Kinesiology tape is a sturdy, stretchy tape usually made with a blend of cotton and nylon. It is often used to help facilitate muscle function, stabilize joints, or keep muscles from contracting improperly. It can also be used to help decrease pain, swelling, and muscle spasms.
This article explains what kinesiology tape is, its uses, and the current research around it. It also explains the types of tape available, how to apply it, and when not to use it.
Alexander Klemm / E+ / Getty Images
Kinesiology tape was developed in the 1970s by Dr. Kenzo Kase. He developed many of the techniques used in kinesiology taping today and launched the Kinesio Tape brand of tape. Many other brands of the tape are now available as well.
- What Kinesiology Tape Does
- How the Tape Works
- Click Play to Learn How to Use Kinesiology Tape
- Normalize Muscle Tone
- Types of Kinesiology Tape
- Brands and Where to Buy
- Applying the Tape
- How to Remove the Tape
- Does It Really Work?
- Who Should Not Use Kinesiology Tape?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is KT Tape?
- What Are the Benefits of Kinesiology Taping?
- KT Taping Prices
- Why Bodytonic Clinic?
- KT Taping FAQs
- What is kinesiology tape and what is it used for?
- Is taping a new approach?
- Who benefits from using kinesiology tape?
- Is there published research that supports using kinesiology tape?
- Are there misconceptions people should be aware of?
- Are there any downsides to using kinesiology tape?
- Can people use it at home or should it only be applied by trained professionals?
- What Is Kinesio Tape
- Kinesio Taping Purpose
- Reviews
- ICE™
- Prepare, Perform, & Recover
- Experience the Difference
- WHERE TO BUY KT PRODUCTS
What Kinesiology Tape Does
While kinesiology tape seems a lot like elastic athletic tape, there are differences between the two. Among them are that:
How the Tape Works
There are different theories about how exactly kinesiology tape works.
One is that kinesiology tape creates balance in the neural circuitry in muscles, tendons, joints, and skin. This is thought to reduce pain and decrease swelling. It’s also meant to improve muscle performance and function.
Kinesiology tape is also thought to realign joint positions. It may also be useful in remodeling collagen tissues such as in scar tissue management.
Click Play to Learn How to Use Kinesiology Tape
Kinesiology tape gently lifts the superficial layers of skin, creating a space between the skin, fascia, and underlying tissues. This is thought to promote better circulation and lymphatic drainage, reducing swelling and inflammation.
One 2018 study concluded that kinesiotaping along with manual lymphatic draining improved congestion of lymphatic fluid after total knee replacement surgery and also improved blood circulation, relieving pain and improving functional outcomes after this type of surgery.
Kinesiology tape may stimulate in the skin, muscles, and joints, providing sensory feedback to the brain.
This can potentially change the proprioception input of the sensory nervous system in the muscles, joints, and skin. Proprioception is the sensation that allows you to know where your body is in space (say, how high your arm is raised).
Normalize Muscle Tone
Kinesiology tape is also thought to inhibit nociceptors (pain pathways) in your muscles, skin, and joint structures. Decreasing painful input to the brain is thought to normalize muscle tone, resulting in decreased pain and muscle spasms.
Kinesiology tape has many specific uses. Your physical therapist can assess your current situation and injury to decide on the best use of the tape.
Some common uses of kinesiology tape include:
Types of Kinesiology Tape
Kinesiology tape can be applied in different ways, depending on why it’s needed. Your physical therapist can show you how to use the tape and cut the adhesive strips into the right configuration.
Tape shapes include:
Your therapist or sports medicine provider can ensure that you’re placing the tape in the proper position and that the tape is not too tight or restrictive. They’ll also let you know how long to wear the kinesiology tape.
Brands and Where to Buy
There are over 50 different types and brands of kinesiology tape on the market today, such as Kinesio Tape, KT Tape, or RockTape. Some specific tapes are designed for sports performance, and others are designed for lymphedema and swelling management.
According to the Kinesio Tape manufacturer, the tape colors don’t represent any chemical or physical differences. They’re a matter of personal preference.
Kinesiology tape is available at retail stores and pharmacies, as well as some sporting goods stores. It’s also sold online. The cost varies by brand and where you buy it, but some stores have a generic “house” brand that may be more affordable.
Applying the Tape
Before you start using Kinesio tape, your physical therapist will perform an evaluation and assessment to determine the best use of it for your condition. They will assess whether the tape is necessary for you or if you have any contraindications to using the tape.
Here are step-by-step instructions for applying the tape.
How to Remove the Tape
To remove the tape without hurting your skin:
Does It Really Work?
More research needs to be done to understand the mechanisms of how the tape works and if it truly lives up to its claims.
Recent studies have shown that the use of kinesiology tape can improve muscular contractions in the vastus medialis, a specific part of the quadriceps muscle responsible for controlling the position of your kneecap. They’ve also demonstrated an improved range of motion in the lower back, immediately after the application of kinesiology tape.
To support the use of kinesiology tape to improve athletic performance, RockTape conducted a study of five cyclists and found that they performed 2% to 6% better with the application of kinesiology tape (specifically RockTape) than without the tape. However, this study may be biased, with RockTape as its sponsor and only five athletes with no control group.
Other studies have examined the effect of kinesiology taping and pain, swelling, and improved mobility, with varied results.
Who Should Not Use Kinesiology Tape?
Some people, including those with open wounds, infections, or skin allergies, should not use kinesiology tape. It’s also not recommended if you have health conditions such as diabetes, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, or cancer.
Kinesiology tape is a type of stretchy tape made of cotton and nylon. It is applied to the body in different ways to reduce swelling and pain from an injury, increase mobility, and prevent muscle spasms.
It is important to apply and remove the tape properly. A physical therapist can help with this as well as advise you on how and when you should be using it. People with certain health problems should not use kinesiology tape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kinesiology taping is a treatment designed to enable more effective blood flow and facilitate lymph drainage. It is often used to treat sports injuries, correct posture, support weaker zones of the body, and reduce the appearance of scars. This specialist tape application can help to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and increase circulation to speed up recovery.
At Bodytonic Clinic, we offer professional Kinesio taping as a complementary part of either and Osteopathy or Physiotherapy treatment, based in our award-winning clinics in central London. During a session, one of our professionally-trained osteopaths or physiotherapists will use the Kinesio taping method on affected areas of the body to stimulate pain relief and recovery. At the start of the session, an osteopath or physiotherapist will perform an assessment to determine your range of motion and problem areas. To experience the many healing benefits of the Kinesiology taping technique, book your appointment with us today.
What is KT Tape?
Kinesiology tape is a latex-free, adhesive tape designed to replicate the functions of the human skin in terms of its thickness and elasticity, which allows Kinesio tape to be worn without restricting movement. This means that Kinesio tape is ideal for helping the natural healing process, providing support for the fascia, muscles, and joints. The process of strategically applying K tape to the body helps heal the soft tissues. Because it is both waterproof and breathable, Kinesio tape can be worn during exercise, showering, and even swimming to help support the body.
What Are the Benefits of Kinesiology Taping?
Kinesio taping is a form of physical therapy that improves blood flow by microscopically lifting the skin, which increases the space within the layers of the subcutaneous tissue below. This allows for a more effective flow of blood and lymphatic fluid, decreasing inflammation, alleviating discomfort, and aiding the rehabilitation and healing of a joint or muscle. As well as being used to treat sports injuries such as shin splints and knee pain, it can also help treat other painful conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
KT Taping Prices
Whether you’re looking for pain relief from a sports injury or are looking to improve your posture, we can help. Experience the many benefits of Kinesio taping at the award-winning Bodytonic Clinic today. Book your Osteopathy or MSK Physiotherapy appointment online today choosing KT Taping as the prefered service.
If you would like to discuss KT Taping as part of your osteopathy Physiotherapy treatment please mention on the call or add comments when booking your osteopathy or physiotherapy appointment when booking online.
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KT Taping FAQs
Kinesio taping improves blood flow by microscopically lifting the skin, which increases the space within the layers of the subcutaneous tissue below. This allows for a more effective flow of blood and lymphatic fluid, decreasing inflammation, alleviating discomfort, and aiding the rehabilitation and healing of a joint or muscle.
When used in conjunction with manual therapy, K tape strapping has been proven to have positive physiological effects on the muscles, skin, lymphatic and circulatory system, as well as fascia, ligaments, tendons, and joints.
Kinesiology tape is designed to stay on the body for 3-4 days. When applying the tape, your health specialist will rub the tape to activate the adhesion and ensure that it is securely applied to your skin. Because it is both waterproof and breathable, Kinesio tape can be worn during exercise, showering, and even swimming to help support the body.
Kinesiology tape is used to prevent or treat muscle and joint-related injuries such as sprains, muscle strains, subluxations, and tendonitis. This includes pain or injury in the hamstring, lower back, knee cap, and quadriceps. K tape provides support and relief to the area it’s applied to during or after sports activity.
Athletic tape or sports tape is thick and non-elastic. Unlike K tape, athletic tape is used to restrict movement to speed up recovery. Kinesiology tape on the other hand is thin and stretchy and can be worn during physical activity including sporting events for enhanced performance.
John Castro, PT, DPT, OCS, MTC, Clinical Supervisor at HSS Westchester Rehabilitation and Performance, is a certified orthopedic specialist and physical therapist who has been applying the therapeutic tape for nearly three decades. In this Q&A, he sorts through the hype.
What is kinesiology tape and what is it used for?
Kinesiology tape is a thin, flexible tape that was developed to aid muscle movement and enhance athletic performance. It is often used to relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation and provide support to joints and muscles.
The elasticity, or stretchiness, of kinesiology tape allows for movement. This makes it different from the more rigid rehabilitation tape or support adhesives that have no stretch to them. Those are used to keep muscles and joints from moving and provide support after a sports-related injury, and for people who have conditions that make it difficult to activate muscles or control muscle contraction.
Is taping a new approach?
Taping is not new. Support adhesives have been used since the Olympic games in the 1960s. Athletes like weightlifters, volleyball players, divers and rock climbers have also long used them.
Kinesio Tape® was introduced in 2003 as a neuromuscular tape intended to help improve muscle contraction. The quality of this tape was supposed to be physiologically similar to the skin. It became a trend in the United States in 2008 after an article in The New York Times featured an Olympic beach-volleyball champion wearing the tape on her shoulder. Over time, many different brands introduced similar versions, including KT Tape®, RockTape®, K-Tape® and dozens of others.
Who benefits from using kinesiology tape?
One of the main reasons we use kinesiology tape is to help people with muscle stimulation after an injury. The thin, stretchy tape imitates the skin’s elasticity, so it feels very natural. When you apply the tape, the skin sends signals to the nerves to activate the muscles. When the muscles receive that information, they respond to the stimulation and contract. Muscle contractions produce movement, sustain body posture and position and help stabilize joints.
In addition, kinesiology tape is used to relieve pain from inflammation and lymphedema. It’s applied in a way that pulls the skin upward, creating a space under the skin that improves the lymphatic flow in that area. It may also help prevent arthritic inflammation from flaring, but there is little evidence to support that and it is even less beneficial if the condition is chronic or mobility is a problem.
Is there published research that supports using kinesiology tape?
Most of the studies that have been done are not conclusive. Research outcomes may vary depending on the material of tape used. Different brands use different materials, so studies can generate a high degree of inconsistencies.
Another problem is that most blinded studies are designed to randomize people into groups in which every person receives the same taping technique. However, different application techniques are needed for each patient, body part and condition. Knee pain, for instance, could be caused by issues with the tendon, the meniscus, the fat pad, the ligament or a combination of these. For best results, we must tailor the taping technique for the specific problem causing the pain.
There are some studies that have shown good outcomes when the correct taping technique is applied on the right patient. These included patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, knee osteoarthritis and lymphedema after mastectomy.
Are there misconceptions people should be aware of?
Some people will benefit no matter what kind of tape we use or how we use it. Patients should feel more than 30% better when I apply kinesiology tape. That’s when I know it’s helping. If they only feel 5% or 10% better, then it’s probably a placebo effect.
Additionally, some people think the various colors of kinesiology tape have specific properties and benefits, but they do not. Color choice is simply a matter of personal preference.
The biggest misconception, however, involves claims that applying kinesiology tape for knee or shoulder instability can provide support similar to a brace, but that is not necessarily true. In my opinion, the material is too soft, so it doesn’t create enough stability. There is no conclusive research to support its use in this area. People may want to ask their provider about using the more rigid support adhesives for these particular issues instead.
Are there any downsides to using kinesiology tape?
The major downside is skin irritation. The tape may create blisters and skin damage, so it should not be put on open wounds or used on people who have very frail skin, like older patients.
Kinesiology tape can stay in place for several days and up to three weeks. To remove the tape with minimal skin irritation, I recommend patients soak it when bathing, apply some oil on the area, hold the skin and pull the tape off slowly and gently.
Can people use it at home or should it only be applied by trained professionals?
People can try applying kinesiology tape themselves, but it won’t be as effective. There are instructional videos online, and some practitioners may be willing to teach you how to apply the tape so you can continue to do it yourself at home. But you will have a better result if an experienced or certified practitioner applies it with good technique. Taping is not one-size-fits-all. It requires a certain clinical background and experience to understand how best to apply the tape for each patient’s anatomy and condition.
Kinesio, or kinesiology tape, is a thin, flexible tape used in physical therapy. Have you ever seen that brightly colored tape on athletes at a sporting event, on TV, or even at your gym? That’s Kinesio tape! And kinesio taping is helping people, from athletes to your neighbors, continue their training and daily activities.
Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor, invented it in the late 1970s. His goal was to mimic the body’s natural healing even after his patients left his care. This taping method provided a way to do just that! He went on to establish the Kase Chiropractic Institute. He continued to expand on the initial concept of taping to develop into what is used today in physical therapy for healing.
What Is Kinesio Tape
Kinesio tape is an adhesive tape mainly comprised of cotton that can stretch to about sixty percent of its original length. Its hypoallergenic glue is strong enough to last a few days, traditionally three to five. Daily wear, working out, and showering are allowed while wearing Kinesio tape. While the tape’s components are rather simplistic, the method and uses make this device impressive.
Kinesio Taping Purpose
The benefits of Kinesio taping are vast and could help you target pain and heal! However, there are a few situations in which you want to avoid or inquire about Kinesio taping, including open wounds, sensitive skin, and allergic reactions. Also, you should avoid any condition such as cancer, diabetes, or any issues where increased blood flow could cause bodily harm. If you have any of these conditions, consult a doctor before using Kinesio taping.
However, Kinesio tape is a wonderful tool for most people. With that in mind, there are many ways to apply the tape, each specific to an individual’s issues and goals. The correct application is crucial in getting the desired results, and it needs to be done properly by a professional. Inquire with your physical therapist at Kinetic Physical Therapy.
We realize that you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing where you receive physical therapy treatment. Remember, you can see the same therapist for every appointment at Kinetic Physical Therapy. We value your business! Come for a visit soon!
By on April 23, 2024
2.25
(in)
11.75
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0.50
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Description
Kinesio Fan Cut provides your patients with the benefits of edema/inflammation taping and saves valuable time in the process. Kinesio Fan Cuts are made from the same Kinesio Tex you have grown to love since 1979. Kinesio Fan Cut taping assists in the removal of edema and inflammation by assisting fluid towards a less congested pathway and lymph node. So, whether you’re taping for circulation, lymphatic flow, ankle/knee sprain or a bruised hamstring Kinesio Fan Cut taping has got you covered.
Reviews
Kinesio Tappig ist als unterstützendes Behandlungsverfahren in der Physiotherapie, imLeistungssport und in der Trainingstherapie etabliert.
Kinesio Tappig ist als unterstützendes Behandlungsverfahren in der Physiotherapie, im Leistungssport und in der Trainingstherapie etabliert. Die Indikationen, Wirkungsweisen und Einsatzmöglichkeiten sind vielseitig. Besonders effektiv sind die mannigfaltigen Anlagetechniken zur Schmerzlinderung, zum Schwellungs- & Hämatomabbau, zur Verbesserung der Mobilität und zur Stabilisierung von Gelenken. Patienten und Sportler können mit Ihrer Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe auch vereinzelte Tapeanlagen eigenständig erlernen und anwenden. In diesem 3 tägigen Kompaktkurs erwerben Sie die erforderlichen theoretischen & praktischen Fähigkeiten.
Physiotherapeuten, Osteopathen & Ergotherapeuten
Medizinische Masseure
Heilmasseure & gewerbliche Masseure
Ärzte & Sporttherapeuten
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Our kinesiology tape helps address various musculoskeletal and joint issues, whether the pain is old or new, achy or sharp. Built for performance, KT Tape takes the lead in offering taping solutions to help you PREPARE, PERFORM, and RECOVER. We place an emphasis on pre-hab by providing pain relief and support through everyday activity and recovery. Our market-leading kinesiology tape products offer benefits for common areas like:
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KT TAPE® IS APPLIED ALONG MUSCLES, LIGAMENTS, AND TENDONS (SOFT TISSUE) TO PROVIDE A LIGHTWEIGHT, EXTERNAL SUPPORT THAT HELPS YOU REMAIN ACTIVE WHILE RECOVERING FROM INJURIES.*
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Neck / Shoulder
Tape the neck and shoulder to target muscle soreness or tightness in this area.
Wrist / Carpal Tunnel
If your wrist is tight or painful, you can tape it up to provide relief and flexible support that can last for days.
Low back
Common pain in the low back area can be caused various factors, find comfortable relief with KT Tape’s low back taping application.
Hamstring
Sore hamstrings need KT Tape – try this taping method to provide help with recovery and pain relief.
Plantar Fasciitis
If Plantar fasciitis (arch pain) is keeping you off your feet, try taping it with KT Tape to help with recovery and support!
Shin Splints
Pain in the front of your shins from constant running? Try taping up your shin pain for some relief and keep on moving.
Thumb
If your thumb is jammed or injured, you can tape it up to provide flexible support and improved recovery.
Elbow
Try taping your elbow joint with KT Tape to provide support while maintaining full range of motion.
Quads
Tape your quad muscles for comfortable support without restricting range of motion.
Knee
This application method was designed to help support the patella tendon and provide stability to the joint and common knee injuries.
Calf
Tape your calf muscles to help relieve general calf pain, soreness, or cramping.
Achilles Tendonitis
Tight or painful achilles tendons can result from overuse. Support it with KT Tape using our simple application method.
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