Kinesio taping — does the tape really work?

Kinesio taping means applying elastic tape to the skin which, according to the creators of the method, reduces pain, supports muscles and improves lymph flow. However, research reviews, including those from 2014 and 2015, did not show that it works clearly better than other methods or a sham tape for musculoskeletal pain. It can be an add-on to therapy, but it does not replace exercise.

Below we explain how kinesio taping is supposed to work, what the research shows, in which situations physiotherapists use it, who should not have it and how to look after the tape.

How does kinesio taping work according to its creators?

Kinesio tape is elastic, stretches much like skin and has a heat-activated acrylic adhesive. According to the creators of the method, when applied with the right tension it lifts the skin slightly, which is meant to improve blood and lymph circulation, reduce pressure on pain receptors and influence muscle tone. However, these mechanisms have not been clearly confirmed by research.

The most likely explanation seems to be an effect through sensory input from the skin: the tape acts as a reminder of the joint’s position and may change how pain is perceived. The physiotherapist chooses the way of applying the tape, its direction and tension according to the goal – supporting a muscle requires a different application than an area of swelling.

What does research say about kinesio taping?

The evidence for kinesio taping is weak. The 2014 review by Parreira et al. concluded that current research does not justify its routine use, and the 2015 meta-analysis by Lim and Tay showed that for pain lasting more than 4 weeks it is no better than other methods. Some studies describe a short-term reduction in pain, usually a small one.

That is why at our clinic we treat kinesio taping as a possible add-on to manual therapy and exercise, not as a treatment on its own. We do not promise that the tape will reduce pain – the response is individual. If taping makes no noticeable difference, there is no reason to continue with it.

When do physiotherapists use kinesio taping?

Kinesio taping is used as a supporting method for pain and overload of muscles and tendons, for example in the shoulder, knee or elbow, after sprains when returning to activity, for swelling as part of anti-oedema therapy, and in pregnancy for back pain. It is sometimes used when a patient needs a feeling of joint support that does not restrict movement the way a rigid brace does.

We describe examples of problems where tape can be an add-on to treatment in our posts on shoulder pain when raising the arm and knee pain when going down stairs. Kinesio taping does not replace joint stabilisation after a serious injury or strengthening exercises.

Prices valid from 08.2026. Price of taping alone: 30–50 PLN.

Who should not have kinesio taping?

Kinesio taping is not used in case of an allergy to adhesive or plasters, on wounds, grazes, burns and skin lesions, with a skin infection, venous thrombosis, active cancer in the taped area, or on very thin, fragile skin, for example in older people or those taking steroids. Caution is needed with diabetes with impaired sensation, pregnancy, and heart or kidney failure.

Full list of contraindications:

• allergy to acrylic adhesive or a previous skin reaction to plasters;
• wounds, grazes, burns, fresh scars, psoriasis or eczema at the taping site;
• skin infection or fungal infection at the taping site;
• deep vein thrombosis;
• active cancer in the taped area;
• fragile, thin skin (old age, long-term steroid treatment);
• diabetes and other conditions with impaired sensation – with caution;
• pregnancy – taping of the abdomen and lower back only after assessment by a physiotherapist;
• swelling caused by heart or kidney failure – a doctor’s assessment first.

How to look after the tape and when to remove it?

Before taping, the skin should be clean, dry and free of lotions, and if it is very hairy it is worth shaving it beforehand. After application, the tape should be rubbed gently so that the adhesive bonds. You can shower with it and then pat it dry with a towel without rubbing. The tape must be removed immediately if itching, burning, redness or blisters appear.

The physiotherapist will tell you how long to wear the tape when applying it – this depends on the goal and the condition of the skin. Remove the tape slowly, in the direction of hair growth, holding the skin with your other hand, ideally after moistening it first, for example with baby oil.

Summary

Kinesio taping uses elastic tapes that give some people short-term relief or a feeling of support, but research does not confirm that they are better than other methods. It is best treated as an add-on to manual therapy and exercise – in Rydułtowy the combination costs PLN 190.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Parreira P.C.S. et al., Current evidence does not support the use of Kinesio Taping in clinical practice: a systematic review, Journal of Physiotherapy, 2014.
• Lim E.C.W., Tay M.G.X., Kinesio taping in musculoskeletal pain and disability that lasts for more than 4 weeks: is it time to peel off the tape and throw it out with the sweat? A systematic review with meta-analysis, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2015.
• Kase K., Wallis J., Kase T., Clinical Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method, Kinesio Taping Association, 2003.