Kinesiotaping (also known as Kinesiology Taping or KT Taping) is a therapeutic technique that uses a specialized elastic tape applied to the skin to support muscles, joints, and connective tissues without restricting movement.
The tape gently lifts the skin, improving circulation, reducing pressure on pain receptors, and enhancing your body’s natural healing process.
Kinesiotaping is widely used by chiropractors, physical therapists, and athletes because it supports the body without limiting mobility—making it an ideal complement to chiropractic care.
Kinesiotaping is used for three primary reasons:
By lifting the skin, the tape increases lymphatic drainage and decreases pressure on irritated nerves, helping reduce swelling and discomfort.
The tape provides gentle support to weakened or injured areas. Unlike rigid athletic tape, it allows for full range of motion while still stabilizing the area.
Kinesiotaping improves blood flow and encourages proper movement patterns, which accelerates tissue healing and can help prevent re-injury.
Kinesiotape is applied in specific patterns depending on the condition being treated. Each application technique has a different purpose:
Helps activate weak or inhibited muscles.
Helps relax overused or chronically tight muscles.
Provides extra support to joints or ligaments after sprains or repetitive strain.
Improves fluid movement to reduce swelling and bruising.
Encourages proper alignment by gently guiding the body into better movement patterns.
All applications use the body’s own motion to create a therapeutic effect that lasts for several days.
Patients commonly experience:
Reduced pain and muscle tension
Increased mobility
Improved circulation and lymphatic drainage
Faster recovery from injuries
Better support during physical activity
Reduced swelling and bruising
Improved posture and movement patterns
Enhanced athletic performance
This makes Kinesiotaping a great addition to chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, and rehabilitation exercises.
Kinesiotaping can be effective for many musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Neck strain
Upper cross syndrome
Rotator cuff injuries
Shoulder impingement
Frozen shoulder
Low back pain
Postural issues
Muscle spasms
Facet irritation
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Wrist sprains
IT band syndrome
Hip flexor strain
Runner’s knee
Patellar tracking issues
Hamstring or quad injuries
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles tendonitis
Ankle sprains
Muscle strains
Ligament sprains
Shin splints
General athletic recovery
Your chiropractor will first evaluate the injured or painful area to identify which taping technique is appropriate.
The skin may be cleaned to ensure good adhesion. Sometimes hair may be trimmed if needed.
The chiropractor applies specialized tape in the exact direction and tension needed to support healing.
You will be instructed on:
What the tape should feel like
How long to leave it on
When to remove it
Activities you can safely do with the tape applied
Most applications last 3–5 days, even through exercise and showering.
Typically 3–5 days depending on skin type, activity level, and the area taped.
Yes. You can shower and sweat with the tape on. Pat it dry—do not rub it.
Usually no. Removing tape slowly while the skin is dry or using a little lotion or oil can help minimize any discomfort.
No. Kinesiotaping supports muscles and joints, but it does not correct misalignments. It works best alongside chiropractic care.
Yes. It is considered very safe and is latex-free. People with sensitive skin should tell the provider beforehand so proper tape can be selected.
It doesn’t increase muscle strength, but it can help activate weak muscles and improve movement patterns, which often enhances performance.
No. Kinesiotape is single-use only.
Athletes, people with chronic pain, those recovering from injuries, pregnant women with back pain, and anyone needing extra support during daily activity.
Our unique techniques and processes enable us to properly identify and treat the source of the issue, as well as correct spinal misalignments. We help people with a variety of health conditions in our Indianapolis office every day.
Includes a Detailed Consultation, Painless Examination, Any Necessary X-rays and Chiropractic Treatment $120
We’re committed to getting you on the path to optimal health. To get started, contact our office to book your first appointment where we will build you a health plan, and answer any questions!
