What is Taping?
Taping is a technique used by physiotherapists to provide support, stability, or relief from pain in muscles and joints. Physiotherapists apply adhesive tape in strategic patterns on the skin to limit excessive or harmful movement, reduce strain on injured tissues, or promote muscle activation. Common types of tape include rigid tape for strong support, elastic kinesiology tape for gentle support and proprioceptive feedback, and dynamic tape, which combines support and elasticity for complex movement support.
What Does Taping Feel Like?
When applied, taping generally feels snug but comfortable, providing a sense of support without restricting healthy movement. Elastic tapes are flexible and allow for a full range of motion, while rigid tape offers firmer support, which may feel more restrictive. Most clients notice a sense of stability and lightness, with some relief from discomfort in the taped area.
How Does Taping Help?
Taping benefits recovery, stability, and pain relief through several mechanisms:
Support and Stability: Taping helps limit excessive movement in joints and muscles, reducing strain on injured tissues. Rigid tape is particularly effective for this, often used in sports and injury management.
Pain Relief: Taping lifts the skin slightly, which may reduce pressure on pain-sensitive areas and improve circulation. This can provide pain relief, especially for conditions with inflammation or sensitivity.
Proprioceptive Feedback: Elastic kinesiology tape can enhance body awareness by providing a continuous sensation over the taped area, helping to activate or relax muscles as needed.
Swelling Reduction: Taping can help reduce swelling in the injured area by promoting lymphatic drainage, improving fluid movement, and reducing inflammation.
Taping is effective for a range of conditions, including:
Joint Instability: Useful for conditions like ankle sprains, where tape can stabilise the joint and prevent re-injury.
Muscle Strains and Overuse Injuries: Supports muscle function and reduces strain on overworked areas.
Knee Pain and Patellofemoral Syndrome: Helps improve alignment and reduce stress on knee structures.
Post-Surgical Recovery: Can provide support and comfort to healing tissues and reduce post-surgical swelling.
Lymphatic Issues: Elastic tape can help promote fluid drainage and reduce swelling.
Potential Side Effects
Taping is generally safe, but some clients may experience:
Skin Irritation: Sensitivity to the adhesive may cause mild irritation or redness, particularly if the tape is worn for an extended period.
Limited Range of Motion: Rigid tape may restrict movement more than anticipated, which can feel uncomfortable or restrictive.
Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, clients may be allergic to the tape adhesive. Hypoallergenic tape can help reduce this risk.
What Does the Latest Evidence Say?
Evidence suggests that taping can be an effective support strategy for injury prevention, joint stability, and short-term pain relief, especially in combination with physiotherapy exercises. Studies show that taping, particularly when combined with strength training and rehabilitation exercises, can help reduce pain and improve function for conditions like knee pain, ankle sprains, and muscle strains.