The Kinesio Taping Method (also referred to as K-Taping) is a rehabilitative taping technique that is used to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. It is also used to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinical setting, thus improving the outcome of soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization and joint manipulation.
Kinesiology taping is done with a K-Tape, or KT, which is an elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive. It has the elasticity similar to that of skin, so when applied on skin you can have your full range of motion without any restrictions. The tape’s medical-grade adhesive is also water-resistant and strong enough to stay on for three to five days, so you can work out or take showers with the tape on.
When the tape is applied to your body, it recoils slightly, gently lifting your skin, creating a microscopic space between your skin and the tissues underneath it. When applied over the joints it slightly increases space there, helping to reduce the joint irritation.
Kinesiology taping changes the signals on pain pathways. All of your tissues — skin, connective tissue, fascia, muscles — contain sensory receptors that feel pain, temperature, and touch. All those receptors contribute to proprioception that is your brain’s sense of where your body is and what it’s doing. Kinesiology taping creates a lift that unloads the underlying tissues. Decompressing those tissues can change the signals going to the brain. We also use kinesiology tape to lift the skin over tense, knotted muscles called trigger points. When the area is decompressed, pain receptors send a new signal to the brain, and tension in the trigger point decreases.
Taping helps improve circulation of blood and fluids. If you’ve been injured, kinesiology tape might help improve circulation and reduce swelling in the area where you’re hurt. The theory is that when kinesiology tape is applied, it creates extra subcutaneous space, which changes the pressure gradient in the area underneath your skin. This change in pressure enhances the flow of lymphatic fluid. Changing the flow of lymphatic fluid helps bruises heal faster.
Your therapist will clean and dry the skin, then apply the tape in a specific pattern and tension based on your condition. The tape stays flexible and can be worn during normal activity, showering, and light exercise for several days.
Yes — K-Tape is water-resistant, though it’s best to pat (not rub) the area dry afterward to help it stay in place longer.
No — unlike rigid strapping, kinesiology tape is designed to support muscles and joints while allowing a full, natural range of motion.
Skin sensitivity is uncommon but possible; your therapist will check your skin and can do a small patch test if you have a history of sensitive skin or adhesive allergies.
Tape is generally left on for three to five days at a time, with a short skin recovery break before reapplication, unless your therapist advises otherwise for your specific case.
No — the different colours are purely cosmetic and don’t affect how the tape works; you’re welcome to choose whichever colour you prefer.
