Does kinesiology tape work? YES. It has been shown effective at reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain lasting longer than 4 weeks [1] when compared to minimal interventions (ice, education, etc). As with any treatment, it doesn’t work on everyone, and is only part of the overall treatment plan.
Does kinesiology tape really work?
Kinesiology tape works—when applied correctly—by lifting the skin from the tissues below it. Surprisingly, there's actually not a whole lot of evidence that kinesiology tape really does reduce swelling and pain and increase muscle function, as it claims. Click to see full answer.
Does KT tape actually work?
Does KT Tape Actually Work? KT Tape has been used in a variety of ways for different types of injuries. The results vary but in general, are disappointing. For trapezius muscle pain KT Tape was shown to improve pain and muscle strength at one month (5). Unfortunately, there are a large number of different manufacturers and products.
How long can you wear KT Tape?
KT Tape will stay on for multiple days at a time. We recommend that you do not wear it for more than 5 days. Generally, the length of time it lasts depends on where the tape is applied. For example, when applying to a knee or foot which is naturally a harsh environment for tape, the tape will generally stay on for 2-3 days.
Does KT Tape help?
Kinesiology Therapeutic (KT) tape is used to support and relieve pain in muscles, joints, and/or ligaments. It reduces swelling, increases mobility and enhances recovery. KT Tape can be used to prevent or treat many common muscle and joint related injuries including: sprains, muscle strains, subluxations, and tendonitis.
Why does KT tape work so well?
When KT tape is properly applied, the elasticity in the KT tape gently lifts the skin from the tissues below. This gentle lifting of the skin creates a space to improve blood and lymphatic flow which ultimately helps to alleviate pressure and reduce swelling.
How long does it take for K-tape to work?
The tape can usually stay in place for three or four days even while showering or exercising. Positive results are reported to be felt within 24 hours for many users of kinesiology tape.
How long will k-tape last?
K-Tape is designed to stay on for an average of 3-4 days. The adhesive is heat sensitive, so your doctor will rub the tape to make sure it properly adheres to your skin. After 1-2 hours of normal activity, the K-Tape should be properly bonded to the treated area.
What does kinesiology tape actually do?
Kinesio tape, as it's often called, got its name because it is used to aid muscle movement. It's a thin, flexible tape that is meant to relieve pain, reduce swelling and inflammation, and provide support to joints and muscles. K-tape was originally developed as a way to enhance athletic performance.
What are the side effects of KT Tape?
2 Using kinesiology tape near the DVT can increase mobility and blood flow. This may cause the clot to become dislodged and may put you at risk for a pulmonary embolism, which may be fatal. Infection: If you are showing signs of infection, kinesiology tape should not be used, as it may worsen your condition.
Can you wear KT Tape everyday?
Subjects should never wear kinesiology tapes for more than a day [3].
When should you not use KT Tape?
You should avoid using Kinesiology if you are allergic to adhesives. You should also avoid Kinesio if you have diabetes, have open wounds, DVT, Active Cancer, and or any infections in the injured area. You may also have issues using Kinesio if you have thin skin, sensitive skin, or had a lymph node removed.
What are the disadvantages of taping?
Disadvantages of tapingCan be bulky (particularly if using a bracing option)Can be harmful if not performed correctly (e.g. further injury, skin damage, etc.)Can restrict movement and therefore performance.Could increase risk of injury to other joints.Can be costly.More items...•
Can you apply KT Tape by yourself?
You can apply Kinesiology Tape yourself at home, or under guidance from your Physio or Sports Therapist.
What are the benefits of taping?
Support: Taping can be used to give support to muscles that have been injured or overused, not only relieving some of the immediate pain, but also taking stress off that muscle and allowing for faster recovery.
Do you shower with KT Tape on?
Kinesio Tape® is water resistant. You may shower, bathe and swim with Kinesio Tape® on the skin. Let the tape air dry, or pat dry with a towel (do not use a hair dryer to dry). Avoid sun/excessive heat on the tape.
How do you remove Kinesio tape?
0:091:49KT Tape: Tape Removal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd removing it by pulling the skin away from the tape. This way you won't irritate the skin. SoMoreAnd removing it by pulling the skin away from the tape. This way you won't irritate the skin. So again take a corner of the tape. And putting the tape back to back.
Is kinesio tape a placebo?
They added their results indicate that the efficacy of KT tape is likely more than a placebo effect, but more research needs to be done to understand how KT tape actually relieves pain and to determine if patient expectations contribute to KT's pain-relieving effect.
What does the black tape on athletes do?
It's called kinesio (or just 'k') tape. Athletes use the tape as a kind of elastic brace that they say helps relieve pain. The tape and technique were developed by Kenso Kase thirty years ago in Japan. Since then, many companies have developed similar adhesive tapes and they are in something of a marketing war.
How does KT tape work for back pain?
How KT Tape can help. Use Kinesiology tape to relieve lower back pain and pressure, provide proprioceptive support, and increase circulation to promote the healing process*. Relief is generally felt immediately and allows the body to return to a healthy posture and normal function*.
What does KT tape do for knees?
Kinesiology tape can help improve circulation, support muscles and joints, and prevent muscle injuries. People with arthritis in the knee can use kinesiology tape on their skin to alleviate pain and improve knee function.
What Is Kinesiology Tape?
Kinesiology tape is, quite literally, tape that you (or, really, your physical therapist or doctor) apply to your muscles. “It’s an elastic tape that provides sensory input into an area, but still allows for full range of motion,” explains Laurey Lou, a physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery Sports Medicine in Westchester, New York.
What is the tape that runs down your legs called?
You might even know that it’s called kinesiology tape ...
Why do you tape your quads?
It’s the tape’s elasticity that matters most. “We can use more tension to turn on or excite a muscle,” says Kellen Scantlebury, D.PT. and owner of Fit Club Physical Therapy and Sports Performance. For example: If someone gets surgery to repair their ACL, their quad will likely be weak. Taping the quad with maximum tension, he explains, brings those muscle fibers together, essentially causing a contraction (which is what strengthens your muscles). On the flip side, if someone has plantar fasciitis and is experiencing a lot of tightness in their calves, taping with limited tension can turn “off” the muscle so the person isn’t receiving pain signals, he explains.
How much stretch does kinesio tape have?
Kinesio tape, on the other hand, can actually stretch up to 40 percent of its original length while retaining its elasticity, which is what allows it to provide support without hindering your body’s movements. This content is imported from {embed-name}.
When was kinesiology tape invented?
It was developed back in the 1970s by Kenzo Kase, a chiropractic doctor, in Japan; instead of using stiff medical tape, he wanted to create something that mimicked the elasticity of human skin. While it was used widely by professional athletes, physical therapists, and trainers alike, it didn’t really go mainstream until the 2008 Summer Olympics—remember when volleyball player Kerri Walsh wore KT tape on her shoulder and subsequently won the gold medal? Now, kinesiology tape is ubiquitous in the athletic world.
How long does a swim tape last?
The tape typically lasts for three to five days, even if you shower or swim with it, and the constant wear is to re-educate the body to perform in a more optimal way. “You want the tape to give that consistent feedback over a sustained period of time so the body becomes aware that this is now the new normal,” he says.
Does kinesiology tape help with muscle pain?
Surprisingly, there’s actually not a whole lot of evidence that kinesiology tape really does reduce swelling and pain and increase muscle function , as it claims. One meta-analysis found that it may have a small beneficial role in improving strength and range of motion but further studies are needed to confirm these findings. A more recent experiment found that kinesiology tape may just have a placebo effect (one that does work, though), which many athletes will swear by.
Why do athletes wear kinesiology tape?
Unfortunately, some athletes simply wear the tape just to advertise a specific brand, which ultimately adds to questions of its efficacy.
How to apply kinesiology tape?
Applying kinesiology tape is simple. Place the tape over one area that hurts with a little stretch (around 25%, but not more than 50% available stretch). You don’t have to cut different shapes or use awkward positions. If the tape doesn’t decrease pain by 50% after application, it may not be effective for that person.
Can kinesiology tape be used for pain?
(See sidebar for some tips on kinesiology tape application). Yes, there probably is some placebo effect with kinesiology tape, and you can take advantage of that in some athletes. If they believe it will help and reduce their pain, then give it a try.
Does kinesiology tape work?
Does kinesiology tape work? YES. It has been shown effective at reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain lasting longer than 4 weeks [1] when compared to minimal interventions (ice, education, etc). As with any treatment, it doesn’t work on everyone, and is only part of the overall treatment plan. Kinesiology tape should be an adjunct to other evidence-based treatments such as therapeutic exercise.
Do you have to be certified to use kinesiology tape?
In other words, it’s not the tape. It’s the method. You don’t have to be ‘certified’ to use kinesiology tape or spend hundreds of dollars learning a bunch of patterns and techniques that are not evidence-based or even useful! Applying kinesiology tape is simple.
Does tape change muscle activation?
Tape doesn’t change muscle activation, swelling or performance? So why should we use tape?
Is kinesio taping better than sham taping?
4. Parreira Pdo, C., et al., Kinesio taping to generate skin convolutions is not better than sham taping for people with chronic non-speci fi c low back pain: a randomised trial. J Physiother, 2014. 60 (2): p. 90-6.
Why is KT tape good for people?
Malek explains that the “body perceiving the feedback of the tape with movement” may be why KT tape is able to help some people with painful movements or injuries.
What is KT tape?
KT Tape (or “kinesiology tape”) is a physical therapy tool.
Where is KT tape applied?
Theoretically, KT tape is applied to the skin directly over the targeted muscle group , using more or less tension.
Can you use a placebo tape?
Yes, some studies support its use, but Malek notes that other studies have shown similar effects from a placebo tape.
Is KT tape the same as athletic tape?
While KT tape is used to help athletes, it’s not the same thing as athletic tape.
What is KT tape?
KT tape is an "elastic sports tape designed to relieve pain while supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments. ". It is applied to the skin using various methods, and is primarily used for pain relief however there are also many claims about its benefits including, ...
Why do people put tape on their skin?
Most of these benefits that are seen are likely due to providing sensory input to the skin as opposed to creating a biomechanical change or fixing alignment. Basically when you put tape on your skin can feel it and you interpret that feeling over the pain that you might be experiencing otherwise. Think of it this way.
Is KT tape good for proprioception?
So what can we take from all of this evidence? Well, the first would be that some people do benefit from the use of KT tape however, the mechanism isn't known. Likely any improvements are in the form of altering sensory input to the skin, thereby impacting proprioception (awareness of the position and movement of your body), or placebo effect. If you ask me it is kind of a hit or miss with elastic taping. I think if you are not relying on KT but using it as an adjunct to decrease pain, provide sensory feedback then go ahead. I mean, there is virtually zero risk, aside from skin irritation from the adhesive. It is definitely not a cure-all by any means though. If you are seeing a clinician or trainer and they are selling it as a cure-all it might be a red flag. In fact, there was a class action lawsuit against the company for making such outlandish claims that weren't backed by research.
Is KT good for muscle?
KT had some substantial effects on muscle activity, but it was unclear whether these changes were beneficial or harmful. In conclusion, there was little quality evidence to support the use of KT over other types of elastic taping in the management or prevention of sports injuries.
Is taping a hoax?
Some people think it is a hoax. Taping has a long history in medicine from providing external support to ankle sprains, or rough arch support when testing to see if an orthotic device may be beneficial. Those items are not being investigated here.
Does tape help with swelling?
Other studies looking at its effect on swelling are also a bit inconclusive. Most of the literature says it could help, but not necessarily on the swelling aspect. More it helps with the discomfort associated with swelling. According to one randomized controlled study looking at swelling in the face/jaw they state that "KT gives patients the impression of a minor swelling detracting them from their pain and morbidity." While there is no hard evidence supporting a reduction in swelling that is clinically significant, the tape does seem to make a difference to many patients.
Is tape attached to the skin?
The tape, after all, is attached to your skin, not to the underlying bones or muscles. The skin slides on the muscles and bones. So to say a tape attached to the skin which can hold a bone in place or support the underlying muscles should come into question just on face value.
How Does Kinesiology Tape Work?
Some experts believe kinesiology tape lifts the skin away from the muscle, allowing blood and fluids to flow more easily , promoting healing.
Why is kinesio tape used?
Unlike traditional taping, which straps up an injured muscle to prevent further injury, Kinesio-tape tells the muscles, and connective fibers called ‘fascia’, how to work, and encourages the athlete to move.
How does tape affect the skin?
Taping is like a constant massage. It supports microcirculation (nutrient exchange and cell transport through capillaries) and lymph drainage, breaks down fascial adhesions, and improves the mobility of muscles and joints.
Why do athletes use kinesiology tape?
Some athletes use kinesiology taping to help them achieve peak performance and protect against injury when they’re competing in special events. For example, many runners use kinesiology tape every time they run a marathon.
What is kinesiology tape?
Kinesiology tape is a thin, stretchy, elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive. Therapeutic kinesiology tape can benefit a wide variety of musculoskeletal and sports injuries as well as a number of inflammatory conditions. Kinesiology tape is almost identical to human skin in both thickness and elasticity, ...
Does kinesiology tape help with muscle recovery?
Unlike white medical or athletic tape, kinesiology tape lets you move normally. In fact, some studies show that it can enhance movement and endurance and when used on fatigued muscles, performance improves.
Can kinesiology tape be used on wounds?
Kinesiology tape should never be applied on an open wound, but there is some scientific evidence to suggest that kinesiology tape can improve the long-term appearance of scars after surgery or injury. This use of kinesiology tape should be discussed with a professional first.
What happens when you use KT tape correctly?
When you apply KT Tape correctly, you can benefit from the support your muscles will receive. As a result, you can avoid having your muscles become overextended as you engage in your athletic pursuits.
Why is KT tape important?
In addition to supporting the movement of lymphatic fluid in the body, KT Tape helps reduce pressure on your body tissue to reduce discomfort and pain.
What Is KT Tape?
Lightweight and comfortable to wear, KT (Kinesiology Therapeutic) Tape is a flexible, elastic sports tape designed to relieve pain and support muscles, tendons, and ligaments during activity. This tape provides lightweight external support that helps athletes like you remain active while preventing or recovering from injuries. It comes in pre-cut strips to make it easier to use.
How Do You Use KT Tape?
You can use KT Tape to support various areas and muscles of the body on the legs, feet, knees, back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. The tape limits movement around specific joints of the body without restricting range of motion.
Why do athletes use KT tape?
Discover how KT Tape can help relieve pain and support muscles, tendons, and ligaments for optimal athletic performance.
How long before working out should you use KT tape?
Apply KT Tape at least one hour prior to working out or participating in any athletic activity.
Is KT tape hypoallergenic?
In addition, the elastic fibers in KT Tape PRO permit the release of moisture essential for comfort, durability, and wearability. KT Tape contains a special form of adhesive that is: Latex-free. Hypoallergenic. Designed to withstand high humidity, sweat, water, and multiple days of wear.
How to keep tape from sticking?
Lotions and oils can prevent the tape from sticking. Trim excess hair. Fine hair shouldn’t be a problem, but dense hair could keep the tape from getting a good grip on your skin. For most treatments, you’ll start by tearing the backing paper in the center.
What is kinesiology tape?
That’s kinesiology tape: a therapeutic tape that’s applied strategically to the body to provide support, lessen pain, reduce swelling, and improve performance.
How long does kinesio tape stay on?
The tape’s medical-grade adhesive is also water-resistant and strong enough to stay on for three to five days, even while you work out or take showers.
When was kinesiology tape invented?
Today, there are more than 50 brands of kinesiology tape on the market, but the original product, Kinesio tape or Kinesio Tex Tape, was developed in the late 1970s by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor who wanted a tape that provided support but didn’t limit movement the way traditional athletic tapes do.
Why do athletes use kinesiology?
Some athletes use kinesiology taping to help them achieve peak performance and protect against injury when they’re competing in special events.
What happens when you put tape on your body?
When the tape is applied to your body, it recoils slightly, gently lifting your skin. It is believed that this helps to create a microscopic space between your skin and the tissues underneath it.
Why don't you stretch packing tape?
If you stretch the ends, the tape will pull your skin, which could cause irritation or make the tape detach sooner. Keep your fingers on the packing paper to hold the tape.
How does kinesiology tape affect movement?
Because discomfort* and movement are both outputs from the brain, then changes in discomfort* reduction and movement are happening because we’ve altered the input being received from the area targeted by the tape . In this way, kinesiology tape doesn’t force the body to do anything it can’t do or “doesn’t want to do.” It simply encourages a normalization of function and aids the brain with more information. Pretty cool, huh?!
What happens when you put kinesiology tape on your skin?
When kinesiology tape is placed on the skin, some pretty cool things start to happen. Because of the stretchiness of the tape, it mechanically lifts and , in some cases, compresses the skin it is applied to.
How does elastic tape affect the brain?
To some extent, the brain makes decisions about movement based on force and the direction of that force in skin and connective tissue. This is particularly true in the fingers, where the detection of fine shearing forces are part of the reason humans have the dexterity we have. Creating specific directions of shear via elastic tape can change movement patterns in this same way. Clinicians see this on a daily basis when taping knees and shoulders, particularly. By using the stretch of tape and creating patterns of strain in the skin and underlying tissue, this changes the sensory input to the brain and results in altered output. Two of the primary outputs from the brain we are concerned with are movement and discomfort*, and so a favorable outcome of kinesiology taping can be discomfort* reduction and/or better movement simply because of adding to and altering the sensory input into the brain and promoting an improved output.
What is KT tape?
The origin story and science of therapy tapes like Kinesio Tape, KT Tape, Spider-Tech, RockTape. Modern therapeutic taping is dominated by stretchy, breathable, adhesive fabric strips in a wide variety of colours and shapes. They are used mainly by athletes with the hope of boosting performance, preventing injury, and easing pain.
Who invented kinesio tape?
The therapy taping origin story: a chiropractic product to “release the body’s natural healing power”. Kinesio Taping was invented by chiropractor Kenzo Kase in the 1970s, and today the company owns several variations of the trademark.
Is kinesio taping a trademark?
8 “Kinesio Taping” is a trademark, but one that is being drowned out by new takes on the same idea: “ trademark genericide .” Trademarks die when they become so popular and familiar that people forget who invented them (or never learn in the first place), and when they blur together with competing products and brands, all just variations on a theme. Today people often talk about the brands, but also use terms that no company has (yet) trademarked, like kinesiology taping, therapy taping, athletic taping — all riffing on Kenzo Kase’s big idea: “taping the world for health to release the body’s natural healing power.”
When was therapeutic taping invented?
The biggest single change is the strong emphasis on the interesting fact that therapeutic taping was a chiropractor’s invention from back in the 1970s, and a relatively obscure one until the 2012 Olympics, not a staple of physical therapy and rehab.
When did elastic tape become popular?
Taping variants have a long history in athletics and physical therapy, ranging from the medically pragmatic — supporting a sprained ankle — to barely more than a fashion statement. This article is mainly about the fad/phenomenon of elastic therapy taping, which got going in the 1970s and then exploded in popularity at the 2012 Olympics, where many athletes were covered in SpiderTech tape; other brands rode the wave, like the much older but revitalized Kinesio® Tape, and new competitors like RockTape® and KT Tape®. Without that Olympic boost, taping would probably still be quite obscure.
Does patellar taping improve proprioception?
After showing that patellar taping improved proprioception (see Callaghan 2002 ), this straightforward study of brain activity is small and un-powerful, but it also isn’t trying to prove much: just that “patellar taping modulates brain activity in several areas of the brain during a proprioception knee movement task.”.
Does taping increase quads?
Taping did not increase quads strength in healthy volunteers in a 2012 test. 23
