Kinesio Taping Therapy

Kinesio Taping Physiotherapy for pain relief & muscle support. K taping is a modern non invasive, safe and effective method used by skilled physiotherapists for pain management to improve mobility and accelerate recovery.

What is Kinesiology Taping Therapy?

Kinesiology taping, also known as K-tape, is a therapeutic taping method that is used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and support muscles and joints. It’s different from traditional sports tape, which is thicker, non-elastic, and can restrict range of motion.

Kinesiology taping is commonly used in modern physiotherapy for pain relief, providing additional support and stimulating specific bodily processes that support healing, such as the vascular and lymphatic systems. By activating these systems, the tape helps deliver more nutrients to the area, increases immune defense, and enhances waste removal. This leads to faster recovery.

Types of Kinesiology Taping

We can classify kinesiology taping in physiotherapy into various types based on different parameters, including:

Kinesio Taping Method, which utilizes four types of Kinesio Tex Tapes with specific properties for different skin conditions or higher tensions.
Common cuts or shapes used in kinesiology tape application, including I-Cut, Y-Cut, and Fan Cut. It can also be applied in the shape of a "Y", "I", "X", "Fan", "Web" or "Donut". The physio will decide the application depending upon the size of the affected muscle and the result to be achieved.
Different propertiesof k-tape, such as 25% stretch and 50% stretch, for specific uses. Therapists are trained to select tape of appropriate stretch property based on the condition being treated and aim of taping.
Physiotherapy traditionally incorporates the use of athletic tape (sports tape) and elastic adhesive bandages apart from k- taping. However, the purpose of using these tapes is very different from that of k taping.

How Does Kinesiology Taping Work?

As the makers themselves state, Kinesio tape is a flexible tape with waves in its adhesive which microscopically lift the skin. This lifting allows for more space between the tissue and the skin, which can become tight after an injury. Increasing space there, can ease discomfort, facilitate lymphatic drainage, and allow for a decrease in inflammation. This reduces pressure and enables a more effective flow of blood and lymphatic fluid in and out of the target area.

Most patients treated with Kinesio tape do report a significant improvement from using it. They feel it relieves pressure and helps minimize pain.

Conditions Treated with Kinesio Taping Therapy

Physiotherapists choose taping when they are looking to improve range of motion (ROM), stimulate weak muscles and relax overactive muscles, reduce inflammation, manage fluid-related issues (edema, bruising, lymphoedema) and correct posture or reposition misaligned joints. This may include these common conditions:

Contraindications and Precautions for Kinesiology Taping

Besides the many applications of K Tape for pain relief, it must be used with due precautions including the following:

Tape should not be applied to fresh injuries until a proper diagnosis has been made.
It is not suitable for patients with a fever.
Tape should not be applied over broken or damaged skin.
During pregnancy, special care is required. Hence it should be used only in consultation with an obstetrician / gynecologist.
It should not be used on patients with thrombosis, as the thrombus could be dislodged into the bloodstream.
Caution should be exercised with patients who have heart conditions, as increased lymph flow could add strain to the heart.

Why Choose ReLiva Physiotherapy for Kinesio Taping Therapy?

ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab propagates advanced therapy and modern treatment techniques. Reliva physiotherapists across locations are trained in safe, effective techniques including k taping. They understand when and how to apply Kinesio tape for the best results, helping reduce pain, improve mobility, and support recovery.

At ReLiva, patient recovery is the top priority. We provide personalized care, ensuring each therapy session is tailored to your needs, and best possible therapy (including taping) is appropriately utilized. Choose ReLiva for your treatment whether for injury recovery, pain relief, or added support for daily activities.

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FAQs

How is Kinesio tape different from regular athletic tape?

Kinesiology taping : Also known as K-tape, this is a thin, flexible tape made of cotton. It has an acrylic adhesive and allows air to pass, making it breathable. Kinesiology tape comes in different colors, and can also be cut into different shapes. Physical and sports therapists use it to treat a variety of conditions, including injuries, chronic pain, and oedema. Kinesiology tape’s flexible nature offers cues for better posture, muscle activation, and joint alignment and position. This makes it very versatile in use for therapy and can be worn for up to five days.

Sports tape: Also known as Athletic tape, this is a traditionally thick, non-elastic tape, often white in color. It has a strong adhesive backing. Sports taping immobilizes the injured muscle or joint to provide support and stability. It is found best for active injuries or hypermobile joints, but it can irritate the skin and reduce range of motion. It is, therefore, typically applied just before an activity and taken off right away when it is over.

Does Kinesio Taping actually relieve pain?

Research suggests that Kinesio tape may help relieve pain for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain, but it’s not any more effective than other treatments. Most patients treated with Kinesio tape do report a significant improvement from using it. They feel it relieves pressure and helps minimize pain. Before using it, you should talk to a physical therapist, because it is most useful when combined with other treatment methods1.

How long can Kinesio tape stay on the skin?

Kinesio tape is a thin, flexible tape made of cotton. It has an acrylic adhesive and allows air to pass, making it breathable. This makes it comfortable and can be worn for up to five days. Your therapist may however prescribe you lesser days to wear the tape based on the aim of the taping.

Is Kinesio Taping safe for all ages?

Kinesio Taping is a safe, natural, and non-invasive method for pain management, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. However, it should not be applied to sensitive or damaged skin, undiagnosed injuries, blood circulation issues, or hair areas of the body. A trained therapist will know proper care and precautions to use taping for a person of any age.

Can I apply Kinesio tape myself, or should a professional do it?

There is science and technique involved in applying k-tape to avail its therapeutic benefits. Right from selecting the right thickness, property to the cuts to be applied to the tape to support correct muscle and joints can make a difference to your recovery. That is why Kinesio Taping is usually applied by trained physiotherapists, chiropractors, sports doctors or other experts in taping who understand both the application of taping as well as muscle and movement.

What are the most common areas taped in Kinesio Taping Therapy?

Kinesio taping is mostly done around joints for pain relief and range of motion. The most common body areas taped in Kinesio Taping Therapy include Ankle/foot, Wrist, Hand, neck and shoulder, leg, knee and elbow. However, a therapist may use the tape across the entire back or leg at times, to support drainage of fluid.

Therapies available at ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab

Physiotherapists use a combination of advanced and specialised therapies for effective pain relief, improved movement and faster recovery.