What is Kinesio Tape and what are the benefits?

What is 
Kinesio Tape 
and what are the benefits?

Kinesio Taping is...

a technique that uses a specialized elastic tape to support and facilitate the body's natural healing process. The tape is made of a thin, elastic cotton material with a wave-like pattern of adhesive on the back. It is designed to mimic the properties of human skin, allowing for comfortable movement and flexibility while still providing support and stability to the affected area.

Kinesio Taping is...

a technique that uses a specialized elastic tape to support and facilitate the body's natural healing process. The tape is made of a thin, elastic cotton material with a wave-like pattern of adhesive on the back. It is designed to mimic the properties of human skin, allowing for comfortable movement and flexibility while still providing support and stability to the affected area.

How the tape is applied makes the difference in the way a specific area is treated. Example; For a postural imbalance application, e.g., rounded shoulders; you would apply the tape with a specific amount of tension, direction and around joint angles to shorten or lengthen the skin, muscles and underlying soft tissues. This type of application will give you sensory feedback, meaning the tape will “talk to you”, letting you know that your shoulders are rounding and slumping forward, queuing you to pull yourself back into optimal position
How the tape is applied makes the difference in the way a specific area is treated. Example; For a postural imbalance application, e.g., rounded shoulders; you would apply the tape with a specific amount of tension, direction and around joint angles to shorten or lengthen the skin, muscles and underlying soft tissues. This type of application will give you sensory feedback, meaning the tape will “talk to you”, letting you know that your shoulders are rounding and slumping forward, queuing you to pull yourself back into optimal position
A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in 2018 investigated the effect of kinesio tape on shoulder muscle activation in individuals with rotator cuff tendinopathy. The study found that the application of kinesio tape to the shoulder muscles increased muscle activation and improved shoulder function compared to a control group that did not receive the tape. The authors suggested that kinesio tape may help with muscular imbalances by improving muscle function and reducing compensatory movements.
A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in 2018 investigated the effect of kinesio tape on shoulder muscle activation in individuals with rotator cuff tendinopathy. The study found that the application of kinesio tape to the shoulder muscles increased muscle activation and improved shoulder function compared to a control group that did not receive the tape. The authors suggested that kinesio tape may help with muscular imbalances by improving muscle function and reducing compensatory movements.
Another unique application is for lymphatic drainage which is the process of removing excess fluid from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream. A study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine in 2018 investigated the effect of kinesio tape on lymphatic drainage in athletes with ankle sprains. The study found that kinesio tape applied to the injured ankle increased lymphatic flow and reduced swelling compared to a control group that did not receive the tape. The authors suggested that kinesio tape may be a useful adjunct therapy for managing lymphatic drainage in athletes with ankle sprains.
Another unique application is for lymphatic drainage which is the process of removing excess fluid from tissues and returning it to the bloodstream. A study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine in 2018 investigated the effect of kinesio tape on lymphatic drainage in athletes with ankle sprains. The study found that kinesio tape applied to the injured ankle increased lymphatic flow and reduced swelling compared to a control group that did not receive the tape. The authors suggested that kinesio tape may be a useful adjunct therapy for managing lymphatic drainage in athletes with ankle sprains.

Benefits of Kinesio Taping

  • Increase Muscle Activation: Kinesio tape may help to activate weak muscles and improve muscle function. (Ref: Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2016 Aug;11(4):528-34.)
  • Improved Muscle Strength: Kinesio tape may help to improve muscle strength and power, particularly in athletes. (Ref: J Sci Med Sport. 2015 Jan;18(1):109-14.)
  • Reduced Pain: Kinesio tape may help to reduce pain in individuals with various musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain, knee pain, and shoulder pain. (Ref: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Sep 2;(9):CD010756.)
  • ​Increased Lymphatic Flow: Kinesio tape may help to increase lymphatic flow and reduce swelling in individuals with lymphedema or other conditions affecting lymphatic drainage. (Ref: J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 Mar;28(3):971-5.)
  • ​Improved Joint Alignment: Kinesio tape may help to improve joint alignment and reduce abnormal movement patterns in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. (Ref: Man Ther. 2016 Aug;24:26-33.)
  • ​Reduced Muscle Fatigue: Kinesio tape may help to reduce muscle fatigue and improve muscle endurance, particularly in athletes. (Ref: J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Oct;27(10):3163-6.)
  • ​Enhanced Proprioception: 11. Enhanced proprioception: Kinesio tape may help to enhance proprioception (the sense of joint position and movement) and improve movement control in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. (Ref: J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2016 Jul;20(3):663-7.)
  • ​Improved Lymphatic Drainage Post Exercise: Kinesio tape may help to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce post-exercise soreness and swelling in athletes. (Ref: J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2017 Sep;57(9):1162-1169.)
  • ​Reduced Compensatory Movements: Kinesio tape may help to reduce compensatory movements and improve muscle activation patterns in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. (Ref: J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Jul;22(3):668-674.)
  • ​Enhanced Recovery: Kinesio tape may help to enhance recovery and reduce the risk of injury in athletes, particularly when used in conjunction with other rehabilitation strategies. (Ref: J Athl Train. 2016 Jan;51(1):16-26.)
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