There have been many approaches to orthopedic support, but few as innovative as kinesiology tape. Developed in 1987 by a Japanese company, Nitto Denko, it was derived from actual human physiology - specifically, it was created with the intention of mimicking human skin. This is so that the necessary support is provided for injuries and strains without affecting circulation and range of motion.

The concept behind kinesiology tape began with the idea of aiding the healing process, thereby providing temporary solutions that can lead to permanent improvement. This led to the conclusion that the use of elastic tape could help muscles and joints by providing support. Kinesiology tape was developed and first used in the treatment of patients with particular disorders. Kinesiology tape has since proven to be a highly effective method for preventative maintenance, edema, and to treat pain in addition to giving support to joints and muscles.

After 20 years of material and adhesive development, Nitto partnership with Kinesiotaping Japan Limited expired and they no longer distributed the highly useful and practical product in the United States. Fortunately, this problem was solved during therapy sessions between a chiropractor named Dr. Kevin Jardine and his patient, who was an athlete and industrialist. Throughout the course of treatment for the patient's knee injury, the use of various kinesiology taping methods proved highly effective. Subsequently, they teamed up to develop a product line called SpiderTech, which is comprised of various precut supports for both therapeutic and performance-enhancing purposes using only Nitto Denko's kinesiology tape. This eventually led to the establishment of a new firm known as NUCAP Medical, which is dedicated to the development and production of SpiderTech applications.

The success of its products did not deter Nitto Denko from consistently seeking improvements. After 25 years of kinesiology tape manufacturing, the company has practically mastered its construction. Nitto Denko kinesiology tape is made from high-grade cotton material and acrylic-based, hypoallergenic adhesive that results in a product that is breathable but water resistant and can be worn for up to five days at a time.

One of the most recent kinesiology tape developments is SpiderTech's Gentle products, which use a new adhesive known as Strata Gel. It does not use a high level of adhesion like the conventional tape's adhesive, but instead bonds to the entire area of the skin, resulting in adequate grip without the irritation. Such irritation is generally attributed to damaged dermis cells during wear and removal. By using SpiderTech Gentle, users experience less redness, itching, and skin irritation.

There are three different types of applications of SpiderTech products. These are microcirculatory applications, neurosensory applications, and structural applications.

%0rculatcirculatory applications provide tissue support as well as improving circulation. Neurosensory applications are for pain relief and are provided in the event of fatigue or injury, usually resulting in the patient's capacity to continue training. Structural applications are for the reinforcement of tendons, joints, and skeletal structure for the improvement of posture as well as joint stability.