Exactly as the name says, kinesiotaping is specialized body tape that adheres directly to the skin to
improve or enhance performance. Kinesiotape was created in the 1970s by a Japanese chiropractor to
improve and enhance movement and mobility with his athletic patients. Over 50 years later, there are
numerous brands of athletic and body tape that can be found in corner pharmacies, big box stores, even
chiropractic and physical therapy offices. But what is Kinesiotape and how does it work to improve
movement?

If you’ve watched competitive athletic events or the Olympic games, you may have seen bands or strips
of colored tape spread in patterns across parts of the athlete’s body. Why do athletes have these strips
of tape on their bodies? Because Kinesiotape lessens pain, improves movement of the muscles and
joints of the area, reduces swelling, and provides support for areas that may experience increased stress
due to competitive demands. This can not only address areas that are injured, but also help prevent
injury from occurring in the first place!

Common places to apply Kinesiotape include shoulders, knees, legs, wrists, stomach, and the upper and
lower back. Kinesiotape is also versatile and safe for most people to use. In fact, one specific taping
approach uses this tape with pregnant mothers to help support the growth of her baby and the
expansion of her abdomen directly on the skin. Talk about support and improvement!

But what exactly is this tape, and how does it benefit the body? Let’s begin!

What is Kinesiotape and how does it work?

As the name suggests, Kinesiotape is a specific type of tape. Like package tape or athletic tape, one side
is sticky and will easily adhere to another surface such as a carpet, floor, or human body part with
medical-grade temporary adhesion. Unlike other tapes, however, Kinesiotape is designed to imitate the
skin by being elastic, breathable, and stretchable.

Kinesiotape is made from cotton, nylon, and water-resistant adhesive, and it is very stretchy. It can
remain on the body for several days if required, and the stretchiness of the tape allows it to conform to
the surface area of most muscles and joints of the body. The tape acts like a spring to help improve
movement patterns and add sensory information to the brain through the skin.

When the tape is applied to the skin, it slightly retracts. This dynamic recoil is hypothesized to traction
the skin lightly enough to create a space between your skin and the soft tissues underneath. The
microscopic expansion is enough to improve lymphatic flow, increase circulation, and provide additional
room for muscular and joint mobility, thereby reducing the stress and irritation of load on a muscle or
joint. This elastic stretch also improves circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids in and out of soft tissue
by tractioning, or pulling, the skin and changing the pressure gradient underneath the applied area.

The patterns you see on an athlete’s body will vary. Kinesiotape is applied in specific directions and
patterns to confirm not only to the joint or muscle, but also to balance both stabilization and decompression. Therefore, you may see fanning, bends, patterns, or artful shapes to the tape application. It is not a solid piece of tape that is cut and broadly applied to an area or joint.

Unlike other types of tapes, Kinesiotape provides support while allowing you to still move normally. You
can wear Kinesiotape for several consecutive days and still shower, exercise, and sleep while wearing it.

After three to five days, the tape should be removed. The duration of Kinesiotape makes it
exceptionally helpful to treat injuries, retrain and re-educate muscles, and enhance performance. It is
also latex-free and hypoallergenic; unlike many other forms of body tapes, it is suitable for most people.

Is all body or athletic tape Kinesiotape?

Not at all. Kinesiotape is a specific brand of tape, and not all brands are created equal. Think of the
different brands of bandages ranging from generic drugstore content to Band-Aids. There’s only one
Kinesiotape.

Can Kinesiotape help me?

When applied on the body, it can assist with various medical conditions such as overworked or injured
soft tissues like shoulder sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, knee injuries, meniscal
injuries, ankle sprains, and more. The tape helps reduce pain and addresses potential re-injury to the
affected area!

Further research is required to substantiate the benefits, but current research is promising for the
application in managing muscle and joint injuries. Anecdotally, the benefit of this treatment is reported
by doctors and patients alike when used in conjunction with other therapies and treatments.

Kinesiotape is a valuable addition to managing the recovery of many types of injuries. It is most valuable
in the hands of a skilled chiropractor or physical therapist as an adjunct to treatment! This tape can
provide an extra “edge” in correcting the root problem, whether it is managing an acute injury and
inflammation, retraining and redirecting muscle control, improving balance and sensory input to a
muscle or joint, or a specific goal to your treatment plan.

There are certain times when this tape should not be used. Some examples include open wounds,
fragile skin, allergic reactions, active cancer sites, and others. Kinesiotape is best used by a
knowledgeable practitioner who can determine if this therapy is the correct approach to add onto your
treatment or performance plan.

Ask our office today about kinesiotape and if it’s the right addition for you!