Kinesiology Taping? What is it? How can it benefit you?

What is Kinesiology Tape?

Originally developed by Kenzo Kase, DC, kinesiology

taping is a therapeutic taping method that utilizes a latexfree

elastic tape. Whereas most athletic tape is stiff and

is used to hold muscles or joints in one position, kinesiology

tape is stretchy—to serve as a gentle reminder to

your body to hold your shoulder in a certain way or to

keep a kneecap in line while biking or running.

There are four main functions of kinesiology tape:

1. Correcting muscle function. Kinesiology tape supports

muscles during movement, and research has

shown that it can provide a bit more stamina than the

muscle alone.

2. Improving circulation of blood and lymph. Studies

show that the tape increases the flow of both blood and

lymph, which can help in the treatment of a number of

conditions, including lymphedema, mastectomy recovery

and swelling.

3. Correcting joint movement. The tape can be used

to keep a joint, such as a knee, gliding and tracking

smoothly while in use.

4. Relieving pain. The tape has an analgesic effect,

similar to what has been described as the “mother’s

hand effect.”

Because of its many functions, kinesiology tape can be

worn both during and after activity. Kerri Walsh, the gold

medalist in women’s beach volleyball at the Summer

2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, wore the tape on her

shoulder during her matches and Lance Armstrong wore

kinesiology tape on his knee during the Tour de France.

Using Kinesiology Tape

Tape worn during competition is applied in the same way

as tape used during everyday activities. Additionally,

kinesiology tape can be left on for several days at a time

and can even be worn in the water as it’s water resistant.

Tape should stay on pediatric and geriatric patients for

about one day, but can remain on middle-aged people

for four to five days.

Although kinesiology tape is very effective, it shouldn’t

be relied on permanently. Experts agree that the tape

isn’t a cure. Instead, it should be seen as a component

of the rehabilitation process; it is not meant to replace a

brace or a cast.

Some companies sell kinesiology tape in a roll and others

offer pre-cut selections to fit on the shoulder, the

knee or the back. The most common pre-cuts are “I”

strips and “Y” strips, named for their resemblance to

those letters. The strips are often sold in kits designed to

fit on a certain body part or for a specific injury.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


This patient information page is a publicas tape used during everyday activities. Additionally,