Kinesio taping is made of a special elastic material that is applied directly onto the skin in specific techniques that help the body through unrestricted movement. It also assists the body’s muscles, ligaments and joints, allowing performance to improve and prevent injury, as it improves stability and gives the body support. You can also use taping for scar management.
As the tape has similar elasticity to the human skin, it allows the tape to move with the skin and does not restrict agility. When applied correctly, it almost lifts the skin from the underlying tissues.² This allows the following to occur:
- The underlying tissue can be offloaded from the stress;
- As the tape lifts it improves blood and lymphatic flows;
- There is pain relief as the sensory receptors in our body are stimulated.
Who can benefit from this technique?
People experiencing the conditions listed below can be assisted by Kinesio taping:
- Sports injuries eg sprains and muscle strains;
- When swelling is present or even bruising;
- Neck, back and any joint pain or stiffness;
- It can also be used after surgery;
- After rib fractures or injuries.
Do the different colour Kinesio tapes mean anything different?
The different colours of tape do not mean different strengths, functions or therapeutic properties. They have the same elasticity, adhesive and the effectiveness is the same as each other. Some people or therapists choose a colour due to it being a “team” colour, or personal preference or relating to colour psychology. This is where pink or red can be for stimulation and comfort, whereas blue is seen as more calming.¹
How long should you keep the tape on for?
Kinesio tape can stay on the body for approximately three to five days. It can be worn when showering, swimming and other activities.³ Throughout the day, it allows a therapeutic effect to occur during regular activities.
When the tape is used in water with activities such as swimming and showering, you will have to pat the tape dry or even use a hairdryer on a low setting.³ To remove the tape, wipe on baby oil as this will soak into the tape and allow you to remove it without pain.
However, if you experience itching, rashes or increased temperature in the area of the tape it could be an allergic reaction. It is important, therefore, to remove the tape and inform your therapist.
Can Kinesio taping be done by patients themselves?
You may be able to apply this tape at home yourself, but it will likely not be as effective until you are shown how to position it correctly. This is because a physiotherapist will assess the injury or area of concern and then correctly choose a specific application technique for optimal benefit. During the treatment session, a physiotherapist should show and teach you how to apply the tape yourself and how to manage it going forward.
References:
- Akuthota, V., & Nadler, S. F. (2004). Core strengthening. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85(3 Suppl 1), S86–S92.
- Avers, D. (2020). Exercise and Physical Activity for Older Adults. In D. Avers & R. Wong (Eds.), Guccione’s Geriatric Physical Therapy (4th ed., pp. 166–200). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-60912-8.00008-7
- Chaitow, L., & Lovegrove, C. (2012). Diaphragm dysfunction: Its detection and management, part 1. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 16(1), 79–86.
- Kibler, W. Ben, Press, Joel, and Sciascia, Aaron. (2006). The Role of Core Stability in Athletic Function, Sports Medicine, 36(3), 189–198.
- Sannasi, R., Dakshinamurthy, A., Dommerholt, J., Desai, V., Kumar, A., & Sugavanam, T. (2023). Diaphragm and core stabilization exercises in low back pain: A narrative review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 36, 221–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2023.07.008
- Sekendiz, B., Altun, Ö., Korkusuz, F., & Akin, S. (2007). Effects of Pilates exercise on trunk strength, endurance and flexibility in sedentary adult females. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 11(4), 318–326.
- Willson, J. D., Dougherty, C. P., Ireland, M. L., & Davis, I. M. (2005). Core stability and its relationship to lower extremity function and injury. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 13(5), 316–325.