What is k-tape?
By: Kristina Grinovich Minear, L/PTA, E-RYT 200
Ever seen colorful strips of tape wrapping around shoulders, peaking over ankle socks, or striping someone’s back? That’s Kinesiotape, or K-Tape, and while there is still more research to be done on exactly how it works, runners, yogis, basketball players, and, more recently, pregnant people, are sporting the tape proudly and reporting benefits of pain relief and musculoskeletal support.
K-Tape was invented in 1973 by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a chiropractor looking for a way to support joints and muscles without the rigidity of typical medical tape, the flimsiness of bandages, and the bulkiness of braces. He wanted something that would stretch, stick to the skin despite sweat, and be relatively easy to apply and move with: thus the creation of K-Tape, a sticky, stretchy and water-resistant tape that could be used to support joints, reduce swelling, and improve one’s proprioception, or awareness, of their body in space.
One clinical trial done in 2016 showed that the participants who wore K-Tape for non-specific low back pain reported taking fewer pain-relief medications and felt less pain overall 6 days earlier than the control group. Another 2016 study showed that K-Tape was effective in reducinglow back pain for pregnant women. K-Tape has also proven to reduce pain for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, as was reported in a 2022 randomized clinical trial.
But how does it work? One theory is that the tape stimulates the mechano-receptors on the skinand creates a decompression technique - similar to what happens during cupping. The tape gently pulls the most superficial layer of your skin away from the deeper, dermal layers, sendingsignals to the central nervous system and helping modulate pain and increase circulation.
The use of K-Tape lifting and supporting the belly of a mom-to-be.
Another theory is that the sensation of the tape provides continual biofeedback to the wearer - making them more conscious of how they are sitting, moving and walking.
K-Tape isn’t just for athletes or those with acute injuries. Due to its ability to stretch and stick, K-Tape can also help add support for growing, pregnant bellies. Rather than wear a hot, bulky belly-band, K-Tape can be applied directly to the belly to help lift and support the belly during activities, as well as remind mom-to-be to activate and engage her core when lifting.
There are many ways to apply K-Tape, and once it’s on, it can last for up to 5-days thanks to its water-resistance material. Interested in trying out K-Tape for added support or curious if K-Tape can help alleviate your pain? Ask one of your FIXXED clinicians during your next appointment and we can happily tack it on!
Fixxed is a first of its kind recovery studio offering bodywork techniques to help you move and feel your best. We offer quick and effective hands-on services in a one on one setting performed by a licensed physical therapist or athletic trainer. Click HERE to book a free consultation with FIXXED!Resources:
Resources:
1.https://kinesiotaping.com/about/our-president-and-founder
2.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26316553
3.https://www.physio-pedia.com/Kinesio_Taping
4.https://www.sagebodyworkseattle.com/post/kt-tape
5.https://blog.summit-education.com/physical-therapy/kinesiology-taping-for-swelling
6.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36554416
