Principles of

KinesioTaping
May 10, 2014
Barbara Schmenk, PT, DPT, CLT, CKTP
Katrina Stibel, MA, AT

Course Description

The Principles of KinesioTaping will introduce the

clinician to the KinesioTaping Method. Fundamental
tape properties and techniques will be discussed.
The participants will learn muscle taping applications
and specialty taping techniques to facilitate the
appropriate physiological response. Appendix will
provide common patient diagnoses and taping
techniques to enhance treatment outcomes.
Indications, contraindications and skin care
considerations will be reviewed.

Objectives

The learner will identify precautions and

contraindications associated with KinesioTaping.
The learner will identify indications for
KinesioTaping.
The learner will identify specialty KinesioTaping
techniques.

References

KinesioTaping Upper Extremity (Workbook 1). KinesioTaping Association

2005. Kinesio USA, Albuquerque, NM.
KinesioTaping Lower Extremity (Workbook 2). KinesioTaping Association
2005. Kinesio USA, Albuquerque, NM.
KinesioTaping Correctional Technique and Clinical Application (Workbook
5). KinesioTaping Association 2004. Kinesio USA, Albuquerque, NM
Hans-Ulrich Hecker, MD and Kay Liebchen, MD. Acupressure Taping.
Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont 2005.
Kenzo Kase, DC and Kim Rock Stockheimer. KinesioTaping for
Lymphoedema and Chronic Swelling. Kinesio USA, Albuquerque, NM
2006.
Travis Halseth, John W. McChesney, Mark DeBeliso, Ross Vaughn, Jeff
Lien. The effects of Kinesio Taping on proprioception at the ankle. Journal
of Sports Science and Medicine 2004. Volume 3, pages 1-7.
Mark D. Thelen, James A. Dauber. Paul D. Stoneman. The clinical
efficacy of Kinesio Tape for shoulder pain: a randomized, double-blinded,
clinical trial. Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy 2008.
Volume 38, number 7, pages 389-395.

KinesioTaping

Kenzo Kase, DC Founder

In Japan
1973
Dr. Kase wanted his patients to utilize a
presciption that they could take home and
use between visits.

KinesioTaping

Dr. Kase began experimenting with tapes

Non-desired results
Developed a new tape
Used in Japans clinical rehabilitation setting
International exposure in 1988 Seoul
Olympics
Introduced in USA in 1995

KinesioTape

Latex free
Safe for pediatrics to geriatrics
Longer wear time 3 to 5 days
Rehabilitative
Does not limit motion
Water resistant
Economical
Easy to apply

Tape Comparison
Athletic

Latex free
No pre-wrap
Elastic/non rigid
Non-compressive
Skin friendly
Allows full ROM
Multiple day wear
Water resistant
Enhances circulation

McConnell Kinesio
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

What is KinesioTaping?

Taping over and around muscles in order to

assist and give muscle support or to prevent
over contraction on the muscle.
Can give support with full ROM that enables
the individual to participate in physical activity
without functional assistance.
Helps fight against overuse/contraction
Helps facilitate movement of lymphatic fluid
Assists with healing

KinesioTape Qualities

Tape is applied to paper substrate with 10%

stretch
Elasticity is 40-60% of resting length
Stretches along longitudinal axis only
Thickness and weight are similar to skin
100% medical grade, acrylic heat activated
adhesive
No medicinal properties in tape

KinesioTape and Cuts

Colors beige, pink, blue, red, black

Width 1, 1 , 2, 3

Cuts

I
X
Y
Fan
Web
Donut
Basket

KinesioTaping Principles

I to O insertion to origin to relax overused

and acutely damaged muscles, for muscle
spasms, and edema secondary to injury
Applied with light tension
O to I origin to insertion to support weak
muscles or chronic conditions, to give
stimulation, and to support muscle
contractions during use
Applied with light to medium tension

KinesioTaping Principles

Results in convolutions when skin/joint are

back to resting position

Lifts the skin and increases blood and lymph

flow

The tape recoils to the starting anchor

No tension on anchors

KinesioTaping Tensions
0-15% Very light tension edema,
lymphedema
15-25% Light tension (off the paper) I to O
50% Moderate tension O to I
75% Severe tension support or correction
100% Full tension support or correction
* Less tension is better than more initially to
determine tolerance

KinesioTaping Convolutions

Skin Prep

Body hair light amount or remove

Dry skin

Can do a test strip if sensitive skin

Application

Apply to the stretched muscle or joint

When joints are injured and you can stretch,

apply tape with medium to full stretch while
maintaining a functional joint position

Rub tape to activate adhesive

Apply 30 minutes prior to activity

Tape Removal

From top down

In direction of hair growth

EXTRA TIPS

Round off corners of tape

Can not reapply one chance per strip of tape
Dawn dish soap
Milk of Magnesium

Physiology of KinesioTaping

Four Main Effects/Functions of KinesioTaping

(1) Reduce pain (Endogenous Analgesic System)

(2) Normalize muscle function

(3) Improve circulatory and lymphatic function

(4) Correct joint alignment and improve proprioception

Appendix A

Precautions

Skin integrity/tape sensitivity

DVT
Cancer
Post injection site
Risk of spreading infection
CHF
New scars
Open wounds

Points of Awareness

2009 - Banned by FINA (International Governing Body of Swimming, Diving,

Synchronized Swimming, Water Polo, and Open Water Swimming)

Was thought to give swimmers a competitive advantage

Trickled down to USA Swimming and NCAA Swimming banned by
both organizations
USA Swimming/NCAA Swimming - Effective July 2011

Kinesio Tape will now only be permitted if the swimmer is unable to compete without the
tape. Coaches and swimmers must provide documentation from a physician or certified
athletic trainer prior to the meet.

FINA - Effective May 2012

The usage of Kinesio Tape to assist and support musculoskeletal conditions is permitted if
deemed necessary by head official - only "nude" colour tape is sanctioned.

Points of Awareness

Banned by NBA November 2013

Considered a bit of an eye sore and not approved by the NBA as an
official piece of wardrobe to be used on the court Tim Frank, league
spokesman

Quickly overturned within a matter of days

"After a discussion today with Jerry Stackhouse, representing the union, we have
decided to allow kinesio tape on an experimental basis so that we can take a
fresh look at the possible benefits it might bring to our players. Tim Frank, league
spokesman

Points of Awareness

Very little quality evidence currently exists to

support the use of Kinesio tape over other
types of elastic taping in the management or
prevention of sports injuries
Placebo vs. scientifically proven benefits?

Appendix A

Physiological Function:
(1) Pain Reduction

Decreased activation of pain receptors

Tape lifts skin, creating convolutions

Increased subcutaneous space

Possibly activates spinal inhibitory system

Possibly activates descending inhibitory system

Also impacted by other three functions

Physiological Function:
(2) Normalize Muscle Function

Restoration/normalization of damaged muscles

Effective for inhibiting muscles (stimulating

relaxation of over-contracted/overused muscles)

Effective for facilitating muscle contractions

with weakened muscles

Also increases ROM, assists tissue recovery,

relives pain, & reduces fatigue.

Physiological Function:
(3) Improve Circulatory and Lymphatic
Function

Congestion = decreased space between skin and

muscle

KinesioTaping increases space between skin and

muscle via convolutions

Fluid exchange between layers is enhanced

Promotes flow of lymphatic fluid and blood via channels of low

pressure
Reduces abnormal feeling and pain in skin and muscle

Reduces excess heat and chemical substances in tissue

pain receptor activation = congestion

Four Major Physiological Functions

Physiological Function:
(4) Joint Alignment & Proprioception

Injury can lead to malalignment

KinesioTaping can assist with the balancing of

agonist and antagonist

2 strength & flexibility imbalances (i.e. spasm,

shortened muscle)
Malalignment leads to abnormal joint forces

Stimulates supporting structures to realign joint

Stimulates supporting structures to limit joint motion

May provide correct proprioceptive input and

enhance kinesthetic awareness