Athletic tape is used for support and to limit motion, and kinesiology tape is used to facilitate motion and inhibit pain and spasm.

1. A systematic review of the effectiveness of kinesio taping for musculoskeletal injury. While kinesiology tape seems a lot like a fancy form of athletic tape, there are many differences between the two. Ever since it started gaining visibility on the bodies of Olympic and professional athletes, many people have been curious about the possible benefits of kinesiology tape, or kinesio tape for short. Published: 06/17/2015. Others only require kinesiology tape, which remains flexible to allow a broader range of movement. Kinesiology tape is a flexible material that moves when you move; athletic tape is relatively inflexible.

share pin it Newsletters. But experts told us it depends on how you apply it. Does Kinesiology Tape Really Work? Dr. Kase recommends that the elasticity of tape used in Kenesio Taping has a stretch potential between 130 and 140 percent of its original length. The Kinesio brand tape has a certain amount of stretch to it even before you remove the paper backing. Under the guidance of a medical professional, you may be able to use the tape as a form of treatment for pains and injuries between visits. Studies 1 have shown proper application of kinesiology tape provides quick and effective relief. Sports fans may occasionally see black Kinesio tape on professional athletes, even when they’re in the middle of a game. In theory, kinesiology tape is thought to work by being stretched across an injured area in a "fingerprint" or swirly pattern, which helps create a ripple effect on the skin. Next, select your kinesiology tape. This effect lifts the skin slightly, allowing more room for blood and lymph flow between the skin and injured tissue to reduce swelling. Kinesiology tape is an effective method for relieving pain and improving range of movement when suffering from tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and arthritis. This tape is lightweight, and provides support without limiting movement. Kinesiology tape may be worth a try for back and knee pain; taping either side of the spine may help. Phys Sportsmed. Kinesiology tape is an elastic sports and fitness tape that is used for muscle, ligament, and tendon support and pain relief. Kinesiology tape is often only applied to the back of the heel, ankle, and calf for insertional Achilles tendonitis treatment.

2012 Nov;40(4):33-40. doi: 10.3810/psm.2012.11.1986. By Carrie DeVries. For knee pain, try taping around the knee as shown. Kinesiology tape, that brightly colored tape you've seen on runners, may be a short-term pain relief solution.