Kinesio tape (other brand names we also use include Rock Tape, KT Tape and Strength Tape) is an elastic tape that facilitates the body’s natural healing process. It is latex-free, hypoallergenic, water-resistant and can function on the skin for several days. Traditional athletic taping prevents movement, whereas Kinesio tape allows full movement of the taped area and can help distribute forces to other nearby areas through the fascia, ligaments, and bones.
Depending on the taping technique used, Kinesio tape can perform many different functions. It can improve lymphatic drainage by tractioning the skin, providing pain relief while decreasing swelling and bruising. When applied along a muscle, it can facilitate the muscle’s contraction, thereby improving posture or altering a movement pattern to restore pain-free function. The kinesio tape can even provide joint stability by applying it to the muscles surrounding the target joint.
Kinesio taping is one of the many tools we use to treat, educate and empower our patients. When the use of the tape proves effective for a particular case, our doctors educate the patient on self-application to provide them with autonomy and the ability to perform symptom management independently. There is a reason why countless professional athletes from all sports rely on kinesio tape to stay in the game!
