Kinesio taping means applying elastic tapes to the body, intended to support the work of muscles and joints, reduce the feeling of pain and help lymph drain away. Research, however, shows small and inconsistent effects, so we treat it as an add-on to therapy rather than a treatment on its own. We apply it together with manual therapy — the visit costs 190 PLN. We do not tape over wounds or irritated skin.
Below we explain when kinesio taping may help, what the research says and when it is better to do without it.
Key information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| What it helps with | support for back and joint pain, muscle overload and swelling after injuries — as an add-on to therapy |
| What you feel | a slight pull on the skin under the tape; the tape does not restrict movement |
| After the treatment | you go back to your usual activities, and the tape stays on your skin |
| Combining | usually together with manual therapy in a single visit; taping on its own can also be booked |
| Number of visits | agreed individually after the consultation |
| Price | 190 PLN (manual therapy + kinesio taping) |
| Referral | no referral needed, private visits |
Does kinesio taping really work?
The evidence for kinesio taping is limited. Research reviews suggest that the tapes may give a small, short-lived reduction in pain, but they usually do no better than other physiotherapy methods, and in some studies “sham” taping had a similar effect. That is why we do not use them as the only treatment, but as an addition to manual therapy and exercise.
Some patients say they find it easier to move with the tape on, or that they can sense the position of the joint better during exercise. These sensations are individual and cannot be predicted before taping. The physiotherapist suggests kinesio taping when she thinks it may make it easier for you to get moving between visits — and she will tell you plainly if there is no good reason for it in your situation.
Manual therapy + kinesio tapingManual therapy with taping at the end of the visit190 PLNWhen is kinesio taping not suitable?
- wounds, grazes, fresh scars and skin lesions where the tape would go,
- allergy to the adhesive or previous skin irritation from plasters,
- thrombosis,
- cancer in the area to be taped,
- very thin, fragile skin and reduced sensation where the tape would go (to be assessed).
The physiotherapist decides whether the treatment is safe for you after taking your history — please tell her about any illnesses, allergies and medication.
Which problems do we use it for?
Questions about kinesio taping
Can I shower with the tape on?
Yes, kinesio tapes usually cope well with a shower. Afterwards, dry the tape by gently pressing a towel against it, without rubbing and without a hairdryer. If the edges start to peel, trim them with clean scissors. The physiotherapist will tell you how long to wear the tape, as this depends on where it is applied and why.
What should I do if the skin under the tape itches or burns?
Take the tape off straight away. It is best to do this slowly, in the direction of hair growth, holding the skin with your other hand; it comes off more easily if you moisten the tape with baby oil. Itching, burning or redness may mean irritation or an allergy to the adhesive. Mention it at your next visit, and if the symptoms do not go away, contact a doctor.
Does the colour of the tape matter?
No. The colour of the tape has no effect on how it works; what matters is how it is applied, its direction and how much it is stretched. The choice of colour is a matter of looks, and often of what is available at the clinic. If you would prefer the tape to be less visible, for example at work, ask for a skin-coloured or black one.
Can I have kinesio taping on its own, without manual therapy?
Yes, kinesio taping can be booked as a separate visit, for example to re-tape during a course of therapy or before a competition. Most often, however, we combine it with manual therapy, because the way the tape is applied follows from the examination and the course of therapy — such a visit costs 190 PLN. Taping alone costs 30–50 PLN.
More about the method: Kinesio taping — do the tapes really work? · Manual therapy — what is it and when does it help?
Start with a consultation — we will match the method to the cause of the problem.
- Consultation180 PLN
- Referralnot needed
- ReceptionMon–Fri: 7.00–20.00
