The Art and Practice of Kinesio Taping

Have you ever felt like you needed extra support when exercising or during physical activity? If so, I have heard many of my clients say similar things.

As a clinical practitioner, I am always looking for ways to help my patients beyond the 45 or so minutes I spend with them. I am a huge advocate of getting my clients moving in a pain-free way. I enjoy teaching people different ways to re-educate their bodies to be more pain-free and functional. One of the techniques I use to assist in this process is Kinesio Tape. 

Kinesio Tape is a flexible “move with you” adhesive tape developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in the 1970s. Most people have seen Kinesio Tape used on athletes to help support various joints, but this tape has many more benefits. Kinesio Tape can help reduce pain, facilitate muscle activation, calm down overactive muscles, correct posture, release nerve entrapments, and even decrease inflammation when applied with precision and knowledge. I use Kinesio Tape as an extension of my therapy treatment, as an additional tool to further correct posture, solidify neuromuscular function, and improve circulation. Kinesio Tape really helps people.

Now, I must address the “elephant” in the room. I know there are some who believe that athletic tapes of any kind are only a “crutch” to its users, and to that I say, “Hold on a minute; let’s dive a little deeper.” Taping techniques are used to support the body through a healing process. It is not a forever thing and is only to be used for a certain amount of time while the body heals and learns how to move in a pain-free way. I view Kinesio Tape much like a support group in life which becomes necessary during difficult times. Having emotional support is a huge benefit to us as humans; the same goes for our physical bodies. Taping modalities are there to offer support in a time of need. As one’s physical pain reduces and the body is strengthened through techniques such as exercise and postural correction, the tape is no longer needed because we gradually teach the body how to support itself. We are grateful for the support the tape offered when we needed it, and then we move on. 

Again, taping techniques are used to support the body through a healing process.

The ultimate goal for any treatment technique is to equip people to live their daily life better or enhance the sport/art form they strive to perfect. All human bodies get injured and all human bodies have the ability to heal…and in the space between those times, it’s okay to have support.

Take a moment to listen to the DanceWell podcast episode below to learn more about Kinesio Tape as I talk with Dr. Marissa Schaeffer, PT, DPT!