Ever wonder what the deal is with those colorful strips of tape commonly seen across the shoulders, knees, and back, and abs of athletes? It’s called kinesiology tape – a therapeutic tape that’s applied strategically to the body that provides support but doesn’t limit movement. Here we take a closer look at the many benefits of this simple, yet highly effective form of therapy.

Reduces Pain.

Got pain? Kinesiology tape can help! Its primary use in healthcare is to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal pain conditions such as:

  • Back pain
  • Ankle sprains
  • Tennis elbow
  • Carpal Tunnel syndrome
  • Shoulder pain
  • Knee pain

Scientific research has found that when kinesiology tape is applied to the skin over the affected muscle, joint, or soft tissue, the tape stimulation blocks or gates the nociceptive impulses and inhibit the ability of these pain signals from reaching the brain – a mechanism called “Gate Control Theory” of pain.

Both small nerve fibers (pain fibers) and large nerve fibers (normal fibers for touch, pressure, and other skin senses) carry information to the gating mechanism of the body. When there is large fiber activity, they excite inhibitory neurons of the pain information.

Improves Habitual Movement.

Kinesiology taping is used for athletic performance based on its effect on proprioception - the ability to detect the body’s position and movement to better control force and pressure. Whether an athlete is trying to improve shoulder blade position while throwing a ball, preventing knees from collapsing inward while performing a squat, or maintaining an upright posture while seated at a desk, kinesiology input can be helpful for those who need increased sensory stimulation to facilitate learning during training and rehab. This type of feedback helps us create optimal motor patterns that are repeated (and repeated again) until the movements become habitual. Even better, unlike traditional athletic tape that is rigid, kinesiology tape guides movement and improves proprioception through its effect on the nervous system.

Prevents Fatigue.

Any athlete knows that fatigue is problematic to performance and is a major contributor to injury. Kinesiology tape prevents fatigue by providing much-needed support to muscles that are teetering on the edge of fatigue. Of course, fatigue is not just limited to athletes. Kinesiology tape is known to also improve conditions caused by work fatigue such as carpal tunnel syndrome and low back pain. In fact, a 2016 Pubmed research article showed a 13 to 20 percent reduction in work fatigue during repeated concentric muscle actions in the wrist. Another study from Pubmed in 2014 showed that kinesiology tape appears to improve the time-to-failure of the extensor muscles of the trunk – findings that suggest kinesiology tape can prevent the processes that lead to muscle fatigue, and thus, help in the management of low back pain.

Reduces Fluid Build-Up and Improves Flow.

Improving fluid dynamics was originally the reason why kinesiology tape was invented. It was found that if you could lift the skin and other fascial layers of soft tissue using tape, then fluid (e.g., swelling/edema) would be allowed to disperse and move through the lymphatic system by the decompression. Kinesiology tape is also great for normal bruises as it promotes healing by encouraging healthy blood to travel to the bruised area. By cutting the tape into strips and using the “fan” application method (applying tape to the skin in a weave pattern), a bruise can disperse over a couple of days. This encourages fresh blood that is full of oxygen and nutrients to travel to the area and promote healing.

Allows for Full Range of Motion.

Another reason why love kinesiology tape? You can still move! It does not restrict mobility in any way and allows for full motion throughout the most strenuous workouts and activities. You can even get it wet in the shower or pool! It is a non-invasive, effective form of therapy with minimal side effects and a great option for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Other benefits of kinesiology tape include:

  • It is easily applied to the skin.
  • It can be worn for several days.
  • It is a cost-effective option for healing.
  • It has minimal side effects.

It is important to note while kinesiology tape is effective at treating pain and improving athletic performance, research suggests that it should be used with other interventions for optimal outcomes. Corrective exercise has proven to be extremely effective when used with kinesiology tape and can be prescribed by a movement-oriented chiropractor such as Dr. Samuel Richards.

Kinesiology Tape at Burghealth Chiropractic & Wellness

Are you ready to experience the many benefits of kinesiology tape such as reduced pain, improved muscle function, increased circulation, and more? Contact Burghealth Chiropractic & Wellness in St. Petersburg, FL at (727) 289-9148 to schedule a consultation with a member of our highly trained and experienced chiropractic team. 


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