What's with All the Kinesiology Tape?

You've heard about kinesiology tape, haven't you?  If you have watched just about any sporting event in the past few years, you've probably noticed your favorite athletes plastered in colorful tape on their shoulders, knees, wrists, or calves.

So what is the stuff?  Kinesiology tape is a special type of athletic tape that is non-latex and elastic.  It's special properties can be used for many different functions including:

• Muscle facilitation
• Muscle inhibition and pain control
• Swelling management

Kinesiology tape involves using different types of tape strips to serve a specific purpose.  Suppose your physical therapist assesses your painful shoulder and decides that rotator cuff weakness may be causing your problem.  He or she will likely prescribe rotator cuff strengthening exercises, and kinesiology tape may be used on your shoulder to facilitate rotator cuff contractions and improve your body's ability to use your rotator cuff muscles to support your shoulder.

Kinesiology tape isn't for everyone, and some folks with certain medical conditions should avoid it.  A visit with your PT can help decide if kinesiology tape is right for you and your specific condition.

At Capital Region Physical Therapy, we sometimes use kinesiology tape to help augment your physical therapy program.  It's not for everyone, but it may be something your PT may consider to help improve your overall rehab outcome.