Kinesiology tape is a flexible tape used for different purposes, from enhancing circulation to facilitating movement. Physical therapists and chiropractors use it to support the tendons, joints, and muscles. It also enhances motor function when a person is injured or sick.

The kinesiology tape was introduced in the 1970s by Dr. Kenso Kase, DC., a chiropractor who discovered the effects by testing the product on his patients. He invented different methods and techniques of kinesiology taping, most of which are still in use today.

Uses of Kinesiology Tape

Generally, this tape is used to support the muscles and enhance movement. Specific uses of kinesiology tape include:

1. Correcting and supporting the muscles

Physical therapists use kinesiology tape as a Muscle Support Tape  to readjust posture and correct muscles that have been strained for too long. Using kinesiology tape can effectively correct muscles that have been used to being in a bad posture.

It ‘reminds’ the muscles of how they should function. Physical therapists also use kinesiology tape to improve the muscle function of people with stroke or similar illnesses.

Using kinesiology tape can also provide added support for weak or fatigued muscles. When applied over weak muscles, it gives them support. This tape can help patients suffering from Achilles tendonitis or patellofemoral stress syndrome.

2. Reduction of spasms

Using kinesiology tape reduces spasms by hoisting the skin and relieving the knotted muscles beneath the affected area. When the area has been decongested, a different message is sent to the central nervous system (CNS). Consequently, the occurrence of protective spasms is significantly reduced. 

There have been cases of post-injury spasms that have been significantly reduced using kinesiology tape. In the same vein, kinesiology tape also reduces pain. The tape reduces pain and spasms by affecting the signal sent to the brain.

3. Regulation of fluid movement

Physical therapists commonly use kinesiology tape to circulate body fluids. By regulating the movement of fluid, swelling can also be reduced. Recent studies have confirmed that kinesiology tape can circulate fluid flow in the skin, including blood and lymphatic fluid. 

The lymphatic system is in charge of fluid accumulation in the body. Therefore, in the case of swelling from an injury, it can be effectively reduced by using kinesiology tape. Bruises may also get healed faster when fluid is channeled effectively.

4. Reduction of joint irritation

A study revealed that applying kinesiology tape on joints could create extra space between the joints. When the space between the joints increases, joint irritation can be reduced regardless of the tiny increase.

5. Remodeling of scar tissues

Physical therapists use Physical Therapy Tape – kinesiology tape to softly pull the scar tissue to give a stretching effect. This makes the collagen in the tissue gradually stretch. This enhances normal mobility.

6. Improvement of performance

While watching them perform, you may have seen some tape strips on athletes’ bodies. Kinesiology tape also enhances performance.

Some physical therapists are of the idea that this tape improves the performance of athletes by stalling fatigue. Some others believe that the application of the tape makes athletes push themselves to do more, assuming the tape is responsible for their better performance.

How Kinesiology Tape Works

Different chiropractors and physical therapists have different explanations for how the kinesiology tape works. However, these theories are the most prevalent:

1. Kinesiology tape keeps the pain pathways, also called nociceptors, in the skin and muscles in check. This helps reduce the pain signals sent to the brain and explains the significant decrease in protective spasms and pain in the skin and muscles.

2. The increase of subcutaneous space facilitates the flow of lymphatic fluid. Since the flow of lymphatic fluid is regulated, the accumulation of fluid, which leads to swelling, is significantly reduced. The application of kinesiology tape enhances the drainage of lymphatic fluid.

Many physical therapists use this tape in combination with other treatments.

Differences Between Kinesiology Tape and Athletic Tape

The kinesiology and athletic tape are adhesive strips glued to the skin; this is where their similarity ends. Kinesiology tape and athletic tape are used for different purposes.

Kinesiology tape is flexible and made to feel like the skin. Athletic tape, in contrast, is not so flexible. While kinesiology tape facilitates movement, its counterpart is used to reduce movement. With kinesiology tape, you can move the taped area freely, whereas athletic tape binds the area and minimizes your ability to move it. 

Qualities of Kinesiology Tape

Since the development of the Kinesiology tape in the 1970s, there have been different brands of kinesiology tape. There is no gainsaying that these brands have variations in the kinesiology tape they produce. While some like that of Hampton Adams are of standard quality, others are made with substandard products, which give users a less-than-satisfying result.

In the same vein, various athletic tape brands have different qualities. From sticky adhesives to athletic tapes that are painful to remove, one bad experience from using substandard tapes is enough to make you wary of getting another one.

Whether athletic tape or kinesiology tape, it is important to know the qualities of an original tape. 

1. Easy Detachment

Both kinesiology tape and athletic tape are meant to be detached quite easily. This means that the tape should be easy to tear. 

Athletes who have used an ordinary athletic tape will testify to the fact that they were quite difficult to tear. Also, physical therapists who have experience in applying kinesiology tape to patients’ skins will understand that there are types of kinesiology tape that are hard to tear with the fingers.

2. Non-stick Adhesive

This may make you a bit confused and you’re probably thinking, ‘Isn’t the adhesive supposed to stick?’. As much as the heat-activated adhesive is meant to stick, it should not stick when it is being removed. When you remove a tape with a sticky adhesive, it makes you feel pain as it tugs harshly at your skin(and, if there is, the hair beneath the tape). Premium tapes remove easily from the skin without causing any discomfort or pain. 

3. Zero Remnant

After removing a kinesiology tape from the skin, there should be no remnant. While substandard tape will leave a bit of glue on the skin, premium tape produced by a reputable company like Hampton Adams leaves no glue residue. This means that after removing the tape, there would be no sign that a tape was even there.

How To Use Kinesiology Tape

It is essential to consult a doctor or physical therapist before deciding to use kinesiology tape. The therapist would recommend the type of tape that best suits your skin. While some types of kinesiology tape can be applied without any skills, you still have to get the go-ahead from your therapist before using it yourself. 

Here is how to apply kinesiology tape:

1. Clean the area to be taped. This is to remove oils that can prevent the tape from sticking. If you have hair in the area, you may have to shave off the hair.
2. Tear the paper protecting the tape from the center and apply. You should ensure you don’t touch the adhesive side of the tape so that the adhesive can stick to the skin properly.
3. Follow the stretching guidelines as given by your physical therapist.
4. Start to rub the tape on the skin gently for about 15 minutes. The heat will help the adhesive to become activated.
5. Avoid touching water or doing anything that makes you sweat for about 50 minutes.
6. If you feel a burning sensation on your skin, you should immediately remove the tape and inform your physical therapist.

Removing Kinesiology Tape

Waterproof Kinesiology Tape can last for about four to five days, even with water contact. However, when it is time to remove the tape, there are a few important things to note.

1. Loosen the strips of the tape first. You may use some mild lotion or baby oil.
2. After lifting the tip gently, remove the tape from your skin by pressing down. You should not pull up the tape or just peel it off at once.

Contraindications to Kinesiology Tape

Just like every other type of treatment, there are some conditions under which you should not use kinesiology tape.

1. Allergy

If you have previously experienced a reaction to kinesiology tape, it is advisable not to use it again as you may be allergic to adhesives.

2. Open wound 

You may have a severe infection when applying the tape to an open injury.

3. Cancerous tissue 

Since kinesiology tape increases blood circulation, it may worsen active cancer by supplying more blood to the cancerous tissue.

4. Organ transplant and lymph node removal

 If you’ve had an organ transplant, you must talk to your therapist about it first. Also, applying the tape where a node has been removed may be dangerous.

5. Diabetes 

You may not feel your skin reacting to the tape; this may not be safe.

There is still the need for more research studies on the mechanism of kinesiology tape. This would give accurate information on the limits of the effects of the tape.