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.
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
While kinesiology tape seems a lot like elastic athletic tape, there are differences between the two. Among them are that:
Kinesiology Tape
Used to facilitate motion and inhibit pain
Flexible
Can improve circulation
Athletic Tape
Used for support and to limit motion
Inflexible
Decreases circulation
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.
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This video has been medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD
Research has shown that kinesiology tape may do the following:
Improve circulation and lymphatic drainage
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.
Improve Proprioception
Kinesiology tape may stimulate mechanoreceptors 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.
How Kinesiology Tape is Used
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.
The tape is water-resistant and strong enough so that you can keep it on for three to five days while going about your usual activities. However, some researchers recommend not leaving the tape on for more than 24 hours at a time.
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.
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.
Summary
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.
Does kinesiology tape boost athletic performance?
Some studies do show that using the tape on injured areas can help reduce pain, but it's unclear whether the pain reduction is significant. There isn’t strong evidence that it enhances performance in healthy athletes, as some have claimed.
Learn More:
Using Kinesiology Tape for Shoulder Injuries
Are there drawbacks to using kinesiology tape?
It’s possible to cause blisters or tears on the skin if you tape an area too tightly. If the tape isn’t applied in the right direction and with the right amount of stretch, it may not be effective. A professional should put the tape on and teach you how.
Learn More:
What to Expect in Sports Medicine Physical Therapy
Can you shower when you have kinesiology tape on?
Yes. The tape should last three to five days on your skin even with showering.
Learn More:
Kinesiology Tape Can Prevent Nipple Irritation
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