Kinesiology tape—also known as KT tape–is a bandage-like tape. It adheres to the skin, where it can apply pressure to the affected area. It also stabilizes the area. Chiropractors, doctors, and physical therapists use it to help support muscles and joints, improve performance, and manage pain and swelling.
Chiropractors can use KT tape to treat injuries. It stabilizes the area, ensures blood flow to the area, and helps prevent additional movement.
KT tape is also helpful for providing additional support to weak areas. With a snug but not tight bandaging, it can provide an artificial layer of support for the area, making it possible for people to do more than they could without the bandaging. That can help people participate in physical therapy, which might not be possible without the KT tape.
KT tape can also help enhance performance by providing additional support for muscles. They can also help muscles that have lost function.
One of the best uses of KT tape is to help with repetitive motion injuries. Supporting the area and preventing overextension can help avoid injuries from stress and overuse. In addition to repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, it can help with arthritis, shoulder impingement, and more.
KT tape can help with more than muscle and joint injuries—it can also help with trigger points, bruises, and lymphedema. There is even promising evidence that KT tape may be able to help prevent scarring. While it cannot be used on open wounds, it may support the knitting together of skin after surgery without any scarring.
While using kinesiology tape seems new, athletes have used supportive adhesives for over 50 years. It has picked up in popularity over the last 20 years, first with athletes, then with others. Chiropractors have begun to use it as part of treatment, providing support after an adjustment.
