What Is Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape?

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Kinesiology tape or kinesiology tape (KT) is a relatively new form of elastic bandage—therapy used in the treatment of athletic and other injuries.

It can be used for injury prevention or during rehabilitation after an injury. The tape is a thin and stretchy elastic-cotton strip with a heat-activated acrylic adhesive.

Kinesiology tape is a form of dynamic taping due to its ability to stretch, in some cases stretching to over twice its original length.

If the tape is applied with more stretch than its normal length, it produces a recoil effect, which then creates a tension force on the skin and muscles on which it has been applied.

The elastic property of the tape allows for greater range of motion than traditional rigid tapes, which often restrict movement. KT can be left on for longer periods of time (up to a week or more).

The tape has similar properties to human skin in both thickness and elasticity, which means the tape doesn’t bind or restrict range of motion, but still provides support and body proprioceptive input to the nervous system.

KT is often used as an adjunct to other therapy and is rarely used as a stand-alone treatment.
There are several different manufacturers of kinesiology tape through—out the world and availability is country dependent.

6 Most Popular Kinesiology Tapes

Preview	Name	Star Rating	More Details
	KT TAPE PRO Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape	4.3 / 5 Stars Over 1,610 Customer Reviews	More Details! Click Here
	RockTape Kinesiology Tape for Athletes (2-Inch x 16.4-Feet)	4.3 / 5 Stars Over 1,580 Customer Reviews	More Details! Click Here
	AZSPORT Kinesiology Tape, Uncut 2 Inch x 16 Foot Roll, Blue	4.5 / 5 Stars Over 1,240 Customer Reviews	More Details! Click Here
	Physix Gear Sport Kinesiology Tape 2" x 16.5	4.7 / 5 Stars From over 1,150 Customer Reviews Reviews	More Details! Click Here
	KT TAPE Original Cotton Elastic Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape - 20 Pre-Cut 10-Inch Strips	4.1 / 5 Stars From over 980 Customer Reviews	More Details! Click Here
	Master of Muscle Kinesiology Tape	4.0 / 5 Stars From over 890 Customer Reviews	More Details! Click Here

Reasons to have this treatment

KT is good for bruising, fluid accumulation, inflammation, muscle activation and inhibition, instability, hypermobility, hypomobility, acute al chronic pain, injury prevention, poor circulation or healing.

Reasons this treatment might not be suitable for you

KT should be avoided when there is an allergic reaction to the tape or there are severe injuries requiring greater support than the tape can provide. Taping that excessively restricts a joint’s range of motion can lead to further injury. Taping should not be applied to lacerations, abrasions or blisters.

Treatment effects

The tape is designed to lift the top layer of skin off its underlying layer. Increasing the space below, creating a negative pressure gradient and providing greater lymphatic drainage, which decreases swelling.

The lifting of the skin is also said to take pressure off underlying pain-sensitive fibres and to stimulate mechanoreceptors (movement receptors) to improve joint proprioception. Better muscle endurance and increased performance is claimed with this therapy, as well as faster recovery after intense exercise.

Positive attributes of Kinesiology Tape

KT can be used as both an injury prevention and rehabilitative measure. The tape is latex free, making it somewhat hypoallergenic, and those with a hypersensitivity to latex can wear it.

The tape is water-resistant and breathable due to the cotton fibres, which allow for evaporation, quicker drying and longer wear time.

Taping has been proven to have a positive placebo effect; patients often feel safer or protected regardless of the physiological effects of the tape.

Negative attributes

The effectiveness of the tape is often dependent on its application, with novice tapers tending to get less effective results due to inappropriate placement. Patients can develop a psychological dependence on the external support. Incorrect taping might predispose to injury or cause severe blisters.
Taping is comparatively more expensive for injury prevention than other techniques such as bracing due to the need for continual reapplication.

Side Effects

Common adverse effects include chafing or rash due to allergic skin reactions. Rare adverse effects include severe skin lesions or wounds or both.

Recommendations

Special care should be taken when applying the tape if you have a neurological problem involving sensory loss. Skin preparation should be carried out before taping.

This includes the removal of hair, cleaning of the skin, addressing of any lesions with necessary consultation, using adherents and avoiding the application of oils and creams

Proof of Effectiveness

Studies have shown that, when applied to the lumbar muscles of chronic k pain sufferers, kinesiology taping leads to pain relief and improved muscle function. A small improvement in strength and range of has also been demonstrated.