Does Kinesiology Tape Work? Scam or Helpful?

Is kinesiology tape a scam or helpful? Let's break down the research and answer whether or not kinesiology tape works or if it's just a scam.

0:00 Intro
0:44 Does Kinesiology Tape Work?
1:55 Kinesiology Tape and Sports Performance
2:45 Kinesiology Tape Research
3:44 Is it a Placebo?
4:10 Kinesiology Tape for Pain
5:48 Athletes using kinesio tape
6:48 Does K Tape work?
7:34 Alternative uses for k tape

Studies mentioned in the video:

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[TheSuperhemp]

Here all I can say. I have lived with knee pain for over 20 years. Constant never ending dull pain that I had learned to live with. Along with the pain came weakness in my knees. Then I started using kinesiology tape. And I don't know how else to say but I'm totally pain free. For the first time in 25 years in pain free. I'm stronger, my knees last longer. I can't begin to explain how absolutely life changing kt tapw is.

[FlorenceB]

I went through 10 months of rehab on a shoulder issue. I went to physical therapy, received a shot in the shoulder, and took anti inflammatory meds. All of that helped some but it did not help me fully recover. I continued my recovery with a sports recovery focus method that introduced me to k-tape. It was a great addition to my recovery process. My shoulder felt braced while not being braced. It aided with some pain reduction and was a great companion with everything else I was doing. Is it a scam? No. Is it a great tool? Yes. Should it be the only thing you use if you have an injury? No. If you have a weak muscle and needs extra support then ktape is very helpful.

[txdave]

My wife and I are both retired nurses. I tried physical therapy and injections for my shoulder pain. Nothing helped. I was very skeptical about using this tape. IT WORKS FOR ME! It has reduced my pain level more than traditional treatment modalities.

[alejandrabella]

It works with some specific types of injuries, and types of patients as well. Additionally, the technique of application makes a big difference.

[LaurelKoeniger]

It absolutely 100% helps with stabilization, pain reduction and healing. I mean, that's pure logic. Maybe people who think it's a scam just thought it was some kind of magic tool.
And it's just more comfortable to wear than stiff tape.
As for performance enhancement, I can't see why it would help at all, placebo effect (simply feeling safer performing( = might be more dangerous though)) aside.

[hannahbouch]

I use KT tape almost everyday now. I have chronic pain from EDS. I get joint dislocations daily, and I have tendonitis flare ups quite often. In my personal experience it’s been super helpful. When I tape the problematic joint I get a huge reduction in pain. For example, my elbows are really bad. I dislocate or sublux them 3-4 times a day, but when the KT tape is on the number is reduced to only 1-2 times. It’s very supportive. I would 100% encourage others to give it a try. Sure, it won’t help everyone, but it’s worth a shot. Some may say it’s placebo, but I say even if it is I don’t care if it’s helping my pain. 😂

[markburgers]

I was in constant pain following meniscus surgery a year ago. I tried kt tape and now have no more pain and a full range of motion. I believe!

[primalfire]

I use it, and it helps a lot for me. Helps reduce knee pain. Gives it stability where as I can’t find a store bought wrap to stay in place and not as supportive as the tape. The adhesive does make my skin red (I’m allergic to a lot). I’ve had trouble walking since I was a child, so for me it’s been a huge supportive blessing.

[AS-bsne]

So proud of my profession when I see videos like this! *sheds tear* You covered so many important points yet do not discount individual experience. That's so important. Discussing the research and literature is important. It's also really important to discuss research bias, reliability, and validity of the studies included (even the ones in systematic reviews). It's critically important that studies are using appropriate outcome measures, choosing appropriate inclusion criteria, and correctly quantifying and categorizing data. Also, LOVE the humor in this video :D :D Keep up the quality work!

[TheHeffNerr]

I use it on my right forearm helps reduce pain. It could be 100% placebo effect. I don't really care if it. If the pain is gone, I'm happy. I've had someone apply it on my back and it was a very helpful reminder that my posture was poor.

[YvetteB.]

I have a permanent herniated disc in my lower back, KR tape didn't give much relief for that.
However on my hyperextend knee it's an amazing stabilizer. It helps with the pain of walking too. I do notice it depends on the placement as well, some day's i get it perfectly but when it's badly placed the pain in still very bad. Also the tension makes a huge difference too.

[powertrip]

i pray to my kinesiology tape shrine every night before bed. BELEIVE

[jordinb]

I think KT tape works for me. I am a dancer and started to get pain in my knees and when i used KT tape to support my knee cap and stabalize it I could actually sleep at night.

[thinktankcritic]

It works. It’s amazing. My knee hurt I put the tape and no more pain.
I had neck ache and the tape removed the pain. I am totally convinced even though I was a total sceptic! I tried it for so many aches and it worked every time. I am dumbfounded but very happy it exists!

[spinafire]

3:09 I think a fine line in this argument is that they are looking at sports usage. Doctors keep recommending I use it for hEDS, which seems to work for other patients, but this is also a particular scenario that probably needs its own specific research.

[sunshinemutt]

Personally with KT tape, I use it because braces actually cause me pain. I have nerve damage, fibroymalgia, and hEDS. While using my braces does help reduce dislocations, it causes way more pain! My knees, wrists, elbows, etc, will bruise after being in a brace too long (more than 4 hours) and they get tender to the touch. With KT tape, I get the pain relief I need/want, and I swear by it helping with dislocations. I'll dislocate my knees sleeping (my doctors are still impressed with how frequently that happens) but sleeping in KT tape, I haven't had it once.

Also, they can stay on for longer than my braces! No putting them on/off every day, no chance of one strap being too tight...

[childoftheking]

I use KT for sprained ankles and it helps with pain and adds awesome support! It also is great for sprained wrist, back/neck pain and more. I have used it for all of the above and would recommend KT.

[oxfordbambooshootify]

It's almost entirely harmless, cheap and easy enough to apply that anyone who's in doubt should just give them a try to see if it works for them. In my own experience the alleged performance enhancements is really just a side effect of pain relief that the tape application has provided me

[christinecasey]

I am an 80 year old woman who uses this tape on foot so I CAN DO MY DAILY WALKING ROUTINE👏👏👏👏

[mattybrews]

I can't speak to performance, but KT has certainly helped (subjectively) with pain, inflammation, and recovery. I use it for lower limb pain associated with distance running, specifically shin splints and pain at the top of the medial tibia. Probably these are overuse injuries, and I find that the KT tape 'pulls' and 'braces' in a single direction to help mitigate the continual strain. I feel more 'secure' while wearing it, and psychologically, it draws my attention to that specific area of my body, allowing me to be more cognizant (and correct) in my running form.