Kinesiology taping: supporting movement and monitoring progress

Kinesiology tape is an elastic adhesive tape applied to the skin. It does not usually contain a pain-relieving medicine. The tape is intended to allow movement and, through skin contact, may change awareness of a body region. Some people find this supportive during certain movements. Elastic tape does not, however, serve the same purpose as a splint or orthosis. If an injury needs protection or a joint requires targeted stabilisation, appropriate support is needed. The choice depends on the findings and your activity demands.

Tape can be tried as part of a treatment plan for selected muscle, tendon or joint symptoms. First, we clarify what is causing the symptoms and which movement is to be changed. One example of an everyday goal is paying more conscious attention to shoulder position during an exercise. With a recent injury, marked swelling or new changes in sensation, the cause needs to be established first. Tape should not delay a necessary examination. Even a pleasant feeling beneath the tape does not yet answer how much load the affected tissue can tolerate.

With kinesiology taping, we aim to relieve pain temporarily and make movement easier in everyday life or during exercises. In daily practice, we observe this pain-relieving support in some patients. We include this practical experience in individual treatment planning. Individual controlled studies support these short-term aims: after three days with kinesiology tape, people with knee osteoarthritis reported less pain, stiffness and limitation in everyday life than the comparison groups. In a shoulder study, the arm could be raised further out to the side without pain immediately after application; additional improvement in pain intensity or everyday function was not demonstrated there. Another study on tennis elbow showed less pain during a loaded movement after 15 minutes than with comparison tape. Results differ according to symptoms and application. Even in the short term, not every study shows an additional benefit. What matters, therefore, is whether the tape noticeably helps you with the agreed movement and how long that support lasts. When we use tape, we therefore agree a specific goal and review your feedback. We cannot promise a supposed correction of posture, faster healing or lasting pain relief.

We look at the affected region, the skin and a suitable movement. Please tell us if you have sensitive skin, react to plasters or adhesives, or have previously had a skin reaction at this site. Please also tell us about reduced skin sensation. The skin should be clean and dry. The tape's shape, course and tension are adjusted to its purpose. We then check how movement and the feeling of wearing it change. You receive advice on how long the tape should be worn in your case and when it must be removed.

Tape should not be applied over open wounds or inflamed or markedly irritated skin. With sensitive or fragile skin, suitability needs particularly careful consideration. Itching, burning, increasing redness or an uncomfortable pulling sensation are reasons to remove the tape. Peel it off carefully and slowly, keeping close to the skin; do not pull it sharply upwards. If a skin reaction persists or symptoms increase, please contact the practice. New numbness, unusual discolouration or marked swelling should be assessed by a doctor.

We want to find support with you that fits your everyday life. What matters is therefore not whether the tape stays on as long as possible, but whether the agreed movement feels more comfortable or is performed with greater awareness. Also observe the time without tape: does any benefit remain, or do symptoms return unchanged? Planned exercises, physiotherapy or a gradual build-up of activity do not automatically become unnecessary because of the tape. Even if it makes you feel more confident, only increase activity within the agreed limits. If there is no identifiable benefit, further use is discussed again.

We assess whether kinesiology taping is useful for you in a personal discussion and examination. For this initial assessment, you can book a general appointment. Describe as specifically as possible which movement causes symptoms and what you would like to be able to do better again. Before a chargeable application, we discuss its scope and expected costs. Possible reimbursement depends on your insurance and the specific service. For a self-funded service you receive the cost information and agreement before starting.