In recent years popular sports programs, and most notably the recent Olympic games, have popularized Kinesiology taping. Although there are many different brands and techniques that exist today the core principles are shared. Kinesiology tape is often referred to as K-tape. Although there are many brands and they can be slightly different, they all consist of mainly an elastic tape on a paper backing. In recent studies conducted using this tape, we have found that application of Kenisiology tape has an effect on acute pain and may even promote joint stability and muscle health. Although research is still very new and limited in this area, the results of recent studies suggest promising outcomes for patients experiencing acute pain.

What is acute pain and when to use Kinesiology taping? Acute pain is pain that lasts for only a few months or less, and is usually caused by some type of trauma. A good example of this would be an ankle sprain or shoulder injury from work or sports activities. Any time you would experience acute pain from any type of injury, we have seen benefit with application of tape! These Kinesiology taping methods can be used for a wide variety of ailments even outside of acute pain.

The greatest part of using Kinesiology tape in my experience is that aside from possible mild skin irritation, taping can be a safe and non-invasive way to treat injury, aches and pains, and even post surgical issues without the threat of severe detriment.

Here at Paradigm Physical Therapy and Wellness we offer a wide range of applications of Kinesiology taping to just about any body part or injury. We can even educate the patient on application procedures and techniques for self use. It is a quick and easy way to get your pain levels down so you can do more!