Kinesio Tape: Is it a SCAM? Does it work? Is is it HYPE? Is it a FAD?

[@RobotNannyDiaries]

This tape just makes some of my pain go away and it feels better. To me that is really the only thing that matters. When my pain is less, I am more likely to go out and get my body moving again and not take pain meds.

[@malinichandra6953]

Totally get you !

[@doms.6701]

Rather take meds lol.

[@johnassal5838]

There's something to be said for it just maintaining normal mechanics. Completely besides getting back to your normal activities if you'd have a limp or your walking gait would be thrown off causing other aches and pains before that initial injury heals then taping it up with what's essentially temporary external tendons can head off a lot complications. More so if you're over 40.

[@gayl01319]

It helps annoying, nagging pain from overuse and poor posture. It helps my slight "granny hump" from cervical degenerative disc disease. It provides more detailed support than a bulky brace where it is needed. It helps with plantar fascitis and other types of tendinitis. I am sorry guys but I disagree with you on this one. If it keeps me away from ibuprofen (a God send drug for inflammation but bad for the kidneys) then I will GLADLY use it. People opiates are NOT the way to go.

[@revnch9971]

It takes pain away because it lowers the blood flow

[@KathySteelPilates]

I have great results in my Achilles pain reduction. One strip from sole of heel to calf lasts 5-7 days. The scar tissue in the tendon is shrinking. I wear it to teach Pilates 5 days a week.

[@alexgoico]

Just one strip? Do you stretch it?

[@TheSuperhemp]

All I can tell you is my knees have hurt for 20 years. I have tried every single knee brace and wrap on planet earth. Today I used the kinesiology tape for my knees and I'm actually pain free. I broke down and started crying being pain free for the first time in 20 years

[@honkymonkey9568]

Yeah right. I waved a magic wand over my knee and now I'm pain-free.

[@KurogamiNoShanks_3768]

Those tape works wonders

[@guitarpt62]

I am a PT and use Kinesiotape frequently. In my practice, I find that it helps with pain or swelling reduction approximately 70% of the time.

[@Cos7mos]

​@@guitarpt62 Hey can I please learn from you ?

[@guitarpt62]

@@Cos7mos, Cosmo I learned the techniques that I use at a Rocktape entry level continuing education course. Rock Tape’s videos on KZbin are very helpful also.

[@mohamedorayith4626]

Whether it scientifically helps with healing or not, the placebo effect is doing me wonders ;)

[@MissteryDiva]

It's not a placebo, it really works

[@foilsurf]

I've used it for low back pain, tennis elbow and hip flexor pain. The KT tape instantly relieved most of the pain, and over time I feel as though the injury healed faster. The stuff is AMAZING. I recommended it to many people and every one without fail, said they felt better with the tape on.

[@kthewhite7453]

I had chronic peroneal tendinitis and didn't think this would work, but it instantly "cured" the pain when I applied it. This stuff is like magic.

[@Fari106]

I bought it 2 weeks ago and My swelling in the foot has gone down to 50%. I have Peroneal tendinitis and nothing was helping since 9 months. This tape is helping me walk without pain and I hope it heals in the next 2 weeks completely.

[@kaireyes3526]

Any update?

[@tinabumbalina2602]

My therapist recently used it on my back pain and it felt great. I love the tape, I can't believe I've went all these years without it.

[@Chasekinsey8924]

Absolutely. I keep this stuff in my first aid kits . For sprains and that type injury can't be beat

[@escapefromny2012]

I've used it and it worked very well for knee pain. It helped take away pain and improved strength while my leg healed. It comes in black too btw.

[@teresavicario5848]

For me....this tape has been a godsend. Less pain...wider range of motion. Do your homework, though, and make sure you are applying it correctly, or have a therapist who knows how to do it, apply it for you. I apply it myself on the areas I can reach.

[@HouseKatArmy]

For people with hypermobility issues (hEDS) taping does help quite a bit. I can't knit most days because my wrist pops constantly - but if I tape it before I start knitting its enough compression and extra stability that I can knit again for a while.

[@CrazyCamo]

What are you taping? Can't you wear a reusable wrap instead?

[@tinymakeschaos]

Yeah, I've seen a fair amount of disabled people using kinesio tape to support their joints rather than for the marketed sports reasons. It's a thin, stylish, flexible, and comfortable way to easily add a little bit of support to a joint.

[@savingme4807]

I have hEDS and I swear by this stuff!!!!!!!! I can’t comfortably live without it.

[@bee444skate9]

Im shocked because i finally tried this on my back and It DEFINITELY helps me. I can't believe i never thought or knew what it does. Really helped me

[@dynjarren7523]

You two guys are the best! Professional and highly intelligent! I like how you both evaluate and demonstrate everything! And you make a good team! On some issues you give your opinions and sometimes there aren’t definitive answers and you always say so! You provide your best views and opinions and I appreciate that very much! You let the viewer decide! When I want a Professional Opinion, I watch your Videos! Keep it up and Thanks!

[@tchevrier]

My understanding of how it works is not unlike using a tensor bandage. You stretch it before applying it and it essentially puts the muscle under tension. So if you have muscle strains it will help keep the muscle from being over exerted/extended, which is where the pain and further injury comes from.

[@lakeshiarichard8682]

👏🏽The accuracy. Did taping with my plantar fascia pain and def helped my muscles heal with the support -esp since I’m on my feet for 12 + hrs.

[@FrozenSurf]

Can this be used for a broken heart?

[@John2corner]

Make an X on ur chest where your heart is located behind. Ur heart will be ok in about two months by doing so.

[@oliviaginsbourg6541]

Delightful

[@Blackirish__]

yeowart 😂

[@andyofzz]

I suggest duct tape if you know what I mean

[@julianneravely5112]

I find a lot of your videos helpful and informative. I disagree with you on K taping. I had serious rotator cuff pain and had to delay surgery for varying reasons. My therapist suggested taping to help with pain relief. He had seen my MRI, so he knew exactly what was going on in my shoulder and bicep. The strategic taping got me through a couple of months until I could have the surgery. Of course it can't replace the surgery, but combined with other therapies, like ultrasound and dry needling, I could function with a lot less pain. My pain threshold is high, but I had reached 8/9 and found that unbearable. I can function in 4-6 range, for a awhile. Keep an open mind with this tape and try it on your patients.

[@TotalNormalMusic]

I have Ehler Danlos syndrome and taping is a godsend. I can finally stand up. It is also much more comfortable than Ehler Danlos compression clothing.

[@cloudsarefluffy3359]

SAME!!!

[@khoryvodkamiss9725]

I don't know what that disease is or what it does but I did just learn I can hide my fat arms with specialized compression garments.

[@remy7663]

@@khoryvodkamiss9725 lmaoooo gold

[@VampcatVvvvV]

@@khoryvodkamiss9725 try doing a little research before saying insensitive things.

[@carlyar5281]

Same! I have EDS and the “usual” Physiotherapy exercises cause problems for me because joint stiffness and restriction is NOT a problem! Joint instability and excessive mobility is the underlying issue. Rigid splint and braces help but don’t allow muscles to work. This tape helps to provide proprioception for those of us with hypermobilty because the tissues where those sensors are is where we have structural issues (excess stretch) and this adds more sensory input.

[@minxkapinx4ever]

Due to breast cancer I had a right side mastectomy and 14 lymphnodes removed almost 4 years ago. I have had terrible lymphedema and have had to wear expensive sleeves and gloves and had to wrap my arm heavily with expensive and uncomfortable bandages. My new therapist showed me this tape and it has been life changing. I have gone from having a crippled arm with severe pain for 3 1/2 years to having a life again. I can do things now I have not been able to do since surgery. As long as we place the tape correctly, all swelling in my arm is removed within an hour and does not come back with use of the arm. I can finally use my arm as I did before the surgery. I do have to be careful when removing it so I do not damage my skin but after 3 months of using it, I have my life back again...

[@helenhands7012]

I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and I used braces to prevent injuries until I found KT tape ... now I I can tape up and not wear all the bulky braces but still have the support that I need to keep my joints in place. I understand that this is not a common usage however...taking the strain off of an ordinary injury will also aid in healing...so i believe that you all are discounting a helpful tool.

[@PaigeDyerASMR]

I just got diagnosed with EDS and I've been looking into KT tape as an option to help my joints. I'm glad to hear from a fellow zebra that it is helpful!!

[@lorijosephson9062]

@@PaigeDyerASMR Does it help with joint hyper mobility, like keeping them In place? I have HSD and I can’t find anything that works besides uncomfortable braces!!

[@PaigeDyerASMR]

@@lorijosephson9062 it's good (for my body at least) for light duty days but I hop over to the brace for bad flare ups. It's also a great tactile agent for engaging my quads (my knees kinda broke down and I'm having to retrain those muscles) and getting them to fire.

[@THSimagery]

I had a tracking issue on my knee. The physical therapist started taping my knee while rehabilitation. We have been stretching, and strength training with the tape. I cycling 100miles a week. It’s been helping with tracking, but the training has been most helpful. The goal is to strengthen the supporting muscles to the point I start tracking better.

[@sarastevens3361]

I have bilateral knee pain and my physical therapist used this on my knees and it helped. Going to get some to do at home. Really helps with the knee tracking and pain.

[@lexwaldez]

Can confirm it worked for me as well. My doctor suggested it and showed me how to tape my knees; she's a runner. I used the tape to help manage the pain and stress while performing exercises prescribed by my PT. After about six months of hard work the pain faded and I avoided a nasty surgery. It doesn't cure anything but it sure helps get thru the pain and allowed me to get up and do all my exercises. I went from being difficult to get out of bed to being able to do a five mile hike pain free. I'd NEVER say it could replace PT, but it sure helped me get over the initial hump. If it's a placebo effect, it's a welcome one. I've got some pain in my achilles after pushing too hard... starting Bob and Brad's recommended stretches and exercises for that and I've got KT tape on both legs for the time being to help get me thru tomorrow morning's boot camp. I hope to have the achilles thing fixed in a couple months of following Bob and Brad's advice. It's a tool not a cure all.

[@uricacidcrystals9921]

Sara Stevens lose the weight. You have knee problems because you’re an obese land whale

[@shumailaanwar647]

Permanent or temporary?

[@bfetoile2955]

Sometimes when you work with dancers or athletes you need to give them some sort of support without restricting the movement to the point that athletic tape does. It is exactly the tool needed for that circumstances. That is why it is so popular in theraputic circle. No superstition, just common sense.

[@katygawne6320]

Yup. I’m a full time symphony musician and used it for a full year to support my pinky that I had injured in a fall. I would have not been able to keep playing without it.

[@BibleStorm]

Why doesn't science back up your "common sense"?

[@sneakerandscarf]

@@BibleStorm it just "lack" of research. So in reverse, there's ALSO no back up science to cover that KT is doesn't working either.

[@jimmalley]

I have had 3 right hip replacements (2017+2019)…plenty of scar tissue and associated muscle pains since then..hip flexors, quad, glutes, it band…. been telling doctors for years about the pain on the outside of my right hip… p/t, heat, ice, anti inflammatories, nothing worked… just tried kt tape 3 hrs ago… pain free, first time in 5 years!!!!

[@codedwarrior226]

I was skeptical too my girl friend bought it for me for my back pain I’ve had for a little over a year and it went away within a couple of days. That’s the only experience I’ve had with it. It’s worth a try.

[@cookim8364]

I disagree with you, I had double carpel tunnel and tennis elbow in my left elbow at the same time. After 2 months of using the metal and Velcro braces as suggested by dr. It still hurt and was getting no better. I bought the k tape applied it 2-3 times maybe over 8 day period. Both wrists and elbow stopped aching and hasn't come back over 5 years... Placebo effect my ass. :(. Sorry guys it works!

[@Ashtonishing1812]

How exactly do you apply it?

[@tatchanuesugi]

I took the 8 hour training course recently. Basically, the two ends of the strip (about 1 inch area each) should have NO Stretch (to avoid it pealing off). Just place (anchor) the ends, then always rub them to create heat, which increases the adhesion. That leaves the middle area of the tape... Many times that is also not stretched (stretching can create tightness, and interfere with your comfort and movement). A trained person can help you decide to stretch it or not. If you are dealing with an area of pain, you may try adding a second strip of tape at some angle to the first strip. The intersection of the two being the location of the pain. It immobilizes the spot, and feels less pain. Remember to rub the tape briskly, to create heat and make it stick. Avoid: rubbing and catching the ends, and pulling it off. (also, trimming the ends to make them rounded, like a bandaid, rather than cut straight across, to prevent square corners. Square corners tend to get lifted off and peal. Avoid taping the crook of your elbow or knee, where tape is uncomfortable and irritating. That may not be much to go by. But it will help keep your tape on. It can stay on 3-5 days.

[@gabrielegattiosteopata3776]

They are not expressing their opinions though, they brought to the table scientific articles and scientific literature to support their theory. On you it worked (by the way, that could believe that on you it had a placebo effect) maybe on someone else it doesn't

[@indieoak]

@@gabrielegattiosteopata3776 you know what? Very little therapies including surgery and pharmaceuticals work for everyone.

[@gabrielegattiosteopata3776]

@indieoak I totally agree with you. That said, I don't get what that has to do with my answer. I was just stating that If on someone taping works, it does not mean that it is scientifically true. Shaman therapies worked in the past on certain people, does that mean that old creepy dudes can heal your mana? Don't think so, but it surely isn't demonstrated in any proven way

[@janihayes3723]

my PT used this on my knee,when I had a miniscus year, and it really helped a lot. After I was finished with therapy, I bought some and if you apply it correctly, I found it to be excellent, better than a knee brace or regular sports tape.

[@dandana4647]

Jani Hayes same experience

[@gabrielle2dream559]

I've had the best experiences with tape

[@christinelwhite3424]

Yeah I have a muscle Mcl stretch tear... I must say it stops the pain ..I had to ask PT about it oh yeah we have it really I think it's amazing .....and will be a huge supporter .... Olympians used for years football players see it on their arms too baseball guys ...geez so happy to find something other than drug a pill ....Praising God about it something to it

[@angelcrow6256]

I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and I can't live without it. It relieves my pain so much.

[@RonaldSimilien]

I will say from my experience of using this tape it actually helped relieved a lot pain while running out of the blocks with what I thought was just shin splints. It works temporarily to relieve the stress but after increased intensity of the workouts it was useless.

[@isithotmama]

Ronald Similien my son used it for track also he swears by it for pain relief

[@xedvap]

placebo

[@BoboEnterprises1968]

It is good for temporary relief. With shin splints, you also have to address the tightness in your calves because that is usually the problem. It's a great modality if used correctly.

[@neechelethompson793]

Well I had total knee replacement, it been 13 weeks ,still have soreness in my surgical knee, but just tried this KT Tape Pro on my own ,it help the soreness and pain in my surgical knee. It works. But on the other knee which has a meniscus tear and my Collage is gone , bone to bone , I tried the TK Tape o. It also it helped a little, it still hurts, but it helped the surgical knee. But it relieve my pain some ,right a way

[@smallorphan1192]

Edvards Zakovskis If you understand any sort of neurology it’s not. It’s called the gate pain theory and it’s the process of how pain is sent through your central nervous system. Large nerve fiber stimulation will pass through inhibitory neurons which will block the small nerve fibers from fully going through projection cells which reduces the pain you actually feel because less pain is being sent to the CNS. As long as the large nerve fiber stimulation is greater than small nerve you will experience pain reduction. Placebo would have to be a genuine belief that it helps prior to even use many people are skeptical at first and learn to love it because they realized it can and does help in many situations.

[@peterhammer6915]

Its a fantastic product. I cured my both shoulders with keeping them taped for 4 months.

[@satyasvlogs4437]

Can it relief pain

[@peterhammer6915]

@@satyasvlogs4437 yes definitely

[@nabil5275]

Did you use everyday?

[@peterhammer6915]

@@nabil5275 yes, you can go to shower with it. Good kinesio tape stays in place for about 4-5 days. Important is to use it all the time, as it relieves the weight to joints and muscles when not exercising. Its especially important to use off training

[@Cornelius91]

I got some pain near the knee around my quad do you think it’ll cure that type of pain?

[@scottandlonikula4293]

As a retired PT I just want to tell you - YOU GUYS Rock!!!

[@Ivorberry]

You mentioned shin splints. After months of different therapies, stopping activity etc I tried kt tape.. Issue 90% improved almost immediately. How, I have no idea, I am just thankful.

[@Andy-Mesa]

Placebos are an amazing thing.

[@Macca3]

Where did you apply for shin splints?

[@JBob08]

It's a tool that good trainers use in addition to corrective work and proper therapy, not in place of it. That's where the bad name comes from. I use it frequently and my clients have come to love it. It also looks pretty cool. 😁

[@carterfairbanks7096]

not beige 😭

[@johnassal5838]

Let me ask you, do you remember an Icy Hot product available in drug stores that was like a thick sports tape impregnated with that icy Hot and had an adhesive that would hold it to you through a week of daily showers if you let it (or forgot it was there) only they pulled it off the market leaving only these lame tissue-like pads? I was wondering if you knew what happened or even better if there was some pro-grade equivalent still available. That stuff supported the sore area almost like KT and it just felt so much better. I really miss it.

[@stoneseabolt]

While some people are skeptical of it, both my orthopedic surgeon and physical therapists highly recommended I tape my right shoulder after I kept dislocating my it, I finally went and got an MRI and found out I had basically no labrum anymore, and a few other things in there so basically nothing was holding my shoulder in place, then had the SLAP surgery and aall the other other things in there fixed after a pretty bad bike crash, so now I'll tape it before I do anything that really involves a whole lot of shoulder movement. I don't know if it's just psychological and makes me feel like my shoulder is more stable, but I genuinely do think it helps with my shoulder's stability. I also use it on my ankle if I'm going for a long run because I've always had bad ankles. I think if applied properly it definitely helps keep my shoulder more stable and my ankle from excruciating pain. And it definitely seems to keep the pain levels down in that shoulder without having to take any pills. I have made the mistake of using it on my ankle without shaving that part of my leg beforehand...and I'm, I suppose you could say a fairly hairy guy. So that's fun to take off of a super hairy leg and foot. I don't understand how some women enjoy getting their legs/other things waxed. I was practically crying trying to get it off of my leg the first time I made that mistake.

[@mamorris23]

I'm sorry but I got to disagree with you guys on this one. I'm a licensed PTA and we use Kinesio tape all the time in the clinic. Sure, it doesn't treat conditions or make you stronger, I'm not sure if any therapist would claim that it does. What it does do (depending on your method and taping technique) is give extra support to an area (I use it a lot for patellar instability) or can be used to help decrease pain. Dr. Kenzo Kase has a great continuing education class on kinesio taping, not sure if that's the course you're referring to.

[@Gryzz]

There's a reason they put that particular quote at the beginning, haha.

[@theotacoach5542]

Outpatient COTA here, I got the certification about a year ago (Dr.Kase's course). I agree with you, I love the tape and have found many uses for it. No, it doesn't work for everyone and it won't "cure" anything but there are definitely benefits. I remember taping a lady for adhesive capsulitis once, she had so much pain...anyway she called me up one day with tears of joy because she finally found relief.

[@meowmeowmuscle007]

Taking his course now and moving forward to get certified!

[@Fairyplace]

mamorris23 I’d love to know how to tape it for a fallen arch. I can’t find a way to tape it to help because my my outer ankle is hurting terribly

[@tracicracraft7238]

I really like how you guys said " if you want use it, use it." I tore three tendons in my ankle this past November I'm using the tape for stability. some days its really great some days it's not... my daughter uses it for carpal tunnel on her wrist and seems to work well. We have found and that it's trial and error as to how you tape the area especially with my ankle. Thanks for the video you guys are great!

[@kristina5296]

Helps all of my tears, strains, damaged nerves from injury, and inflamed/tender muscles. I♡it, I cant work, let alone walk, without it #worksforme

[@thekangaroo42]

This tape didn't help at all with my shin splints. But it did have some success with recovery from forearm pain (around the supinator) while playing viola.

[@passaroquetemasanaovoa]

Same thing!! 😱 For forearm works like magic, but for IT band or ankle I haven’t felt any improvements.

[@Rafael-je8hl]

I was returning to soccer a few weeks back and the two things that made a great difference was a compression sleeveo from Amazon for the calf and some new Dr Scholl's sport insoles for my cleats. Day and night. All this was on top of taking it easy, massage, ice for a couple weeks while getting used to the new routine.

[@arimewillow4278]

This tape keeps me going. It supports my rotator cuff, it supports my Achilles, my bad knee, my lower back, seriously I don't care what any body thinks, it works for me. I'm also a clutz. I hurt myself a lot. A LOT.

[@lorrainkoehler8936]

I have suffered from lower back pain for a long time. I have just started Aquatic Therapy and it really upset my back pain. So, when the therapist suggested taping my back I was totally sceptical. Until today! Oh my! I have 75% less pain today! No kidding! No one could have been more sceptical and today, I have no problem singing its praises for the pain relief in my lower back.

[@gillianrose72608]

Me too!! I was so skeptical of how well this stuff could work - it’s just tape, how good could it be? If NSAIDs aren’t working, why would this? And then I ran out of options and gave it a try. And thank god i swallowed my pride and did.

[@adnan165]

I also have lower back pain 😫 can you suggest me which taping are you used and how many hours you living taping in your body part ?

[@LajRa5]

I have a shoulder injury. This just helps support my lower arm below the shoulder and helps relive the pain some. It is not a miracle worker but the extra support it gives me is helpful

[@francinemcnabb6915]

I messed up my knee (soft tissue damage I was told) and I used as recommended, I had it on for a few days, I didn't think it was working but when I took off the tape within a few minutes I was in a lot more pain, I used it for a month or so and my knee has since healed up, but as they said for something serious it won't replace surgery.

[@fescolfaro]

I am an ulta-marathon longboarder (10-15hrs a week regular training, peaking at 20+), have tried it on my left patella and it instantly helped. Instead of using a neoprene knee-support thing (because it doesn't work under clothes, it's winter here!) I decided to try taping my knee, followed a tutorial about alleviating "runner's knee" with it, and as soon as I finished the process I did feel some form of relief. It's been 4 days now and I can feel it does affect tracking of the patella, specially because the moment I taped "wrong" it was instantly uncomfortable xD

[@JoeLinux2000]

FS. Proper placement of the tape is critical, and it takes time and experimentation to get it exactly right. Put in the wrong place it can increase pain, but it helps when placed "correctly"

[@JohnM...]

I've had really bad pain in my hip, groin and top of hamstring for 2 years now. Whenever I've applied the tape in these areas ( guys, for the groin, remove hair first!!!), I have noticed a considerable reduction in pain, and my pain was 24/7. Trouble is, I've no idea exactly the reason for the pain, so if anyone has any ideas, please let me know - the only things, during the day, that if I do them take the pain away are: 1. Lying flat on my face - pain disappears for a couple of hours, 2. Sitting on a tennis ball which is right at the top of my hamstring. 3. Massaging around the hip/ ishium for about 10 minutes. Circulation may be interrupted?

[@mora9793]

John M definitely should visit a doctor. It could be any of type of injury from sprain all the way to an unnoticeable dislocation. Phsyio might be required

[@BalanceEducation]

Pain is such a difficult subject, and once it's chronic, it becomes its own problem, it has little to do with what is going on in the tissue. There are hundreds of possible reasons for your problem, but you're on the right track by doing more of the things that help, and less of what you've identified as triggers. Do more of the self-massage, sit down on your hand and feel the hamstring and adductor tendons. Dig into the dips between the tendons. That's a lot more specific than the tennis ball. Opening up space between the different structures can help free up some small nerve branches, also give you just a bit more mobility and different feedback from the sensory nerves to your brain. Getting more mobile gives your nervous system the message that you're better, and the pain gets regulated down. Being in constant pain is like anything else your nervous system does: it gets really good at it. So pay a lot of attention to whatever feels better (including the tape) and avoid the triggers. The self-help steps you listed can become your personal treatment plan: figure out how often you can do them for maximum benefit, don't just wait for a crisis. I hope you are already way better.. I see you posted 6 months ago!

[@claudiaroedel1368]

The bones might be missaligned. You might consider visiting a chiropractor to see if it can help.

[@robinbebbington7063]

I have found it works well when I have had minor strains or joint pain when training Taekwondo. I had hurt my knee when repetitively incorrectly doing a double roundhouse and taping provided just that little extra support without restricting my movement. I have also found its worked well with ankle joint strains as well. I can feel the difference immediately and it helps me heal quicker as well. So it works for me.

[@adam7402]

I have a lumbar disk herniation, I just used this stuff and deadlifted 900 lbs.

[@r.trainer3706]

Oh, only 900lbs? Why not.just shoot for 1200 and break the world record

[@raymakerscalisthenics660]

😂😂

[@gregpayne1031]

I’m 75 and have played handball for over 50 years. I started using it in the early 2000s for a shoulder sprain, also hamstring. I’m a believer, but for minor sprains, never for something like an Achilles tear. I’ve also found it to be a very good bandage for small scrapes or cuts, especially since the adhesive sticks so well. e.g., A small scrape or paper cut, not deep. I just put a little Neosporin on the wound and cover it. If the cut is long, use a little gauze, but usually I just cover it. Since it’s hypoallergenic, you can leave it on a couple of days. If it gets wet, it dries quickly. If the area,is hairy, you’ll need to shave it so it sticks. I know this is unorthodox, but it works, even my dermatologist was surprised.

[@rachelashby3857]

i'm so glad that Brad mentioned adhesive allergies. some things that are really obscure like that often go unmentioned.

[@Panya.V]

I have allergic reactions to almost all adhesives, and I didn't react at all to the kinesio tape I used!

[@dav10k]

My wife and I have used athletic taping for carpal tunnel, sciatica pain, tennis elbow, Mortons Nueroma and torn calf muscle. We both are true believers and it is not just in our heads.

[@estebanb.8786]

It works, definitely helps but be extremely careful because it can cause blisters and will rip your skin off when removing it. Used on rotator cuff, removed it while in the shower felt an extreme burn, when I looked closely it had cause blisters under the tape it ripped the skin off completely when I removed it, looked like I had a hole in my shoulder and very painful, I’m not allergic to anything. I was shocked by the damage it left on my shoulder. Be careful

[@greenzone5146]

I tend to be a mouth breather at night, which can have negative health and dental effects. So I use a small strip to hold my mouth closed.

[@DinoSnotStudios]

This is the first time I've seen this channel, but the intro is fabulous. ☆

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

I am an overweight girl who started exercising. I was experiencing knee strain. I tried all kinds of braces. It was hard to find one that fit or was comfy, so I tried the tape…god send. I am sure it does less for a perfectly healthy athlete with no known major injuries. But has helped me a lot.

[@garistackhouse2408]

As a medical professional I'm skeptical of everything. This was a miracle however during my pregnancy. I have seen the placebo effect in my patients, I've administered placebos and was in awe of their reaction, I thought this too may just be a mental thing. It was NOT! The relief was amazing. Now I use it for my carple tunnel. I used to wake up on pain, even with night brace. No more. ❤💚❤ love you guys and all your tips,exercises and advice. Peace & blessings

[@alonzovidal75]

I have a torn ACL i never got surgery on. I use the tape on long runs to remedy knee instability. It does work

[@KX5Kat]

As a sprinter and gym goer, I developed peroneal tendonitis in my left ankle and had ankle issues for months. I've been using KT to augment my rehab program of strengthening my peroneal with resistance exercises, using a resistance band. After only a few days, my ankle is starting to feel more stable and stronger. This could be because of the resistance training, but I can certainly feel the tape helping to keep my ankle straight as I walk and possibly help speed up recovery.

[@CoachDrewK]

I'm struggling with neck pain after a car wreck. I went to a massage therapist / chiropractor and they applied it on me. A day later I did feel better. I struggle getting that pop on the tight side. I pulled my arms back and two uniform pops along the shoulder blades that the tape was on. In my opinion, getting all the muscles working together instead of one area supporting all the weight makes a lot of sense. I'm new to this stuff. I'm sure it doesnt cure all but I do believe it has a great use and I do believe it is helping my situation.

[@raeannemitchell4330]

My therapist in the past used it on my knee for pain relief. Currently, post surgery it helps with pain from swelling and lymphatic drainage.

[@paulaclarke3421]

Hi guys. I found kin tape online (the joy that is Amazon) over 2 years ago. I was looking for a support tape for my knees (inflammatory arthritis) I'm a big girl & found the tube style bandages too uncomfortable, they'd roll down or bite into my flesh. I was struggling to weight bear, in pain & used sticks. I bought some kinesiology tape without knowledge of the cure-all claims. I followed the instructions (watched a great Welsh physio online). I expected my knees to feel supported or at least comforted. It was an amazing & joyous surprise that the tape relieved pain & improved my mobility (please note: when my joints are choc full of fluid I don't bother with the tape as aspiration is the only solution) These days I'm actually able to go out & jump around in nightclubs no less, with knees pre strapped of course. My 74 year old mum is amazed at the relief she gets & can walk for longer when she wears (lilac!) kin tape. Placebo? Maybe, but I'm thankful that I came across the funky coloured tape!

[@Julia-lg2on]

I always thought it was a placebo effect until today. I had some SpiderTech tape that I’d gotten as a sample, and have been having new pain in my upper hamstring that I wished I could support just a little. I figured I might as well use it, so I read the instructions, applied it as well as I could…and was amazed at the relief I got after I started walking around. I won’t act like I’m cured - I’m still working on strengthening the area - but I definitely got unexpected relief from it.

[@edsantos3019]

You are not only Good Docs but great and honest people TY answered my questions

[@YAMR1M]

A snapped AC ligament and although I don't use it all the time and have strengthend my shoulder as much as possible I use it for all day activities where my muscles can become tired and my shoulder begins to ache or actually hurt as the joint opens up later in the day. Its the best pain killer I have ever used for that injury and its not a placebo effect. Its not something I use for sports as I ride motorcycles on track and I never need it when I am in my leathers as they hold everything in place perfectly well.. The reason I use the tape for some things from time to time is because I know from having it in the leathers it can move and is not strapped super tight. The tape when applied correctly just helps hold the joint in place because it is supplementing what your muscles are doing to take over from that snapped ligament.. Its not a cure but it is very effective pain relief. I refuse to take pain meds for it as numbing the pain could let me do more damage without knowing. The tape will if I do too much or over work it still let me feel the warning pain to limit what I do.. I would 100% say use it for support or temporary pain relief and don't think it is a cure.

[@bahedbanger]

i was unaware of the vast claims made about ktape. but it worked well supporting my knee while it healed. i hurt my knee getting out of a bathtub (i'm 70 and heavy). and just in the course of cooking a meal, i would wrench it, turning and swiviling from point to point in that efficient triangle that a kitchen has. also, lying in bed on my side would put a little torsion on my knee and i would wake up with it throbbing. 3 pieces of ktape were enough to stabilize my knee so i could walk normally and sleep without accidentally twisting or stressing my knee painfully. as for the lymphatic stimulation claim, i don't know. but i must say rhat you CAN harm yourself with the tape if you aren't careful applying it. placed wrong or too tightly, it will interfere with circulation. this is easy to do if you have chubby knees. it happened to me once. i stretched the tape too much but was reluctant to waste the tape, i left it on for a bit but had to redo it. regular otc knee braces are very uncomfortable and don't stay in place on my chubby. knees.

[@eytonshalom]

With all due respect to chiropractic, their medicine is, classically speaking, the manipulation of and mobilization of bones and joints. Other than that, they do seem to come up with an awful lot of new stuff that is not validated by either Science or Tradition. Muscle testing to decide which supplements to prescribe is a good example. Having said that, as an acupuncturist I can tell you that in my own field, an awfully lot of stuff comes out of Japan that is also not validated by Acupuncture theory or tradition, or Science. Some of it us very creative, and some of it really seems like quackery and nonsense designed to separate the desperate masses of us in pain from our money. A final point. It is true that, historically, medicine has been quite conservative and has resisted innovation. Always. A good example are the biofeedback machines used for teaching people to relax that are now standard to care in chronic pain centers staffed by M.D.s...In the late 60's when they were first invented, they were widely dismissed by western medicine. As was, for that matter, acupuncture, in 1992 when I began my practice. As it is, to this day, Western medical M.D.s still seem to value surgery and addictive drugs over natural methods, and routinely dismiss Chinese herbal medicine as "unsafe" or "untested." Is Vicodin and Oxycontin and Statins etc etc safe? Lastly, placebo effect is huge in Medicine. Just because a friend who is a runner said the tape helped them, does not mean the tape is "proven." But if it helps, even as a placebo, that's another story....

[@cathyholland8962]

A therapist used it on a very painful injury my husband had...it was instant pain relief.

[@KimSmithMI]

When I had plantar fasciitis in both feet, wrapping with K-tape was the thing that helped me the most out of any of the therapies that the PT specialist tried. I'm a believer, for sure! I know it's not for *everything*...but it certainly worked wonders for me in that situation! Thanks for all your information...you guys are great!

[@freddie3206]

I have Morton's Neuroma in my feet and it helps a lot.

[@lisagal1858]

I have been using it for support for plantar faciitis and it has helped so much!!

[@TheJadestevens1980]

My knee kind of clicks when I bend it just below my knee cap,. My therapist put a strip under my knee cap and it stopped clicking - but when the tape comes off it clicks again. So no improvement in condition, but does help ease discomfort.

[@saxgoddess25]

I've been using it to help with severe pain from plantar fasciitis, and I'm noticing a marked difference in my pain levels. My problem is keeping the tape on for long. I've been swimming (to take pressure off my feet) and even the extra sticky k-tape won't last past one day in the water.

[@vickykisuli4924]

dont i just love this two... you make my life as a physio so easy

[@andrebrito9337]

a teacher of mine saidd the same thing "placebo or not if it works then it works and that's what matters"

[@rld1278]

After a car accident I had frequent episodes of lateral epicondylitis. After college, which had triggered a long bout of lateral epi., I started working with pts and developed medial epicondylitis on the same elbow. I had tried stretches, the bands, nothing was working. My COTA boss suggested ktape as he had good success using it on himself. Ktape was the only thing that helped cure the dual epicondylitis (tennis and golfers elbow) I had for several years. That was a few years ago and I didn't need the tape after a month or so nor has it come back.

[@drmitchellhackerman2105]

I used it for, among other things, any shoulder problem where they have a problem elevating. The point is that the tension provides enough support that it reduces tension on the Add to dictionary units. People can usually feel an assist when they elevate their arm. It takes just enough pressure off that the patient notices a bit of help from the tape and it feels good to them. The tactile pressure also influences pain just like when you grasp an injured area or place a band aide on a wound, it feels better.

[@blairinhemet]

I'm a 76 year old in better than average shape--I still do very hard work 3-5 days a week and 3 to 6 hours a day--recently my left upper arm has given me much muscular pain--I tried kenesio tape and it's close to a miracle for me--I don't care how it works I just know FOR ME, only for me it's a blessing

[@WunHungLo99]

I used it for the first time on a sore/slightly stretched upper quad. 100% it helped, the muscle didn't have any of the twinges I normally experience. You have to apply it properly, anchor, correct stretch (25/50/100%) anchor.

[@ben-hurhorses5778]

I started cycling after 2 years of no training at all. After a 14 km ride on the beach my quads locked up and responded poorly to rest stretching, massage, l-glutamine diclofenac and orphenadrine. The muscle obviously was very overtrained. I needed faster results so I could do my next ride. as a last resort I applied kineso tape an felt a massive difference the next day. I do feel that without it my recovery period may have lasted a full week to even a week and a half but I was good to go after adding K-Taoe day 4 and 5 of rest. It definitely has some effect but I agree the scope for use is not as wide as advertised. The muscle was obviously not fully recovered but at least I could squeeze in two lighter rides after. I realise research is currently inadequate but I would not discount the therapeutic potential entirely. I think claims of incresibly grip strength and improving proprioception is unlikely. How about its use in CP and possibly Downs Syndrone? Maybe Occupational Therapy can lend some insight.

[@mickeymcnulty6152]

I have hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome so I experience a lot of the hypermobility that people with Downs experience. I am also Autistic so I face some cognitive challenges as well. I definitely think that K tape can have a beneficial effect for both people with hypermobility and cognitive challenges because it gives the person a proprioceptive cue that they do not otherwise get from their body. I do not have any knowledge about CP.

[@helicart]

it cannot unload a damaged joint or muscle/tendon. all it can do is support or stretch fascia and stimulate proprioceptors.

[@gavinharris1659]

Just like it can't do everything right it surely can't be totally useless. It definitely falls under the 'C' for compression in the R. I. C. E. model. My experience is that it helps in conjunction with massage, ice, and other supports.

[@Jimmythepin]

I have adult onset Osgood-Schlatter disease, and this tape has helped my knee immensely. More than any other treatment. My wife suffered for MONTHS with Plantar Fasciitis, missing work, at a job she loved, and was looking at surgery after PT and shots failed to help. I researched Kinesio Taping, and learned how to use it properly. FIVE MINUTES after taping her foot, she was in tears because she was not in pain for the first time in months. She used the tape for weeks, at work, where she walked many miles a day, pain free, and now no longer needs it. I have also turned a golfing buddy, with Plantar Fasciitis, on to this, and he can walk the course again, and swears by it. I understand that self-help infringes on surgeons', pharmaceutical companies', and physical therapists' profit margins, and I can understand how you folks may not be big fans, but you are doing a GREAT disservice to your followers by talking about "placebo effect" and using words like "scam" in your headline. You also have cast a very negative connotation over the entire issue, by saying things like "large QUALITY studies" and "it doesn't hurt anything." Even your explanation as to how the taping works was so far off, it was laughable. It is NOT a scam. It DOES work for many injuries and chronic conditions, both minor and serious, and I strongly encourage everyone to try it for themselves, after researching how to use Kinesio Tape properly, before simply discarding the idea. I like you guys and I will continue to watch your channel for its physical therapy instructions (as that is what you should stick with), but you WIDELY missed the mark with this video.

[@kt11540]

I sprained my foot and ankle and I use this tape, and also received foot adjustments from my chiropractor.

[@BigEvan96]

I have pretty bad Sciatica. When the pain is unbearable, the K Tape does help support my weight when standing. It also helps to alleviate some of the pain and helps me from re-charley horsing my legs. That sounds weird but if I can feel a muscle spasm coming on or if I just had one, the K Tape greatly decreases the odds of it happening again or in the first place. It's 50/50. Experiment with it.

[@annamae859]

All I know is I have been using it in and off for years, for dancing and walking. Having had a ruptured Achilles on the right side and recurring tendonitis in the left I have found taping to be the most effective form offer support and pain relief, alongside RICE and osteopathy or physio. If that's a placebo effect then I'm fine, is it works way better for me than a compression ankle support that restricts movement, changes my gait and causes further problems such as hip pain. I am aware it does not cure everything, it won't cure my neck or shoulder pain as that is caused by minor scoliosis, but for sports/dance injuries it's my go to.

[@u.a.1449]

Do you use cheap knock off versions or the branded one

[@annamae859]

@@u.a.1449 I use Rock Tape, Neo or KT. I am not sure what you mean by 'knock off', if you mean generic I would use it, if you mean fake, if it were good faked packaging I might not know I was using a 'knock off'. However, due to my previous job as an Osteopathic Clinic Administrator I know which reputable companies to buy from if I want to save a few £s on pharmacy prices.

[@Soggz7785]

It certainly is helping taking the friction off of a swollen bursitis sack, at the front of my knee, but I’m not sure I would use it for much else. Although applied correctly, it can shorten certain ranges of movement. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧

[@theotacoach5542]

COTA/L and certified in kinesiotape- I use this tape all the time on my patients and on myself. Most people like it and feel relief from pain, report increased ROM as evidenced by improved independence with ADLs etc. Whether it really "works" or if its just the placebo effect... I don't know the answer, but as long as it keeps my patients off of medications (or on lower doses) then I'll continue to use it.

[@ginnyjollykidd]

I had lymphedema during and after radiation treatment that I feel started at the end of my chemo treatments post surgery for breast cancer with lymph node removal. My PT and I tried many things: wrapping, medical foam rubber, and also Kinesio tape. She taped strips down the backs of my fingers, and the tape was still intact at the back of the hand, then diagonally wrapped toward the inside of my right arm. We even tried to wrap around the wrist. What I found was that it provided very limited relief. At the time, my lymphedema was quite severe, in the region that indicated it could not be rehabilitated. We wrapped Kinesio tape on me (I also learned how to wrap myself with Ace - style bandages without the Kinesio tape and cotton batting. It might have provided some reduction of lymphedema, and I feel it can help at some mild level of lymphedema, but it should not be the only therapy. I used lymphedema sleeves and gloves, and even a chip sleeve and chip bag for under my glove. And lymphedema pump. The "kitchen sink" method, I think, was the only method I felt could work: throw everything at the problem I can but the kitchen sink, and even the kitchen sink if it would help.

[@donaldwilliams1437]

ginnyjollykidd n

[@kherrington4544]

This tape works very well. The only way I can make it through my work day.

[@robertmireuta9556]

Nakia Herrington if this would work, it would have cured you by now!!!

[@bevrolee8887]

Robert Mireuta Not everything can be cured, but if something helps it’s worth it. You shouldn’t have to be told this, though.

[@sammo5786]

From my own experiences playing cricket as a fast bowler, I have found the tape extremely beneficial. I have partially torn the tendons and muscles in my forearms and have quite bad tennis elbow to the point where I'd lost feeling in part of my hand because my nerve in My elbow was compromised ( cubital tunnel syndrome). After a 2-3 years of letting my body rest, building my muscles back up, exercises and physio, I'm now finally back bowling off a full run at full pace, but I don't think I'll be able to do this without the kinestology tape. The support for tennis elbow without restricting the movement of my joints is amazing. Not only am I pain free in my arms when I'm bowling but my arms feel better and the tennis elbow is much less painful in regular life after a good session where I've used the tape. Side note a bunch of the exercises that have helped me I have gotten from you guys. I really appreciate your channel and it has made such a positive difference to my life.

[@smallorphan1192]

Brad: “if you go this way there is no stretch” Bob: “oh I didn’t know that” Brad: “of course” Damn brad, chill.

[@razadaza9651]

Watch Tron Brad: “I’ve been doing my homework Bob”

[@cardanomm3194]

i have been in constant pain with my right arm for over 2 months, i have been to my doctor who prescribed pain medication. The medication did not work, I was in agonising pain throughout the day and would wake up from my arm hurting so bad. I tried the kinesio tape after watching a video on how to put it on and within 10 minutes my pain had subsided, and after a day my triceps felt better. My doctor had no idea what was wrong and was going to send me to hospital to have it checked out. I would have had to of stayed in pain for another 3-6 months (National Health Service). It was my right arm, and I am right handed I couldnt lift a kettle, open a bottle of water, carry my shopping and on top of that I kept forgetting, and try as I might I couldnt train myself to be left handed.

[@mickeymouse4351]

I forgot to mention, I don't hardly take prescription medication, such as, ibuprofen 600mg. or Tylenol with Codeine, like I use to, because the KT Tape helps to reduce pain and swelling.

[@LIBBYLEFT]

Using this tape for my arthritic knees is the difference between walking and not walking. I'm very surprised by this video. There's so much of an improvement when I tape my knees correctly. I first started using this tape for my plantar Fasciitis and I had so much relief when walking. This stuff absolutely works if you use it correctly.

[@sandraschertz9812]

I have the same problem. Kt made it possible to keep working.

[@TiimBow]

Great for shoulders and elbows and thoracic spine ive only use it on those areas and I saw great success.

[@aeortiz2004]

I walk long distances and usually needed a regular elastic knee brace to do it. And kept it after it to avoid the pain. Now I'm using the kinesio and have the same results with it, free of post activity pain.

[@NikeySunfire]

To me it helps me feel supported when going in to lift heavy. This increase in confidence helps my brain to focus on the exercise without worrying about getting injured

[@BobandBrad]

thanks for sharing!

[@TravelsWithKris]

I couldn't find a brace that fit properly, and came across this tape for a strained muscle. I couldn't stretch/bend my arm behind my head, but I put this tape on and now I can without pain. I wear it now for spin classes to add a bit of extra support for my knees. It's cheap and isn't harmful, so why not?

[@kirstenmichaels6794]

i have really bad low back pain and sciatica and i have to say the kinesiology tape actually helps reduce the pain. its not a cure all but it does help. my pain goes from well above 10 and reduces pain to like 6 or so. walking gets better and bending eh somewhat better. but walking and pain is def an improvement. also want to mention kt tape gets so itchy and leaves residue when taken off. muller is not as itchy for me and barely leaves residue but doesnt last as long as kt tape. theres other brands that i am going to try but either way kinesiology tape does work when put on correctly. its heaven on earth to have less pain and a bit more range of motion. i love it

[@dees3617]

It works. I use it for around my knees. I have osteoarthritis. I’m able to walk more with the tape on. Sometimes I put it behind my calves and thighs when I get Charlie horses or cramps. I think it helps with that too. Only negative thing about it is I get skin irritation from it. Raised. Red. But I can’t live without them. Or I have anxieties…

[@jlucas1004]

I have been having Kinesio Tape used at my PT appointments for a year now for a torn tendon behind my knee. I do not remember the name of that tendon. The Kinesio Tape has helped both the swelling and the pain. I highly recommend it regardless of what any studies show. Recently arthritis has flared up in my other knee and again the Kinesio Tape has helped with the swelling and the pain. It also seems to help with the stability of both knees. Just adding my two cents.

[@hammerdown9]

KT Tape really helped reduce the pain I had with Plantar Fasciitis.

[@charleajohnson2742]

Same!

[@neechelethompson793]

Put on my lower back and it help too

[@LiveLaughLove8489]

Colorado 4x4 me too. Helps when i have a flare. Plan on using it for my knee that I injured.

[@tonyag9218]

Good to know 😊

[@chijako7990]

I use this stuff sometimes for my cubital tunnel syndrome. It does seem to help some of the times, but there seems to be many factors that go into it. Such as, if I'm already having pain, it helps, but doesn't take it away. Also, if I don't apply it very well, and when it starts to come off. It's something that helps in such a small way, that I'm not surprised the studies have been inconsistent.

[@ra9788]

As a physio, I don‘t believe the theories but I will still use for some occasions like chronic PFJ pain or ankle instability for people who are going to exercise or play sports as a supporting and corrective device to re align the joints or prevent further dislocation。

[@MeganJPenney]

A couple years ago, I had lower back pain for six months, and my doctor refused to help me. I saw KT tape in the pharmacy and figured it couldn't hurt. I got my sister to put it on me everyday (she really hated that). It did relieve the pain so I could still work. And whenever I took the tape off, I immediately felt more pain. I think that was because it was helping to support my back. I would recommend KT tape to anyone with minor stress injuries.

[@Keithphotorama]

I worked in a climbing gym for many years. A lot of climbing causes pain in the finger joints, so I would use athletic tape loosely between the joints. It works well reducing pain and healing quite fast allowing more climb time.