Does Kinesiology Tape Really Work?

You have probably seen tape all over athletes in the past years or have even used it yourself and wondered if it really helps. The short answer is YES. The first KT tape (kinesiology tape), called 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. Today there are a variety of brands available and many different techniques on how to apply them. No application technique is right or wrong, the best is to use a process of trial and error to find the one that works for you. There is still a lot of research needed to fully understand the benefits of tapping.  

Look for the criteria that are important to you:

1. How sticky does it need to be? If you spend time in the water or work out and shower a lot, you may want to choose a tape that sticks better and stays on longer.

My experience: Rock Tape is the best for staying on the skin for the longest.

2. How much stretch should it have? It depends on the application technique.

My experience: Theraband is more elastic than KT Tape; Rock tape does not stretch as much (note: Rock Tape application does not require the tape to be as elastic)

3. What size should the tape be? You have to try out and see what works for you. Our skin is our biggest sensory organ. Some people respond very well to a lot of tape on their skin = lot of input to the brain; others do better with "less is more". 

 Benefit #1: Blood Flow

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.

Benefit #2: Change Of Information To The Brain

Skin, connective tissue, fascia, and muscles contain sensory receptors that feel pain, temperature, and touch. Those receptors all contribute to proprioception, your brain’s sense of where your body is in space. Kinesiology taping creates a lift that unloads the underlying tissues. Decompressing those tissues can change the signals going to the brain. The brain may respond with relaxing muscles, activation of inhibited muscles, increased joint range of motion, and better proprioception.

Benefit #3: Reduces Pain

Pain is initially triggered by the activation of pain receptors called nociceptors. When there is an injury to a cell, chemicals are released. These chemicals sensitize the nociceptors in and around the area of injury. Applied KT tape may aid with pain management by decompression of the tissue and creating a change in the chemical release.