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

Famous Physical Therapists Bob Schrupp and Brad Heineck discuss whether or not Kinesio Tape is a scam, hype , or a fad. They discuss whether or not the tape actually works. Kinesio Tape is the brightly colored tape seen on Olympic athletes and the like.
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[@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.

[@OffRadarPro_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.

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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?

[@edsantos3019]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@scottandlonikula4293]

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

[@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”

[@JimJamasaur]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@Chorizo1]

That was a lot of fun to watch, thanks 👍🏻

[@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"

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@lisagal1858]

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

[@joejenkins9181]

LMAO THAT INTRO GOT ME DEAD lol i can't but you guys are the bomb.

[@bobbyleglocks1992]

I was introduced to this tape in the early 90s for a minor sprained ankle. It was flexible and gave my ankle enough support. So in my experience, sore muscles, minor sprains and you can still compete or be active yes it is good. However anything above that seek other options. Also, my skin is not sensitive at all, but be careful of some of the adhesive that is omn tapes.

[@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.

[@irvinquijano]

You guys are awesome ,I watch many many of your videos. Keep it up guys

[@MsVicrojaz69]

Irvin Castilla do you know where the problems, it's ... medicine department lose money that's why they don't like it!!

[@dog118118]

love these vids

[@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.

[@ufo8mykat]

Hey guys, great video as always. I have fewer joint dislocations with kinesiotape when I'm doing karate, and it tends to bring pain down. It's tough on my Classical Ehlers-Danlos skin, but overall the benefits outweigh the risks. I tape for the biofeedback since my golgi tendon organs don't really care if I hyperextend or hyperflex. :)

[@ufo8mykat]

+physicaltherapyvideo I'm glad you brought up this topic because I've asked myself the same questions. It's less material than a wrap or a brace, and generally stays in place, which makes it attractive. I don't use it to /treat/ anything, which was the real question here. Good food for thought here.

[@amandabama253]

Love you guys! KT tape has helped me placebo or not I'm a believer!

[@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.

[@juliaking878]

Hey - just found you guys!! What great information!!! I was just told by an Ortho. that I have Quad. Tendonitis and will certainly try the KT tape and your exercises!!!

[@mirianzuannesky5615]

I LOVE you guys, I use the IT tape & like..!!! loving the videos you guys post..

[@Yukonnais]

I had some success with taping across my foot for extensor tendonitis. It was a 10-20% reduction in pain after application. I also feel like it supported my foot from agitating the tissue from movement. I will try it with other conditions of and when they arise. Nice to have another tool to be proactive when things arise.

[@rebecaramos8181]

thank you for this!

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@seagrape2881]

You guys are too much!! Glad I found this channel. Educational and entertainment ;-)

[@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.

[@razvandragos5215]

Hahahahaha the ending was GREAT!!

[@mikelawrencesk8]

Has so far been useful for correcting the maltracking of my knee that was causing chondromalacia.

[@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.

[@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

[@TiimBow]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@azpta777]

Thanks for your videos. We also use KT all the time in the our PT association in Azerbaijan

[@georgebasham2279]

Works very well to provide wrist support as you can take a couple of strips and wrap it around fairly snugly with overlap, so you are not spreading the support over a large area. Tends to come loose after awhile if you start sweating. Fairly pricey also, about one dollar for one strip of tape.

[@CDMix12]

So I’m a CPT considering to becoming an ATC. The owner of my gym is interested in me getting certified in some recovery based programs. One of them was a stretch class, the other he suggested was one in Rock tape (KT tape). Rock tape offers CEU’s for me. I personally don’t believe in it as much but can see some benefits with it as a temporary alternative to a brace on the gym/sport floor. He’s willing to financially contribute to my certification. Should I do it? Is this going to discredit me as a “traditional” personal trainer? What’s your opinion?

[@weldingandfab6484]

It definitely helped relieve my shoulder pain as well as plantar fasciitis pain

[@wanderingontheway]

I've been dealing with a shoulder injury resulting in periodic partial dislocations of the shoulder (which hurt at about a 9, then it pops back in.) Got it x-rayed at the urgent care and identified the problem, can't get in to see an Orthopaedic Surgeon until Monday at least. So, I decided to try KT Tape in hopes it would let me sleep through the night without waking up in agony multiple times, following the video guides on KZbin. It seems to have worked, and I was able to buy it at CVS at 9PM on Saturday. The plural of anecdote is not evidence, but even so.... The thing I will add is I think you're probably right about the psychological effect. I think part of my problem was precisely the things I was doing to try to protect the injury. With the tape in place, I feel more secure, so I don't feel vulnerable from things like sitting in a chair or what have. Will definitely go to the ortho on Monday, and I will bet money he's going to send me to PT, but until I can actually get there this lets me get some rest...

[@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.

[@aphyllophorales]

The real value in KT tape is to provide compression in a low-bulk format, provide a barrier to friction, or provide light support. So, you would want to use it in place of an ace bandage where bulk or shifting would be an issue (in a shoe, or around a knee on a runner), on feet or nipples while distance running, or around a floating patella (for a light alternative to a neoprene brace). Anyhow I'm not a huge fan of the stuff, but I don't think saying it is useless helps people any more than saying it solves *every* problem. Currently have some on my foot to provide light compression on swelling from extensor tendinitis while I sit at my desk all day (I wouldn't keep it there if I went for a run, but I'm not going to do that any time soon, anyhow).

[@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.

[@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

[@cathyholland8962]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@laurabaca9683]

My PT used it on the knee (patella) & another time on my shoulders. Worked great. I have. MD and always get hurt.

[@danieljunk4548]

after watching the Olympics I was wondering about this tape, thanks for the info

[@proxypylon]

good review; thx

[@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.

[@beachsideflix1019]

We were very skeptical about this tape but tried it for "heck of it" I personally found it less irritating and more helpful than a full on knee brace. My family member also in the medical field thought it was a scam and after 2 years of me using decided to give it a try on her IT BAND for support and while it's not a miracle worker she had to agree it helps! It's not a cure all but it does give support and no it's does relieve all your pain but it does help make things more tolerable. A reformed skeptic

[@debraboober608]

I have lymphedema and my therapists use it to control the swelling across the top of my foot right next to my toes and the sides under my ankle bones. I was skeptical at first, but it has proven itself over and over to be the best way to control the swelling there. They have not used it elsewhere on my legs. I'll be in compression garments shortly instead of being wrapped all the time and pretty sure I'm gonna have them show me how they apply the tape, especially across the top of my foot!

[@dmcmac9619]

An excellent balanced commentary

[@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.

[@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?

[@rebecca11391]

It tingles and feels nice. Idk that if really does anything but I separated my shoulder and it made me a little more comfortable.

[@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.

[@Dokja123]

It helped with a blunt force trauma in my forearm. I was feeling internal bruise the next day after getting hit. So I applied a tape for a full day. The next day the bruise feeling was gone. No more pain or discomfort.

[@skilltes037]

My heel spurs flare up when I do yoga. Would you recommend it tape or athletic tape?

[@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

[@12marianyc]

Love your videos. I can say from personally experience that the tape method worked in addition to my PT. at the time I had a herniated disc l4/l5 with severe sciatica nerve. At one point he taped my buttocks up - like a literal lift of the buttocks. The relief I felt was immediate. Not a placebo affect. Again this was part of my PT. So I wild to dismiss taping….all depends on the injury even if it is severe.

[@gabrielle2dream559]

I agree with you!! 100% not a placebo affect . ( my question would be,, so is regular athletic tape a placebo affect? NO. Neither is KT or Rock Tape

[@tractorback76]

I was about to do this to my butt for the sciatica. If I lift my butt with my hand, no BS, it does quelch the pain some

[@TheAvkdutch]

My knee brace always slips down and bugs the crap out me, so I bought this to see if I could use it as an alternative. Haven't used it yet but I thought I would give it a try because I don't like using my brace longer than a 3 mile run. Do you think I might help my knee brace from slipping down so much and a bit of friction between it and my sweaty leg.

[@ubtrippn6202]

I questioned this whole tape thing but I started using it on my shoulder and works great!

[@gremlin_ghost]

I personally use it on my shoulders and wrists when I spin flag (as my pt suggested) because of hypermobility issues, I like it because the stretch allows for more mobility than regular athletic tape, but it still prevents me from over extending them as much.

[@fturla___156]

I also use Kinesiology tape to cover small cuts or wounds when swim training because it stays on compared to so many other types of athletic tape. Regular tape or athletic tape is too static and retains moisture which may increase the chance that wounds may get infected by the moisture.

[@highperformancebodywork3542]

It can't definitely help support a weakness/soreness in the muscle and reduce your pain and give you some relief while still being able to move well

[@trigsoleil5157]

I didn’t even know that kinesio tape is so stretchy & different from other sports tape. So glad you explained it.

[@glitchynikki]

Can't you use this for Patellar Tracking?

[@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

[@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.

[@princecuddle]

Kinesio Tape I've found to be greatly useful as support for spanking muscles to help control them. I've had back issues and my back muscles would be prone to spazzing as a result of fatigue over a long day. It also helped subconsciously keep a slightly better posture due to the tug of the tape.

[@swaggattarius4355]

My son hurt his elbow throwing in baseball. To avoid a tommy John injury and protect his elbow so he can heal and throw, would this tape work? I can find golfers elbow and tennis elbow but I don’t know if that’s the same injury.

[@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 ?

[@Built_By_Bacon]

Did you go back on your original opinion? Because I just taped my patellofemoral pain syndrome after watching a recent video by you guys and I hope it helps lol

[@krissyharris9384]

2 months ago I had my ACL and Meniscus repaired. I finally was able to ditch the hinges brace after 2 months. Not even 5 days later I spilt and went flying. Twisting my knee again. When I got up I could bear weight unlike when I first tore my acl. Went to the doctor and my meniscus and acl are fine!!! But i ended up with a grade 2 MLC tear. Since the tear i feel my calf muscles contracting and I get leg spasms. After therapy my therapist put on some kinesio tape. I few hours after wearing the tape I feel a difference. Like an increase in support and that lessons the pain.