress on joints, muscles and connective tissue, which creates inflammation in critical areas and may lead to injury or a reduction in flexibility or power. Nonetheless, the Kinesio taping method can help alleviate pain and relax muscles.
How has Kinesiology Tape helped Notah Begay III?
Speaking of the personal benefits of Kinesio Tape, Notah Begat III stated, “I had discovered an amazing invention, that helps both discomfort and preventing injuries called Kinesio Tape. When you are hurting you do not perform at your best. Kinesio Tape is a simple yet effective solution. Dr. Kenzo Kase changed performance and endurance sports when he invented the therapeutic, elastic tape industry in the late 1970s by creating Kinesio Tape…In my opinion, when it comes to providing the most reputable products for your customers and members there is only one choice in the therapeutic, elastic tape category and that is the Kinesio Brand.”
What is the Kinesio Taping method?
A golfer’s continuous and repetitive movement can create discomfort in specific muscles and joints which cause pain that in many cases interferes with the player’s ability to perform at their best. Pain medications are unpredictable with plenty of side-effects so a healthier alternative has come to light on the PGA and LPGA tours in the way of Kinesio Tape®.
Dr. Kenzo Kase® originally developed both the Kinesio Taping® Method and Kinesio Tex Tape back in the 1970s because he was dissatisfied with the properties of the tapes available. He was looking for a natural way to relieve common discomforts. He knew the pain sensors were located between the epidermis and the dermis (the first and second layers of your skin) so he thought if he could lift these layers, more blood would flow to the strained or injured area. Kinesio is an essential first aid to injuries such as:
- Rotator cuff conditions
- Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow
- Back strains
- Knee strain
- Wrist strain
- Neck injuries
- Foot and ankle strains
- Hip injuries
How does Kinesio Taping work?
Taking Pressure Off Painful Areas – this reduces the tension through weak, strained or inflamed muscles and tendons.
Relaxing Muscles – this assists the stretch receptors in the skin which provides feedback to influence the control of the muscle tension under the skin.
Promoting Lymphatic Drainage – when applied to the skin with tension, the tape will naturally recoil. As a result, it lifts the skin and fascia to allow lymph flow which helps speed up the healing process.
Providing Structural Support – provides structural support for weak or injured muscles and/or joints.
How is Kinesio different?
Dr. Kenzo Kase did not just come up with an idea for tape and then sit back to see what others could do with it. His priority has always been making his patients feel better. In addition to the input of thousands of trained practitioners and instructors worldwide, he continues to be active in the development of applications, products and adaptations – all designed with the goal of better patient care. Progress is constant, as new therapeutic results are considered. If Kinesio may seem slow to make changes, keep in mind that every innovation is tested extensively by Dr. Kase and his team of experts, and by trained practitioners in the field.
What does that mean to a golfer?
Golfers experience many general and specific conditions that may impede their comfort or performance. Kinesio Taping is used to address issues resulting from:
- Overuse and over-practicing
- Poor swing mechanics
- Over-swinging
- Insufficient time dedicated to warm-up
- Rotational stress placed on the spine
- Incorrect grip and setups
- Traumatic force to the body resulting from poorly executed swings
Who should use Kinesio®?
Kinesio Taping is effective and beneficial in so many different settings – from rehab, to medical, to everyday use – it’s honestly hard to set a limit!
For more information, email us at [email protected] or visit kinesiotaping.com. Make your first Kinesio Tape purchase here!
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