Although the research is still minimal, many athletes, teams and physiotherapists use tissue flossing for a variety of reasons. Some of the benefits include: There are different ways you can use your voodoo floss band on your knee. Some professionals tape over the knee cap. Personally, I don’t like the feel of that since I end up feeling more restricted. It’s up to you which technique you use. Others tape below, or above the knee cap, or both above and below using either one or two bands.

Using floss bands effectively involves several steps to optimise their benefits for recovery and mobility. Follow these instructions for proper usage: Driller MW, Overmayer RG. The effects of tissue flossing on ankle range of motion and jump performance. Physical Therapy in Sport. 2017 May 1;25:20-4. There are a few theories that are thrown around explaining how voodoo floss works, but more research is needed to really understand the mechanism behind it. The term “flossing” likely comes from the analogy of flossing teeth. The theory is that muscle flossing helps break up the “junk” in between muscles.Konrad A., Reiner M. M., Thaller S., Tilp M. (2019). The time course of muscle-tendon properties and function responses of a five-minute static stretching exercise. Eur. J. Sport Sci. 19, 1195–1203. 10.1080/17461391.2019.1580319 [ PMC free article] [ PubMed] [ CrossRef] [ Google Scholar] Fiorilli, G.; Quinzi, F.; Buonsenso, A.; Di Martino, G.; Centorbi, M.; Giombini, A.; Calcagno, G.; di Cagno, A. Does Warm-up Type Matter? A Comparison between Traditional and Functional Inertial Warm-up in Young Soccer Players. J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2020, 5, 84. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef] [ PubMed] Vogrin M., Kalc M., Ličen T. (2020). Acute effects of tissue flossing around the upper thigh on neuromuscular performance: a study using different degrees of wrapping pressure. J. Sport Rehabil. 25, 1–8. 10.22541/au.158870163.35192682 [ PubMed] [ CrossRef] [ Google Scholar] There are different ways to treat parts of the body using these latex Flossing Bands, all with immediate results. The narrower bands of 2.5 cm are used for smaller parts of the body, like fingers. Wrap the band around the area to be treated while increasing the pressure (less pressure at the beginning and end). With each wrapping, cover approximately 50% of the previous wrap. Leave the band on for approximately two minutes while your client does his/her exercises. Then remove the band and have your client move (actively or passively) to “boost” perfusion. Repeat this process a few times. Behm D. G. (2018). The Science and Physiology of Flexibility and Stretching. London: Routledge. [ Google Scholar]

Mills, B.; Mayo, B.; Tavares, F.; Driller, M. The Effect of Tissue Flossing on Ankle Range of Motion, Jump, and Sprint Performance in Elite Rugby Union Athletes. J. Sport Rehabil. 2020, 29, 282–286. [ Google Scholar] [ CrossRef][ Green Version]

With each wrap, aim to cover approximately 50% of the previous wrap. This ensures that the floss band is evenly distributed around the area being treated.

The flossband is also regularly used in physiotherapy, especially in patients with postoperative and posttraumatic swellings, adhesions and movement restrictions. This method of therapy is based on many positive experiences. Nakamura M., Onuma R., Kiyono R., Yasaka K., Sato S., Yahata K., et al.. (2021). Acute and prolonged effects of different durations of foam rolling on range of motion, muscle stiffness, and muscle strength. J. Sports Sci. Med. 20, 62–68. 10.52082/jssm.2021.62 [ PMC free article] [ PubMed] [ CrossRef] [ Google Scholar] Active movement: 3 times 2 min of slow knee flexion/extension (90° knee flexion to full knee extension)−2 min rest in between (∑ 6 min) Joint pain and restricted movement are often caused by poor perfusion. Releasing the Floss Band causes an enormous increase in moisture supply (blood and lymphatic fluid). The improved perfusion is immediately reflected in the range of motion.

Once you remove the floss straps, blood rushes to the muscles that were restricted carrying oxygen and nutrients. During muscle flossing, there might be some discomfort, however it should not be painful. If pain does occur during the movement you should remove the floss bands immediately. Benefits of Using Floss Bands Kaneda H., Takahira N., Tsuda K., Tozaki K., Sakai K., Kudo S., et al.. (2020a). The effects of tissue flossing and static stretching on gastrocnemius exertion and flexibility. Isokinet. Exerc. Sci. 28, 205–213. 10.3233/IES-192235 [ CrossRef] [ Google Scholar]

Guimberteau, J. C., Delage, J. P., McGrouther, D. A., & Wong, J. K. F. (2010). The microvacuolar system: how connective tissue sliding works. The Journal of hand surgery, European volume, 35(8), 614. doi:10.1177/1753193410374412 Other studies have found no significant improvements to the range of motion when comparing voodoo flossing to a control group. In a study of glenohumeral (shoulder) range of motion, no statistical difference was found between the voodoo flossing and non-voodoo flossing groups. Interestingly, the Voodoo floss group had a perceived increase in flexibility. Therefore, the effects were psychological, rather than physical! Once the band is secure, move the joint that the floss band is around/close to. For example, if the band is wrapped around your thigh, bodyweight squats are a suitable movement. Perform the movement for 30 seconds to 2 minutes then stop and remove the band. You will feel the sensation of the blood rushing to the area that was restricted. Anything up to 2 minutes in a certain area will be sufficient to get results and you can perform flossing on a number of areas in concession. Pakarklis D., Šiupšinskas L. (2018). Instant Effects of Tissue Flossing on Ankle Range of Motion and Dynamic Balance in Handball Players. lsmuni.lt. Available online at: https://www.lsmuni.lt/cris/handle/20.500.12512/98152 (accessed January 28, 2021). Since it’s hard for patients to know what the source of their bleeding is, the best course of action is to talk with your dentist about your experience, says Dr. Reich. Your dentist can then refer you to a gum specialist, or periodontist, if necessary.Flavor: Everyone's preferences are different in terms of flavor. We considered whether the flavor is overpowering or subtle, whether it is minty or offers a different taste, and whether or not it leaves an unsavory aftertaste. Konrad A., Glashüttner C., Reiner M. M., Bernsteiner D., Tilp M. (2020b). The acute effects of a percussive massage treatment with a hypervolt device on plantar flexor muscles' range of motion and performance. J. Sport. Sci. Med. 19, 690–694. [ PMC free article] [ PubMed] [ Google Scholar] Premium Floss Band is manufactured from natural latex. They are used on ankles, knees, elbow and shoulders. They protect users against injury, minimize pain and stiffness and boost joint mobility. Stevenson P. J., Lat A., Stevenson R. K., Lat B. A., Duarte K. W. (2019). Acute effects of the voodoo flossing band on ankle range of motion. J. Med. Biomed. Appl. Sci. 7, 244–253. 10.15520/jmbas.v7i6.190 [ CrossRef] [ Google Scholar]