Kinesio Tape (KT)

Kinesio Tape (KT), or kinesiology tape, is used by therapists to change muscle tone, move lymphatic fluids, correct movement patterns, and improve posture.

Kinesio Tape (KT), or kinesiology tape or KT therapy tape, is a modality used by therapists trained in the Kinesio Taping Method by Certified Kinesio Taping Instructors (CKTI).

Kinesio Tape is a latex-free hypoallergenic cotton fiber tape with an acrylic heat-activated backing that stretches only along its longitudinal axis. The tape can be stretched to 40%-60% of its resting length. The tape has no medicinal properties. The thickness and weight of the tape are designed to approximate the weight and thickness of the skin.

Kinesio Tape was created and developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1973. It is a treatment that is believed to prolong the effects of physiologic work done. After many unsuccessful attempts to use commercially available adhesive tapes, Dr. Kase developed the Kinesio Tex Tape.

Picture of Kinesio Tape

Physical therapists, occupational therapists, certified athletic trainers, chiropractors, physicians, manual therapists, nurses, and physiotherapists around the world are using Kinesio Tape for many dysfunctions on a wide spectrum from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders to turf toe.

How does Kinesio Tape (KT) work? Kinesio Tape can be applied to specific areas for targeted benefits:

• KT Tape for the knee: Specifically designed to support and stabilize the knee joint, the knee Kinesio Tape may help alleviate pain from conditions such as patellar tendinitis and runner's knee and aids in stabilizing the kneecap.
• KT Tape for the ankle: Supports the ankle, may reduce pain from sprains or strains, and helps improve stability and mobility.
• KT Tape for the wrist: Helps alleviate pain and supports the wrist in cases of tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or sprains.
• KT Tape for the iliotibial band (IT) band: Provides support to the IT band, helping reduce pain and inflammation associated with iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS).
• KT Tape for the elbow: Supports the elbow joint, helping to alleviating pain from conditions such as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow and improving function.

Today, though Kinesio Tape is used primarily by non-athletic populations, it is also used by high-profile athletes.

The Kinesio Taping Method

• The Kinesio Taping Method is believed to cause physiological effects on several body systems.
• The systems affected in the body are thought to include
  • the circulatory/lymphatic,
  • neural,
  • muscular, and
  • fascial systems, as well as
  • the joints.
• Kinesio Taping is currently being used by therapists to
  • change muscle tone,
  • move lymphatic fluids,
  • correct movement patterns, and
  • improve posture.
• The Kinesio Taping Method is a unique method of applying Kinesio Tex Tape in a specific manner to create change in the aforementioned systems.
• The benefits of using tape are that it is more economical over time than other modalities, it is easy to learn and apply, there are fewer types of tape, and it may be used over a longer period.
• The Kinesio Taping Method has been developed specifically to be used in conjunction with Kinesio Tape.
• The Kinesio Taping Association certifies practitioners of the Kinesio Taping Method. Kinesio Tape can be identified by the words "Kinesio Tex" printed on the back of the tape.

Picture of Kinesio Tape

• The Kinesio Taping Method differs from athletic strapping tape and the traditional McConnell Taping Method.
• Athletic strapping tape is used mostly to limit ranges of motion and to constrict muscle movement.
• The effect of this method is to create a bridge over the areas that are injured so that athletes can perform sports movements and have either prophylactic support or support to an injured part of the body. Athletic tape is typically removed after the end of an athletic event.

The McConnell Taping Method

• The McConnell Taping Method is a technique that tapes body parts to affect a specific biomechanical movement.
• McConnell Tape uses a very rigid, highly adhesive tape that is applied for no more than 18 hours and often for shorter periods due to patient discomfort.

Picture of Kinesio Tape

• Can Kinesio Tape cause skin irritation? Kinesio tape can cause skin irritation in some people. This is usually caused by an allergic reaction to the adhesive used in the tape. Even the sweat accumulated under the Kinesio Tape may cause skin irritation. Remove the Kinesio Tape immediately if you feel itching and irritation, and wash the area with gentle soap and water. If the inflammation persists, contact your health care provider.
• Do I need a professional to apply Kinesio Tape? It is usually recommended that Kinesio Tape be applied by a professional, as it requires a specific technique and clinical knowledge to be applied correctly. A physical therapist or a trained sports therapy professional can determine how much tape is required, what direction it should be applied, and where it should be placed on your skin. If Kinesio Tape is not applied properly, it may cause you more discomfort.
• What is KT muscle tape? KT muscle tape, commonly known as Kinesio Tape, is an elastic therapeutic tape that supports muscles and joints while allowing them to move freely. It is widely used in sports and physical therapy to alleviate pain and inflammation, give support, and boost circulation. The elasticity of the Kinesio Tape allows it to move with the body, which promotes healing and provides support to injured areas.
• Can Kinesio Tape improve athletic performance? There is little evidence to prove that Kinesio Tape effectively improves athletic performance, such as strength, balance, and flexibility, in healthy people. Chiropractors and other health care providers should be cautious in recommending Kinesio Tape to improve athletic performance in healthy athletes.
• How does Kinesio Tape differ from regular tape? Kinesio tape differs from regular tape in terms of flexibility and purpose. Kinesio Tape is elastic, so it moves along with the body and provides support without restricting the normal range of movement. It is intended to strengthen muscles and joints, alleviate pain and inflammation, and enhance circulation. On the other hand, regular tape is usually stiff, provides strong, static support, and is often used to immobilize joints.
• Can Kinesio Tape help with posture correction? Kinesio Tape may help with posture correction. When used correctly, Kinesio Tape can assist in the retraining of muscles to maintain proper posture and reduce strain on the body. However, it works best when combined with other posture correction strategies, such as therapeutic exercises.
• Is Kinesio Tape effective for tennis elbow? Kinesio Tape may help with recovery of tennis elbow. It supports the damaged muscles and tendons, helps reduce pain and discomfort, and promotes local circulation. Kinesio Tape can help with healing and mobility by improving alignment and lowering strain on the elbow.
• Does Kinesio Tape help with muscle recovery? Kinesio Tape may help with muscle recovery. It strengthens the muscles, may help relieve pain and inflammation, and increases blood flow to the taped area. Kinesio Tape may lift the skin off the underlying layers of fascia, bands, or connective tissue, which helps with the drainage of lymphatic fluids and other toxins. This can speed up the healing process, reduce muscular fatigue, and improve overall recovery.