You’ve probably seen them on athletes, coworkers, or friends and asked yourself: what are those colorful tapes? That’s Kinesio Taping.
As the name suggests, Kinesio Taping—also known as kinesiology tape or functional taping—is an elastic, drug-free adhesive tape applied directly to the skin. It creates traction and offloading forces that reduce physiological stress on the areas affected by dysfunction.
How does it work?
There are various application principles of Kinesio Taping. One of the most effective is the proprioceptive principle: unlike a brace—which uses its material to immobilize—a properly placed tape can provide proprioceptive control to the motor area, helping prevent dysfunction and further pathology. For example, it can be applied near a joint capsule, a weakened ligament system, or a dysfunctional muscle. It’s also very useful in treating hematomas and edemas. The tape is cut and applied according to the desired function, which is why the person applying it must have undergone specific training and understand all the underlying principles.
What are the treatment indications?
Kinesio Taping can be especially useful in the case of:
- Injuries to the capsulo-ligamentous system of various joints – when the injury does not require immobilization
- Chronic joint instability
- Some types of simple fractures
- Muscle strains or overloads
- Overuse injuries
Although it’s a great treatment tool, Kinesio Tape is not a treatment in itself. It’s an excellent non-pharmacological therapy, but for acute or chronic conditions, it should be part of a complete physiotherapy program.
Do the colors mean anything?
You’ve surely noticed that Kinesio Tape comes in many colors. These don’t correspond to different properties or functions—it’s simply a matter of personal preference for the patient or physiotherapist. At Kinetic Center, we offer a wide range of colors: from bright and cheerful neons to discreet skin tones.
Can it be used during pregnancy?
Absolutely. Kinesio Taping is non-medicated and non-invasive, so it’s completely safe during pregnancy. In fact, when applied correctly, it provides excellent support to the spine and belly, and can offer welcome relief to the lower limbs when used for lymphatic drainage—offering significant comfort to expectant mothers.
Are there any side effects?
Since it’s an adhesive tape, contact skin reactions like itching and irritation are possible. If this occurs, it’s important to recognize the reaction early and remove the tape immediately.
Occasionally, other reactions may occur, such as:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Discomfort and tingling
- Circulatory issues
In such cases, it’s essential to consult a specialist or doctor. Kinesio Taping is now a widely used and proven treatment technique.
Our therapists are trained and have completed specialization courses to apply these tapes correctly. Don’t hesitate to contact us to find out if this treatment is right for you!
