What is Kinesiology Taping?

If you’ve ever seen an athlete wearing colourful strips of tape on their shoulder, knee, or back, you’ve seen kinesiology tape in action. Kinesiology taping is a therapeutic technique that uses a flexible, elastic tape to support muscles and joints while still allowing natural movement. 

Unlike traditional athletic tape, which is designed to restrict motion, kinesiology tape stretches with the body. Kinesiologists often use it as part of a broader treatment plan to help patients manage pain, improve movement, and support recovery from injury. The tape can typically be worn for several days, providing ongoing support between treatment sessions.

How Does Kinesiology Tape Work?

Kinesiology tape is made from a thin, breathable material with a hypoallergenic adhesive. When applied correctly, the tape gently lifts the skin, creating a small amount of space between the skin and the tissues underneath which may help to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area. It can also provide sensory feedback about your body, helping you become more aware of your posture and movement patterns.

Because the tape is flexible, patients can continue their daily activities, exercise routines, and rehabilitation exercises while wearing it. Kinesiology taping is a useful part of active rehabilitation programs that are designed to restore strength, mobility, and function.

How Kinesiologists Use Kinesiology Taping

A kinesiologist will assess the source of your pain, weakness, or movement dysfunction before determining whether kinesiology taping is appropriate. The tape can be applied in different ways depending on the treatment goals. For example, it may be used to support an overworked muscle, improve joint stability, encourage better movement patterns, or reduce swelling following an injury.

Kinesiology taping is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as exercise therapy, mobility work, strength training, and education to support your long-term recovery. A kinesiologist will also show you how the tape works and explains how it fits into you rehabilitation plan.

Conditions That May Benefit from Kinesiology Taping

Kinesiology tape is commonly used to help treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Common examples include:

• sprains and strains
• sports injuries
• shoulder, knee, and ankle pain
• tendonitis
• plantar fasciitis
• muscle fatigue or overuse injuries
• swelling and inflammation
• postural concerns
• lower back pain

How useful taping is will depend on your condition, symptoms, and treatment goals. A professional assessment is the best way to determine whether it may be beneficial.

Benefits of Kinesiology Taping

Many patients appreciate kinesiology taping because it offers support without limiting movement. Potential benefits include reduced discomfort during activity, improved body awareness, better support for recovering muscles, and assistance with swelling management. Because the tape remains in place for several days, it can continue to provide therapeutic benefits between appointments.

Live Better with Legacies Health Centre

At Legacies Health Centre, kinesiology taping may be incorporated into a personalized rehabilitation program when appropriate. Combined with active treatment and professional guidance, it can be an effective tool for helping patients stay active, move more comfortably, and progress toward their recovery goals. Book your appointment in the Lower Mainland with one of our kinesiologists in Burnaby Market Crossing, North Vancouver, Surrey Nordel and South Surrey. 

Haley Carreiro | Kinesiologist

Book online with Haley in our Southpoint location!