Does Kinesiology Tape Really Work?

If you're suffering from an injury, you may benefit from a non-invasive treatment that doesn't even require popping a pill: kinesiology tape.

Unlike athletic tape, which limits motion, kinesiology tape is designed to make movement easier by reducing pain.

Developed in the 1970s by a chiropractor named Dr. Kenso Kase, DC, this flexible tape works with the body to promote healing. While Dr. Kase developed his own brand of tape (Kinesio Tape), there are more than 50 different types of tape on the market. Some are designed to enhance performance, and others are designed to control swelling and lymphedema (a collection of fluid trapped in an area due to a lymph system dysfunction).

FAQ: Kinesiology Tape

If you've watched the Olympic Games, you've probably seen athletes wearing kinesiology tape. These brightly-colored strips commonly cover the shoulders, knees and ankles of the world's top athletes. But can it help amateurs and weekend warriors, too? Here, Zhong Aide answers frequently asked questions about this trendy treatment.

Q: What is kinesiology tape?

A: Taping is a decades-old rehabilitation strategy used by physical therapists, chiropractors, personal trainers, athletic trainers and other health professionals to promote healing. Kinesiology tape is a non-latex, cotton tape that stretches with your body. It's breathable, water-resistant and lasts on your skin for three to five days — even as you shower, ice injuries and engage in regular activities.

Q: How does it work?

A: Kinesiology tape supports the body's natural healing process by microscopically lifting layers of skin[. This microscopic lifting stabilizes muscles and tissues, helps your lymph system drain excess fluid and reduce swelling. But unlike traditional athletic tape, it doesn't restrict mobility. Depending how you apply the tape, it can even enhance your range of motion. The tape serves as a sort of tactile cue for the muscles to fire. In fact, many athletes rely on tape to support injured muscles and protect the joints.

Q: What is it used for?

A: Kinesiology tape can be used for almost any ailment from headaches to low back pain. You can even use it to draw out a splinter. But most people use tape to reduce pain and enhance performance. The shape, direction and amount of stretch placed on the tape — along with the duration of time it sits on the skin — combine to achieve the desired goal. Used correctly, tape can also help re-educate the neuromuscular system.

Common goals of tape:
ㆍImproved range of motion
ㆍReduced pain and swelling
ㆍSupport and stability
ㆍScar tissue management

Q: Can you feel it?

A: Most people who wear kinesiology tape can't feel it after the initial application. The tape is elastic, so it moves with your body. In that sense, it feels much different than athletic tape, which often has the sensation of pulling your body in a certain way.

Q: Who should NOT use kinesiology tape?

A: In general, tape is safe to use for almost anyone. However, if you have cancer, an open wound or an active infection, you should avoid tape until those issues resolve. Tape works with your lymphatic system and increases circulation, so it could make some of those conditions worse.

Q: Are there any risks or drawbacks to using kinesiology tape?

A: If you pull too hard on the tape – and make it too tight – you can blister and tear your skin. That's why it's important to work with a trained professional rather than apply the tape on your own. (See below for application tips). The direction and the amount of stretch makes a huge difference.