Kinesiotaping

What is Kinesiotaping?

Combining biomechanics and neuroscience, kinesiotape is not your average tape. Its elasticity and adhesive properties allow it to conform to the body's contours, giving athletes the freedom to move naturally while receiving the support they need. Unlike more rigid athletic tape, kinesiotape:

Supports muscles and joints
Enhances proprioception
Modulates pain
Allows full range of motion
Doesn’t immobilize joints

How it works

1. Proprioceptive input (BIGGEST benefit)

Stimulates skin receptors
Improves body awareness and joint positioning

Especially important in hypermobility, where proprioception is often reduced

2. Pain modulation

Alters sensory input to the brain
May reduce perceived pain via “gate control” mechanisms

3. Mild mechanical support

Provides subtle guidance (not true stabilization)
Helps discourage end-range positions

4. Circulatory / lymphatic effects (secondary)

Slight lifting of skin may improve fluid movement
Sometimes used for swelling or inflammation

Benefits for Hypermobility

Joint awareness & control
- Helps you “feel” where your joint is in space
- Reduces accidental hyperextension
Movement cueing
- Encourages safer patterns without restricting motion
- Acts like a constant reminder to avoid end-range positions
Pain reduction
- Especially for:
  - Knees
  - Shoulders
  - Ankles
  - Wrists
Fatigue support
- Reduces demand on overworking stabilizing muscles

Benefits for Chronic Pain

Reduce pain (short-term to moderate-term)
Improve confidence with movement
Decrease protective guarding
Provide a sense of stability/safety

Typically in clinic we use RockTape

RockTape GO kinesiology tape lifts the skin, creates a decompresssive effect on the body, increases blood flow, which helps reduce muscle soreness, and is available in 3 adhesive strengths: