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.
I get immediate relief. I have worked an office job for 22 years along with being diagnosed with Fibromyaligia in 2014. I will never be 100% pain free I use it for to ease my worst pain. It helps me so I will continue to use it until it doesn't. 😁
Ok that's great, but all it did was correct a muscle imbalance. If you strengthen the muscultcher involved, including transverse adominis and glutes, core, then all your joints will love you. You don't have to be a gym nut or body builder, just a few times a week is good. And I do like k-tape especially during short term rehab
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.
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.
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. 😂
I actually have been considering using it for these reasons! I also imagine that disabled people probably weren’t making up a fair amount of the subjects in studies, so it may be a more helpful tool for us than the average person.
Yep! Zebra here! I have currently a complete rupture of the tendon that attaches my tibia (shin) to the top of my foot (ankle and foot) when it first happened it literally snapped audibly and excruciating! But KT has changed my recovery 100%. Better than a walking boot. But I still will need surgery. Just got MRI results today. 😢 My foot doctor didn’t realize how good it actually works for stability and pain.
Do you apply the tape to yourself? Do you get a family member to help? I have hypermobility and fibromyalgia, and have occasionally had tape placed by physiotherapists. I'm only just thinking of doing it myself. In all the videos, someone else is applying it, in a skilled manner.
@@MemeGang420 I tried a new application technique today. The first one didn't do diddly and I thought the whole KT-tape business was bogus. With this new technique, I'm definitely getting relief. Maybe it depends on what you're trying to achieve.
@@MemeGang420It absolutely does matter. Are you aware of the fact that 80% of studies are bunk? Many are funded by people with conflicts of interest and/or are completely made up. Big Pharma and the Medical Industrial Complex don't want us to use anything that doesn't make them a ton of money. They also don't want us to know that many of their cures and treatments are bunk.
@@leavingitblank9363yeah, tech and quality matters. Whenever I put them incorrectly or using cheaper stuff, it work less, and even make my knee pain worse
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.
Yeah it's someone offended at the idea of it being a magic tool which nothing is. And not being able to acknowledge there is real benefits that people do see in real life
@@armandomorelos2500 Do any of the studies you're referring to deal with people with EDS? Cause the reserch on eds and ktape look very promising. I'd be happy to say that ktape is infective to most everything else. But it dose seem to be highly effective for eds patients. I honestly have no idea how ktape is supposed to help with most other things like sports. But it makes sense for eds and hyper mobility.
This tape has helped me significantly with mobility issues due to muscle and joint pains. When applied by an informed individual, i have definitely felt a difference in pain and mobility management. So much so that im having to learn to apply it for myself
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.
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.
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.
I really wish they'd do more research on hypermobile people and kinesiology tape! Because I use the tape and love it when it's applied correctly, but my skin can't handle too strong tape or tension over 50% of the tape. I literally get tension blisters and skin tears from it. So research on that would be amazing!
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.
K tape is magic. It cuts my healing time down to days instead of weeks. I'm 42 and have been if using it for 10 years as a cleaner. I now own my own business and am also an LMT. I self am a self-taught K taper. All people are different and especially in what they want to deal with. Some people may not want to try new things, etc. I know I am a very open-minded person and knew the tape would work from whatbi learned in massage school about our fascia system that runs throughout the whole body like a 3D web. When I use K tape, I think of it like putting an extra web of fascia on the outside of my skin. I guess you could say extra layer of skin. But if you look up fascia, it seems to act kore like this system to me. Good luck and if you want to be pain free and stay in the game, of life. Give it a try.
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!
We still don't know how cortisone and Prednisone work. Nor do we know why they eventually can stop working and kill you. KT works on mechanisms that we're just beginning to discover.
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.
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
I’ve been using it for years on a “bad” knee. At 63, I feel like I should own stock in the company. I’m by no means an athlete. I’m a wife, mom (my kids are grown), a grandmother and a recently retired nanny. Placebo effect……baloney. I wouldn’t have continued to purchase the tape @ $16-$22 per roll.
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!
It has helped my husband with joint stability when lifting. I find it helps when used properly. I find some people don’t apply it currently or are using it for the wrong purpose. He was really skeptical when he first tried it and didn’t believe it would help. He has said he gets a similar relief with it as braces without the bulk.
I've used it for decades in my crap acl...it doesn't fix everything, but it helps to give some decent pain relief and minor support...at least that's been my experience. I'm not an athlete!! I didn't go to the gym or run marathons. I'm just someone with chronic pain and constant knee pain, and it does seem to help in pain reduction. When I don't wear it, I notice a lot more pain than when I wear it...especially helping me to sleep with less pain. Is it a miracle cure? No. It's a tool to use to help, along with strength training and maybe pain meds.
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...
I have a sore shoulder from weight lifting. Using the tape I have found the pain lightened considerably, I know it's only anecdotal but it's worked for me and helped me get a better sleep because my shoulder isn't screaming at me.
I've never used it for performance gains, but it has helped with my muscle pain and soreness in my shoulder, wrist, and foot. It's at least enough for me to notice. Some of those face ones are quite an interesting application though, I've never seen it. I hope they're trolling. 😅
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.
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.
I currently have a sprained wrist and have been wrapping my wrist with KT sorta like how I've seen boxers wrap their wrists... anyway I was wondering if that's what you did?? Is it wrong or dangerous to use KT as a wrap/brace?
For me I suffer chronic and sometimes acute episodes of tendonitis in my elbow. Last time I had an episode the pain was nearly unbearable. Now that I’ve applied ktape the pain reduction has been dramatic. I know it’s probably a placebo effect but I’d go insane without it.
I have been using KT tape on my damaged rotator cuff for about 3 weeks . I was unable to raise my hand over my head when I started , but I am able to now. Its worked for me
I found the tape works. At least for ankle support. Unlike say a tensor bandage which can hurt if applied wrong. Or even in comparison to those sock braces which I found, digs into the bottom of my foot, when wearing after a while. I don't have that problem with kinetic tape.
Love your videos! I have recently began using the tape for severe cmc arthritis. I use a precut tape about 3 inches wide and cut it nearly in half lengthwise (don't cut the last 2 inches) I put the uncut end on the inside of my wrist but along the bone. That leaves 2 separate ends of tape. I stretch the left one up and around the thumb, and anchor it down on my forearm where the Initial tape is. The other piece does the same in the opposite direction. I use this instead of a spica splint. It gives amazing pain relief and support while giving more and better use of the hand. My cmc arthritis is so severe that its actually slipped off the saddle joint, and the finger is almost perpendicular to the hand. With simple taping the pain is vastly improved and the hand is usable--- while I consider surgery. Maybe u can demo this technique on your channel for others?
Thanks for watching! Sounds like you are using the method I share in the texting thumb video you can find on this channel. It was actually the very first video I published. 😁
It's helpful, to support your muscles and ease pain, but if people are tryna heal it they're gonna be disappointed, I have fibro, and still healing from a bad car accident. So to get in and out of bed supporting muscles etc .. it helps but it's not a substitute for P.T. and time to heal
I have gotten patellar tendinitis properly diagnosed and by applying a stretched strip of tape below the kneekap instantly reduces pain in the movements tested before applying the tape. This helps me continue doing my sport so that I dont lose strength during the physical therapy period
Ktape has helped me with recovering from injuries. I think you make a good point when discussing that the benefits don't fit into the medical investigation box. A healthy trained athlete my not notice or test well enough to show an improvement. For healthy folks Ktape is a solution looking for a problem. For injured or worn out bodies, well read the comments.
Yeah, I was looking at the outcome measures and was like meh…. That’s not really the point of the KT tape though is it. For a lot of people, it’s about the mind muscle connection. The tape can help you activate the right muscles the correct way. It can call attention to when you are using bad technique and therefore help you correct it in the moment. And people who are dealing with injuries would want increased awareness in that area, which for the athlete is a help to them. Is that something that can be measured?
I'm not concerned about performance but I have an ankle that is prone to sprains and Achilles tendinitis due to an old tendon tear and taping my ankles with kt tape before a big run or hike helps a lot with stability and it is much more comfortable than regular tape or a brace (both of which I have tried).
Good video. 1, being in tuned with your body can create a more accurate study vs. someone who is not and cannot pin point pain. 2, some in the study could have an over heighten expectation for results Personally, I use it after injuries to aid in reducing swelling and increase lymphatic drainage. I would say it's helps on the same level of taking ibuprofen. Story, the 2nd time i fractured my ankle; more like aggregated an old injury, i treated it like it was savior. Elevated it, took meds, propped it up and KT typed it all over "For Drainage". To my surprise the next morning, what started to look like a bruise was gone and the swelling was minimal. Pain was still there and took a few months to recover, but it could have been worse. Does help with superficial or surface recovery, yes. Performance, well, I believe taping prior to a sporting event is like taking ibuprofen before you enter a boxing ring. You know you're going to be prone to some pain, so you prepare for it to reduce the impact.
I was diagnosed with tendonitis in my left shoulder due to repetitive stress injury, driving. Doctor's determined I tour part of my spinatus muscle in my rotator cuff, but not enough to require surgery. Physical therapy does help, as did exercise. But from the time to time if it gets over worked it becomes extremely uncomfortable. Shoulder brace was recommended and is worn on occasion to reposition the arm and to take all tension off of that muscle and allow it to heal, but as we all know those braces are not the most comfortable or easy to wear. On a whim I got some KT tape and threw it on. I noticed an immediate difference as with the brace. In essence the Katie tape is forcing me to reposition my arm to remove all tension and wait from the damage to muscle. I can wholeheartedly recommend KT tape to anyone who's having a similar injury. But of course it's not a solution for everything
Hi. I’m not an athlete, but I have a bursitis at the front of my knee. I watched a few guides on how to apply it, and I have to admit, the tape lifts the skin off of the knee, which in turn reduces the friction on the front bursa sac. So yes, in this instance, it works. All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧
I used the tape on my MCL tear and currently on a slight tear of my rotator cuff for pain relief after talking to an orthopedic doctor. He did, however, state that if it does help it may or not be a placebo affect and to do what makes me comfortable. It works for me and it comes in flashy colors!
One day at work, I sprained my wrist. My sister looked up how to use KT tape for that specific injury. She had used KT tape on herself before for other injuries. Right after she put the tape on my wrist and arm, it felt less weak and more stable. I wore the tape for three days, and it helped my wrist heal faster because it was more stabilized, and it reminded me to be careful with my wrist.
Thanks! My experience with it was for knee pain, as I had an episode of knee pain in a place far away from my doctors and regular braces did not seem to fit properly or even seemed to aggravate the issue. My results were mixed, and it really seemed to take a lot of guesswork to get the better results. I keep it as a reserve in my backpack hiking, but it isn't a wonder treatment. Thanks for the history of the product as well.
KT tape was truly the only thing that regularly relieved my patellar tendinitis pain. Was is 100% better? Of course not… but even 50% better is so SO much better than nothing (or making it worse, like what traditional braces used to do before I quit them).
Longtime sceptic turned regular user here. It started with an old ankle injury that was not relevant until I started running again after 32 years. All was ok until I had a bad step, twisted that ankle and the pain was back. A fellow runner suggested I tryit after a week or so, and the pain was reduced significantly and eventually went away after 3 runs. Similar situation with my calf, sometimes after 12-15K runs it gets a bit painful (similar to a muscle pull), and a very simple and specific take application is all it takes to get the pain away. I know some people see it more as "decoration" (hey, getting peoples attention us important for some, huh?), but the biggest factor I can personally share is simple but definitive: you got to know how to do it correctly. And not a lot of people do! That is the only way I´d recommend using this thing. Safe and happy running, guys!
I don't always believe some of these so-called experts, especially when many dish out the medication first. You really have to be your own dr - do your own research and then make an informed decision. I have severe tendonitis in both my wrists and now my left ankle, this tape helped me to move around and get things done, and I can honestly state this is no placebo. I am grateful and shall continue to use it.
kinesiology tape helps to stabilise my wrists and knees (would probably help with all my joints but i only need the tape on my wrists and knees as it's inconvenient to use braces in my everyday life) - i have hypermobile joints and the tape helps to prevent my wrists and knees from bending further than their meant to which helps to prevent dislocations.
The tape worked for me. I have a rotator cuff injury and get impingement when I try to lift with my arm straight ahead and my shoulder pressed forward. I use the tape to hold my shoulder back. The tape doesn't allow much forward press with my shoulder and my pain is reduced.
I am currently waiting to have a total knee replacement. I am bone on bone with my patella. During prehab, my physical therapist applied kinesiology tape to reduce pain during the exercises. It was an instant fix for my pain that I had had for 6 weeks . With this comment I must also add that I am a licensed medical professional and I do not believe that this is a placebo effect
when i was a phlebotomist in the hospital i developed trigger thumb. needless to say, it was very painful. a lot of my co-workers had trigger finger and had to get surgery. I didn't want to get a surgery. i looked up for potential alternatives and stumbled upon the use of KT tape and exercises. I'm happy to say that I didn't have to get a surgery. KT tape may not work for everyone, but it has been a blessing for me.
I use it on occasion when I tweak something from time to time. I don't rely on it to resolve any issues but I do like using it as a light stabilizer and reminder to rest the area so it can heal itself. Im currently using it on my wrist, its not fixing the issue but it is helping to stabilize my wrist to minimize the painful movements. Do I think it helps, yes. Do I think it fixes everything, no. It differs from person to person and if you are thinking of using it, try it. If it works, great, if not it's ok too.
It's too bad pain and discomfort can only be measured using the 1-10 pain scale. As a trainer I recommend and use it with clients for minor support and tissue compression with minor muscle stress and strain, and I have had luck with Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. As for results 70% have reported positive results however that's feedback from my clients.
I have no idea how it works and I acknowledge that it could be a placebo effect but whenever I have a injury I use KT tape and it always help . Recently I started suffering from IT band syndrome and KT tape helped tremendously.
I did some soft tissue damage to my knee early on in an ultra marathon and it helped me finish the remaining 30km. It didn't really do anything other than reduce the pain from an acute sensation to a dull ache. I'm a believer now
As someone recovering from an MPFL tear, the use of the K tape is way more comfortable and versatile than that of a brace, and cheap enough to keep adjusting as I recover more.
I’m new to K-Tape. I was approached by a stranger who saw me walking down the street, told me to tape up for my plantar fasciitis pain. He had tape on him and taped my foot. I’ve been pain free since.
Oh wow! I must say well done on your presentation of taping, and if studies show if its as useful, magical, and sprinkled with fairy dust as I so often find or the stark contrast. To the point I'm late to the game as I have only started using K tape (spartan in my case) about 6 or 7 months ago. I'm no stranger to pain and injuries or from sports or work (construction). I have broken bones, torn or damaged ligaments & tendons, pinched nerves, and so on. I've been stuck in casts, various braces, ace bandages, and slings. For me the biggest thing is supporting injury so it can heal, coupled with PT, ice and heat treatments while not impeding my normal life. As I'm sure you may have guessed my career choice doesn't afford me alot of time off to recover comfortably with pay and workman's comp isn't even a good band-aid. That's another argument for another day. Its impossible to return to work with a cast or a cumbersome brace that locks a joint in one position and don't get me wrong as thats necessary sometimes. However as my mom is a PTA and has watched me bullheadedly move it or loose it. Showed me this stuff as I had tennis elbow so bad in my left arm I couldn't pick up 10 to 15 pounds without excruciating pain and most likely dropping it. Again coupled with proper exercises, stretches, ice, heat, and rest to increase motion, strength, and overall healing.... I have found that when properly applied its the best and most flexible brace I can use! Even while still recovering from some minor to medium impact injury. I can support the injury still move about my day... albeit at a slightly limited capacity, yet not anywhere near as restricted as with an older style brace that impeded movement or use of a joint. So no, to me its not a wonder material that I put on and despite injuries pull a boxcar down the tracks. With medical knowledge behind me(thanks mom) :) , a boat load of videos, and a good sense of my own bodies' threshold for pain or just knowing what relaxes the injury. I have found that K tape helps me support injury with less interference in my life..... and thats about it. No increased blood flow, picking up more lumber than normal, or hammering nails faster. I don't feel like this is a placebo effect either, and its just a better brace when used right.
Dear Craig: Congratulations on your classic comment of the century, culled composed, and cuneiform in clay. You are the poster boy of physical dedication, delivered a dose of deteriorating back-lash. Remedies and redress are reserved for the medical experts who have studied anatomy -- rather than the layman, laid low by his lax systems, leveraged by snake-oil subterfuge. I bid you the best. Your comment is well-balanced, keeping your feet on the ground.
I'm currently having issues with shine splints and decided to use KT tape. I have it on at the moment can honestly say, it's helping me with pain reduction. I have USPSA competition tomorrow and I'm pretty relieved that I have some support for my injury.
I have found no other way to ease rotator cuff pain. It adds support when doing something that would further aggravate the injury and, when sat still, it allows the area to completely relax which I’m sure helps with recovery.
It has definitely helped me, from missing work for days at a time to eventually getting back good range of motion. But it’s a bandaid… that’s what people need to realize. It’s a bandaid and just like a wound just having the bandaid on isn’t going to make it better. Physical therapy is still very important. If you use KTape as a temporary assist.. I think it definitely helps in the long run.
KT tape straight up works for muscle pain/spasms. I was in agony for 3 weeks with neck, upper back and shoulder pain (MRI showed muscle spasms). I was prescribed Oxycodone and Tramadol at the same time by the hospital, which helped a little. I used KT tape, as it still wasn't getting better and it literally reduced the pain more than anything else I had tried or was on. I was able to do my job again in comfort until it healed, and I only needed pain meds at night, as sleeping was still painful (I roll around a lot). I did take the tape off occasionally to let the skin breathe and it was straight back to knives twisting in my neck and shoulder after 30 mins or so. I also think it helps the healing process, as it provides support for the strained muscles.
I don’t care what anybody says-I cracked 3 ribs and would have been longer healing had I not taped them. I have COPD and it was not affected at all because I could only inhale/exhale so far anyway because of the pain. The tape allowed me to take a slow, deep breath without pain. I also used it for achilles tendonitis. It was my podiatrist that told be about it in the first place.
I have severe leg pain. It does help with pain on knees. I like it because I can’t find a brace to fit or stay right. It’s the same as wearing a brace just stays better and thinner to wear under clothes.
To be honest, I was extremely skeptical of kinesiology tape and thought it was even a bit silly. About a year and a half ago I broke my leg and had to have an ORIF performed on it. After a few months of PT I ended up working at the PT facility where I got my PT as a PT Aide. After about a month or so of working there my knee started hurting and one of the therapists suggested using kinesiology tape. I figured it couldn’t hurt, but really wasn’t expecting much. After the initial pain of having about a dozen or so of my leg hairs pulled out upon standing up, sure enough the pain was gone. I’m still using the tape, but I always make sure to shave the area before applying it. Does it work? I can’t say for sure, but it seems to have done the trick with my knee pain. I can walk further and faster without any knee pain when I’m wearing it. Is it a placebo affect? Maybe, but if that’s the case… I want my sugar pills! 😜
I use and it's helped me. I wear it during workouts and the blood flow to the muscles is incredible. I get incredible pumps with the tape. Plus DOMS (Delayed onset muscle soreness) is decreased. Without the tape, soreness lasts 4-5 days, with the tape, the soreness is there for 2-3 days, and I train heavy. The only study and data I need is what my body tells me and the way it responds.
It's silly to question it. All professional athletes/trainers use it. It's very common among tennis players. *If applied properly* it alleviates pain whether it's muscular, tendonitis, or neurological (pinched nerve).
I love this stuff. I have age related lateral movement in my knees that really makes my muscles and ligaments hurt and makes it difficult to walk or climb stairs. K-Tape has been a life saver for me and it is much more comfortable than most of the knee braces I have used. Braces do work but they are cumbersome and unless I fall and really hurt myself, K-Tape is all I ever need. I (recommended by my therapist) have also used K-Tape for lymphedema and it has been wonderful for that too.
I recently traveled (by plane) to visit family for a week and my knees swell up. I already had knee pain before the travel and constantly wear patella strap until it stopped helping at all. I used K tape and instantly alleviated my pain. It worked for me.
I have extensor tendonitis of the wrist, I am a cosmetologist. It can be a very painful experience day to day when I am busy. When I discovered KT tape, my whole world changed. I don't wear it all the time. I wear it Only when my tendonitis is flaring. Before KT tape I didn't know what a full night sleep was I was in constant dull aching pain. It actually changed my life. When it is on it gives those muscles the help they need to relax and make the pain go away!! It may not be forever everyone but it helps me for sure!
It's helped tremendously with my EDS, the sensory input was truly something marvelous - having poured time and effort into a plethora of experts and approaches. One couldnt help but be gobsmacked how an inexpensive tape helped turned off my cramping psoas in a manner premium treatment forms never even could begin to approach. It doesn't make me stronger or more flexible, but it certainly helps in telling my brain to not go beyond a certain range of movement.
I found kinesiology tape was good for correcting technique which later prevented injury. Ie, taped at my lower back or around shoulder blades to ensure posture. It didn’t outright prevent the movement but was more a reminder for me to use the muscles in those areas better. By developing the muscles in this area appropriately, I was able to avoid further injury and pain
I use K-tape when I hike in the mountains. Had two knee surgeries, and on decent I feel a lot of difference. If I don't use tape I can't hike for the next few days, due to a swollen, painful knee. But if I use it, I can do a new mountain the following day. I don't know if it gives a different outcome than sports tape or a brace, but I can shower with it, leave it on for days andi t doesn't hurt to remove. I find the brace to be more invasive and clumsy under hiking trousers, and sports tape painful to remove. For anyone looking to stabilize their knees, I would definitely recommend it due to my experience during the last 8 years.
I think of K-tape as external fascia that can, with proper application, target the imbalance and misalignment at the root of discomfort or pain by either activating a weakened, under-used muscle, or supporting an injured, over-used muscle.
I've had K tape for years & only used it once, until today. After years of weight training & some major inbalances, both knees have been compromised. After years of seeking proper diagnosis, to no avail. FINALLY, an Ortho Surgeon advised possible patella tracking issue in my RT knee. Thankfully with my current PT, it's now stable, but I now have this annoying heaviness/dull sensation in my LT knee. I'm avoiding surgery @ ALL cost. I had one cortisone shot after knee swole up, but I don't plan to do that again. Been wearing knee sleeve, which relieves the sensasation, but the sleeve keeps sliding. Today, a lightbulb moment occurred & I remembered the K tape. I taped my knee & WALLAH....ABRACADABRA...perfect solution. Heavy sensation gone & NO SLIDING‼️ I will still wear my knee brace over tape when working out, but I am so gratefull so far for this tape👌🏽🎯
I have done sports all my life, now it's almost full-time padle tennis. In my opinion about the effectiveness of KT tape,- If anything, I would think it could have a placebo effect on some people. In this case and many others actually, the desired placebo-effect comes easy.
the right kind of stretching before, during and after exertion. regular stretching is also important when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed. regular therapeutic exercise of vulnerable areas. and an occasional aspirin to reduce inflammation and promote healing. i don't deny some individuals may benefit from tape, but if you use tape, do you rely on it as a lazy way to address your problem instead of doing other things you know are right for you to do?. i often see people using braces, tape and other 'supportive' things and ask what kind of exercises they are doing to strengthen the affected area, and the answer is usually 'none'
I have a small tear in my meniscus that causes a lot of knee pain, and I also have arthritis in my knee. I've been using KT tape for maybe a year/year and a half because I can't wear a knee brace. It doesn't take away all of the pain, but it does greatly reduce it.
Personally for me it helps a lot. I view kt as support for healing. Eather can block positions that hurt by counter stretching (wrist is good example) or decreased load on muscles and tendons for less painfull and quicker recovery (for example knees).
I don't know about you but I've had tremendous success with kinesiology tape. Although I still have widespread pain, I have found that my teeth are considerably whiter now, I seem to have much fresher breath and my skin emits an unmistakably rosy glow. Now, you may not have these same benefits as I and, of course, past performance is no guarantee of future results, but it's KT for me from, now and to eternity!
Went through physical therapy for a month with no relief of forearm pain. Until a substitute therapist added KT as part of the treatment. ALL my issues were resolved within a week.
Anyone who has used KT tape for lymphatic drainage, knows it works. The reality is that KT is a brace. It just lets you customize the support. it is not a performance enhancer. Because of its bracing ability, it helps minimize pain. Saying that, I have to find the right application for each injury.
It is my personal observation that if properly applied it will significantly reduce pain for rotator cuff and general shoulder pain due to overuse, wrist, thumb, and knee pain. I have no experience to reference for any other areas. In regards to performance, context is necessary. You mentioned "does it make you run faster?", and of course the answer is no, and neither do new sneakers but every kid who got a pair sure felt like it. Due to reduced pain the tape can increase mobility and with the pain reduction make a given task easier and in some cases even possible to perform. In that regard, it does positively affect performance. The key points are: 1) proper application, and 2) realize that it's not magic. Warmup prior to activity, stretching, and regular exercises targeting the cause of the pain are the keys to better health.
My therapist is using Kinesio tape for my hip bursitis. I find that it’s the first time I could sleep on the side of my bursitis pain. It works for me.
I have a bad throwing shoulder but the tape gives it some support and definitely helps ease the pain a bit. It’s not a scam, just need to have realistic expectations of the product.
This was the best video I have seen ! I agree with everything you stated. Esp the placebo effect. I believe the tape is amazing! Immediate relief for my tendinitis and arthritis. I have tried to tell family and friends about the benefits. I have gotten shot down due to the limited research done. My response is .. ok maybe it is placebo effect, maybe it actually is relieving my pain, who cares, bottom line I feel better! So again, great video! Thank you!
I would not be able to cover the 25k steps a day I do at work, following an ankle injury I had without k-tape holding it together. I was 100% ready to hate on it until I tried it. Incredible stuff.
I've been on disability since 2019 for lower back problems! I've been to physical therapy, I've had 10 injections for pain in my back, I took pain meds everyday, been to several chiropractors, nothing at all has helped!! Kt tape has been the only way I can get some relief and move. The days I have to take it off I pretty much have to lay down the entire day. It's been helping me to move around and even drive. My back flares up so bad over little things. Such as brushing my teeth, or washing dishes. This tape has been able to bring somewhat normalcy back into my life. Not sure what I would do without it at this point 😭😭😭.. I have to put 5 on my back at once for relief.
The tape is more than just a placebo....I've used it for a petellar subluxation and torn medial meniscus and it indeed works and alleviates a huge amount of pain.....so in terms of pain management it does work....mind you its not magic tape but it can compliment other remedies such as anti inflammatory meds and in cases of knee arthritis or torn meniscus it can greatly reduce the pain thats associated with it and give you a good chance to rehab through Physical therapy whether your going at it yourself or using an actual physical therapist.
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.
I get immediate relief. I have worked an office job for 22 years along with being diagnosed with Fibromyaligia in 2014. I will never be 100% pain free I use it for to ease my worst pain. It helps me so I will continue to use it until it doesn't. 😁
Placebo is a strong effect my friend, if you believe it helps... it will
Ok that's great, but all it did was correct a muscle imbalance. If you strengthen the muscultcher involved, including transverse adominis and glutes, core, then all your joints will love you. You don't have to be a gym nut or body builder, just a few times a week is good. And I do like k-tape especially during short term rehab
The power of placebo is amazing isn't it
@@devnull2766 Placebo effect is not what you think it is because it is also observed in animals.
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.
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.
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. 😂
I actually have been considering using it for these reasons! I also imagine that disabled people probably weren’t making up a fair amount of the subjects in studies, so it may be a more helpful tool for us than the average person.
Yep! Zebra here! I have currently a complete rupture of the tendon that attaches my tibia (shin) to the top of my foot (ankle and foot) when it first happened it literally snapped audibly and excruciating! But KT has changed my recovery 100%. Better than a walking boot. But I still will need surgery. Just got MRI results today. 😢 My foot doctor didn’t realize how good it actually works for stability and pain.
Do some safe strengthening.
Do you apply the tape to yourself? Do you get a family member to help? I have hypermobility and fibromyalgia, and have occasionally had tape placed by physiotherapists. I'm only just thinking of doing it myself. In all the videos, someone else is applying it, in a skilled manner.
@@KateLate____ Depends on where it is if it's for my back or a difficult area for you to see or reach get help but I usually do it myself
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!
It works with some specific types of injuries, and types of patients as well. Additionally, the technique of application makes a big difference.
True
Actually the technique of application doesn’t matter at all as demonstrated in studies.
@@MemeGang420 I tried a new application technique today. The first one didn't do diddly and I thought the whole KT-tape business was bogus. With this new technique, I'm definitely getting relief. Maybe it depends on what you're trying to achieve.
@@MemeGang420It absolutely does matter. Are you aware of the fact that 80% of studies are bunk? Many are funded by people with conflicts of interest and/or are completely made up. Big Pharma and the Medical Industrial Complex don't want us to use anything that doesn't make them a ton of money. They also don't want us to know that many of their cures and treatments are bunk.
@@leavingitblank9363yeah, tech and quality matters. Whenever I put them incorrectly or using cheaper stuff, it work less, and even make my knee pain worse
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.
Yeah it's someone offended at the idea of it being a magic tool which nothing is. And not being able to acknowledge there is real benefits that people do see in real life
100%? Really now?? Don’t make me laugh 😂😂
3m sells sports tape that doesn't stretch. which is what im stuck with. still works.
All the studies literally say otherwise. That's why KT is facing a lawsuit of a couple million
@@armandomorelos2500
Do any of the studies you're referring to deal with people with EDS? Cause the reserch on eds and ktape look very promising.
I'd be happy to say that ktape is infective to most everything else. But it dose seem to be highly effective for eds patients.
I honestly have no idea how ktape is supposed to help with most other things like sports. But it makes sense for eds and hyper mobility.
This tape has helped me significantly with mobility issues due to muscle and joint pains. When applied by an informed individual, i have definitely felt a difference in pain and mobility management. So much so that im having to learn to apply it for myself
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.
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.
2 years in to taping my knees - I keep them taped at all times, and I am pain free and can now walk for
milles!
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.
I really wish they'd do more research on hypermobile people and kinesiology tape! Because I use the tape and love it when it's applied correctly, but my skin can't handle too strong tape or tension over 50% of the tape. I literally get tension blisters and skin tears from it. So research on that would be amazing!
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.
K tape is magic. It cuts my healing time down to days instead of weeks. I'm 42 and have been if using it for 10 years as a cleaner. I now own my own business and am also an LMT. I self am a self-taught K taper. All people are different and especially in what they want to deal with. Some people may not want to try new things, etc. I know I am a very open-minded person and knew the tape would work from whatbi learned in massage school about our fascia system that runs throughout the whole body like a 3D web. When I use K tape, I think of it like putting an extra web of fascia on the outside of my skin. I guess you could say extra layer of skin. But if you look up fascia, it seems to act kore like this system to me.
Good luck and if you want to be pain free and stay in the game, of life. Give it a try.
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!
Well said.
We still don't know how cortisone and Prednisone work. Nor do we know why they eventually can stop working and kill you.
KT works on mechanisms that we're just beginning to discover.
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.
i pray to my kinesiology tape shrine every night before bed. BELEIVE
Ok eren
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
I would say, that is what the expectation is.
it's not cheap😂
@@originalname1035 You can buy a roll which could last for a month for less than $1
@@oxfordbambooshootify bro from where
@@originalname1035 online. Shipped from China
I’ve been using it for years on a “bad” knee. At 63, I feel like I should own stock in the company. I’m by no means an athlete. I’m a wife, mom (my kids are grown), a grandmother and a recently retired nanny. Placebo effect……baloney. I wouldn’t have continued to purchase the tape @ $16-$22 per roll.
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!
Works for me. More than relieving pain, I find it has healing benefits. Remarkable stuff.
It has helped my husband with joint stability when lifting. I find it helps when used properly. I find some people don’t apply it currently or are using it for the wrong purpose. He was really skeptical when he first tried it and didn’t believe it would help. He has said he gets a similar relief with it as braces without the bulk.
I've used it for decades in my crap acl...it doesn't fix everything, but it helps to give some decent pain relief and minor support...at least that's been my experience. I'm not an athlete!! I didn't go to the gym or run marathons. I'm just someone with chronic pain and constant knee pain, and it does seem to help in pain reduction. When I don't wear it, I notice a lot more pain than when I wear it...especially helping me to sleep with less pain. Is it a miracle cure? No. It's a tool to use to help, along with strength training and maybe pain meds.
I am an 80 year old woman who uses this tape on foot so I CAN DO MY DAILY WALKING ROUTINE👏👏👏👏
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...
Braces are horrible and often make the problem much worse
I have a sore shoulder from weight lifting. Using the tape I have found the pain lightened considerably, I know it's only anecdotal but it's worked for me and helped me get a better sleep because my shoulder isn't screaming at me.
I've never used it for performance gains, but it has helped with my muscle pain and soreness in my shoulder, wrist, and foot. It's at least enough for me to notice.
Some of those face ones are quite an interesting application though, I've never seen it. I hope they're trolling. 😅
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.
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.
I currently have a sprained wrist and have been wrapping my wrist with KT sorta like how I've seen boxers wrap their wrists... anyway I was wondering if that's what you did?? Is it wrong or dangerous to use KT as a wrap/brace?
@@superbike5 Oh, no. I use it for wraps/braces all the time. That sounds perfect!
@superbike5 Just make sure you don't wrap too tightly because you could cut off your blood circulation
For me I suffer chronic and sometimes acute episodes of tendonitis in my elbow. Last time I had an episode the pain was nearly unbearable. Now that I’ve applied ktape the pain reduction has been dramatic. I know it’s probably a placebo effect but I’d go insane without it.
Well made video. Very sound analysis and presentation of scientific literature. Free from unfounded opinions. Thanks !
I have been using KT tape on my damaged rotator cuff for about 3 weeks . I was unable to raise my hand over my head when I started , but I am able to now. Its worked for me
I found the tape works. At least for ankle support. Unlike say a tensor bandage which can hurt if applied wrong. Or even in comparison to those sock braces which I found, digs into the bottom of my foot, when wearing after a while. I don't have that problem with kinetic tape.
Love your videos!
I have recently began using the tape for severe cmc arthritis. I use a precut tape about 3 inches wide and cut it nearly in half lengthwise (don't cut the last 2 inches)
I put the uncut end on the inside of my wrist but along the bone. That leaves 2 separate ends of tape. I stretch the left one up and around the thumb, and anchor it down on my forearm where the Initial tape is. The other piece does the same in the opposite direction.
I use this instead of a spica splint. It gives amazing pain relief and support while giving more and better use of the hand.
My cmc arthritis is so severe that its actually slipped off the saddle joint, and the finger is almost perpendicular to the hand. With simple taping the pain is vastly improved and the hand is usable--- while I consider surgery. Maybe u can demo this technique on your channel for others?
Thanks for watching! Sounds like you are using the method I share in the texting thumb video you can find on this channel. It was actually the very first video I published. 😁
You did a great job - with your presentation and objectiveness!
It's helpful, to support your muscles and ease pain, but if people are tryna heal it they're gonna be disappointed, I have fibro, and still healing from a bad car accident. So to get in and out of bed supporting muscles etc .. it helps but it's not a substitute for P.T. and time to heal
I have gotten patellar tendinitis properly diagnosed and by applying a stretched strip of tape below the kneekap instantly reduces pain in the movements tested before applying the tape. This helps me continue doing my sport so that I dont lose strength during the physical therapy period
Ktape has helped me with recovering from injuries. I think you make a good point when discussing that the benefits don't fit into the medical investigation box. A healthy trained athlete my not notice or test well enough to show an improvement. For healthy folks Ktape is a solution looking for a problem. For injured or worn out bodies, well read the comments.
Yeah, I was looking at the outcome measures and was like meh…. That’s not really the point of the KT tape though is it. For a lot of people, it’s about the mind muscle connection. The tape can help you activate the right muscles the correct way. It can call attention to when you are using bad technique and therefore help you correct it in the moment. And people who are dealing with injuries would want increased awareness in that area, which for the athlete is a help to them. Is that something that can be measured?
I didnt expect results . But out of curiosity, i wrapped and felt immediate relief my occasionally achy wrist . ( not an athletic injury )
I'm not concerned about performance but I have an ankle that is prone to sprains and Achilles tendinitis due to an old tendon tear and taping my ankles with kt tape before a big run or hike helps a lot with stability and it is much more comfortable than regular tape or a brace (both of which I have tried).
It helped me recover from multiple sprained ankles from skating and old injury in the knee during my military days.
Fellow skater here! Thank you for your service 🇺🇲
Good video.
1, being in tuned with your body can create a more accurate study vs. someone who is not and cannot pin point pain.
2, some in the study could have an over heighten expectation for results
Personally, I use it after injuries to aid in reducing swelling and increase lymphatic drainage. I would say it's helps on the same level of taking ibuprofen.
Story, the 2nd time i fractured my ankle; more like aggregated an old injury, i treated it like it was savior. Elevated it, took meds, propped it up and KT typed it all over "For Drainage".
To my surprise the next morning, what started to look like a bruise was gone and the swelling was minimal. Pain was still there and took a few months to recover, but it could have been worse.
Does help with superficial or surface recovery, yes. Performance, well, I believe taping prior to a sporting event is like taking ibuprofen before you enter a boxing ring. You know you're going to be prone to some pain, so you prepare for it to reduce the impact.
I was diagnosed with tendonitis in my left shoulder due to repetitive stress injury, driving.
Doctor's determined I tour part of my spinatus muscle in my rotator cuff, but not enough to require surgery.
Physical therapy does help, as did exercise. But from the time to time if it gets over worked it becomes extremely uncomfortable.
Shoulder brace was recommended and is worn on occasion to reposition the arm and to take all tension off of that muscle and allow it to heal, but as we all know those braces are not the most comfortable or easy to wear.
On a whim I got some KT tape and threw it on. I noticed an immediate difference as with the brace.
In essence the Katie tape is forcing me to reposition my arm to remove all tension and wait from the damage to muscle.
I can wholeheartedly recommend KT tape to anyone who's having a similar injury. But of course it's not a solution for everything
Hi.
I’m not an athlete, but I have a bursitis at the front of my knee. I watched a few guides on how to apply it, and I have to admit, the tape lifts the skin off of the knee, which in turn reduces the friction on the front bursa sac. So yes, in this instance, it works.
All the best.👍🏾🇬🇧
I used the tape on my MCL tear and currently on a slight tear of my rotator cuff for pain relief after talking to an orthopedic doctor. He did, however, state that if it does help it may or not be a placebo affect and to do what makes me comfortable. It works for me and it comes in flashy colors!
I've been using it for a month for plantar fasciitis and I feel like it reduces the pain in my feet. Works for me
One day at work, I sprained my wrist. My sister looked up how to use KT tape for that specific injury. She had used KT tape on herself before for other injuries.
Right after she put the tape on my wrist and arm, it felt less weak and more stable.
I wore the tape for three days, and it helped my wrist heal faster because it was more stabilized, and it reminded me to be careful with my wrist.
Thanks! My experience with it was for knee pain, as I had an episode of knee pain in a place far away from my doctors and regular braces did not seem to fit properly or even seemed to aggravate the issue. My results were mixed, and it really seemed to take a lot of guesswork to get the better results. I keep it as a reserve in my backpack hiking, but it isn't a wonder treatment. Thanks for the history of the product as well.
KT tape was truly the only thing that regularly relieved my patellar tendinitis pain. Was is 100% better? Of course not… but even 50% better is so SO much better than nothing (or making it worse, like what traditional braces used to do before I quit them).
Longtime sceptic turned regular user here. It started with an old ankle injury that was not relevant until I started running again after 32 years. All was ok until I had a bad step, twisted that ankle and the pain was back. A fellow runner suggested I tryit after a week or so, and the pain was reduced significantly and eventually went away after 3 runs. Similar situation with my calf, sometimes after 12-15K runs it gets a bit painful (similar to a muscle pull), and a very simple and specific take application is all it takes to get the pain away. I know some people see it more as "decoration" (hey, getting peoples attention us important for some, huh?), but the biggest factor I can personally share is simple but definitive: you got to know how to do it correctly. And not a lot of people do! That is the only way I´d recommend using this thing. Safe and happy running, guys!
I don't always believe some of these so-called experts, especially when many dish out the medication first. You really have to be your own dr - do your own research and then make an informed decision. I have severe tendonitis in both my wrists and now my left ankle, this tape helped me to move around and get things done, and I can honestly state this is no placebo. I am grateful and shall continue to use it.
Do your own research... The warcry of pseudoscience peddlers everywhere
kinesiology tape helps to stabilise my wrists and knees (would probably help with all my joints but i only need the tape on my wrists and knees as it's inconvenient to use braces in my everyday life) - i have hypermobile joints and the tape helps to prevent my wrists and knees from bending further than their meant to which helps to prevent dislocations.
The tape worked for me. I have a rotator cuff injury and get impingement when I try to lift with my arm straight ahead and my shoulder pressed forward. I use the tape to hold my shoulder back. The tape doesn't allow much forward press with my shoulder and my pain is reduced.
I am currently waiting to have a total knee replacement. I am bone on bone with my patella. During prehab, my physical therapist applied kinesiology tape to reduce pain during the exercises. It was an instant fix for my pain that I had had for 6 weeks . With this comment I must also add that I am a licensed medical professional and I do not believe that this is a placebo effect
when i was a phlebotomist in the hospital i developed trigger thumb. needless to say, it was very painful.
a lot of my co-workers had trigger finger and had to get surgery. I didn't want to get a surgery. i looked up for potential
alternatives and stumbled upon the use of KT tape and exercises. I'm happy to say that I didn't have to get a surgery.
KT tape may not work for everyone, but it has been a blessing for me.
I use it on occasion when I tweak something from time to time. I don't rely on it to resolve any issues but I do like using it as a light stabilizer and reminder to rest the area so it can heal itself. Im currently using it on my wrist, its not fixing the issue but it is helping to stabilize my wrist to minimize the painful movements. Do I think it helps, yes. Do I think it fixes everything, no. It differs from person to person and if you are thinking of using it, try it. If it works, great, if not it's ok too.
It's too bad pain and discomfort can only be measured using the 1-10 pain scale. As a trainer I recommend and use it with clients for minor support and tissue compression with minor muscle stress and strain, and I have had luck with Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. As for results 70% have reported positive results however that's feedback from my clients.
I have no idea how it works and I acknowledge that it could be a placebo effect but whenever I have a injury I use KT tape and it always help . Recently I started suffering from IT band syndrome and KT tape helped tremendously.
I did some soft tissue damage to my knee early on in an ultra marathon and it helped me finish the remaining 30km. It didn't really do anything other than reduce the pain from an acute sensation to a dull ache. I'm a believer now
As someone recovering from an MPFL tear, the use of the K tape is way more comfortable and versatile than that of a brace, and cheap enough to keep adjusting as I recover more.
I’m new to K-Tape. I was approached by a stranger who saw me walking down the street, told me to tape up for my plantar fasciitis pain. He had tape on him and taped my foot. I’ve been pain free since.
It has definitely helping. Not sure if it'll continue to do so, but after 2 months of lateral and behind the knee pain, I'm happy it's working.
Oh wow! I must say well done on your presentation of taping, and if studies show if its as useful, magical, and sprinkled with fairy dust as I so often find or the stark contrast. To the point I'm late to the game as I have only started using K tape (spartan in my case) about 6 or 7 months ago. I'm no stranger to pain and injuries or from sports or work (construction). I have broken bones, torn or damaged ligaments & tendons, pinched nerves, and so on. I've been stuck in casts, various braces, ace bandages, and slings. For me the biggest thing is supporting injury so it can heal, coupled with PT, ice and heat treatments while not impeding my normal life. As I'm sure you may have guessed my career choice doesn't afford me alot of time off to recover comfortably with pay and workman's comp isn't even a good band-aid. That's another argument for another day. Its impossible to return to work with a cast or a cumbersome brace that locks a joint in one position and don't get me wrong as thats necessary sometimes. However as my mom is a PTA and has watched me bullheadedly move it or loose it. Showed me this stuff as I had tennis elbow so bad in my left arm I couldn't pick up 10 to 15 pounds without excruciating pain and most likely dropping it. Again coupled with proper exercises, stretches, ice, heat, and rest to increase motion, strength, and overall healing.... I have found that when properly applied its the best and most flexible brace I can use! Even while still recovering from some minor to medium impact injury. I can support the injury still move about my day... albeit at a slightly limited capacity, yet not anywhere near as restricted as with an older style brace that impeded movement or use of a joint. So no, to me its not a wonder material that I put on and despite injuries pull a boxcar down the tracks. With medical knowledge behind me(thanks mom) :) , a boat load of videos, and a good sense of my own bodies' threshold for pain or just knowing what relaxes the injury. I have found that K tape helps me support injury with less interference in my life..... and thats about it. No increased blood flow, picking up more lumber than normal, or hammering nails faster. I don't feel like this is a placebo effect either, and its just a better brace when used right.
Dear Craig: Congratulations on your classic comment of the century, culled composed, and cuneiform in clay. You are the poster boy of physical dedication, delivered a dose of deteriorating back-lash. Remedies and redress are reserved for the medical experts who have studied anatomy -- rather than the layman, laid low by his lax systems, leveraged by snake-oil subterfuge.
I bid you the best. Your comment is well-balanced, keeping your feet on the ground.
I'm currently having issues with shine splints and decided to use KT tape. I have it on at the moment can honestly say, it's helping me with pain reduction. I have USPSA competition tomorrow and I'm pretty relieved that I have some support for my injury.
I have found no other way to ease rotator cuff pain. It adds support when doing something that would further aggravate the injury and, when sat still, it allows the area to completely relax which I’m sure helps with recovery.
It has definitely helped me, from missing work for days at a time to eventually getting back good range of motion. But it’s a bandaid… that’s what people need to realize. It’s a bandaid and just like a wound just having the bandaid on isn’t going to make it better. Physical therapy is still very important. If you use KTape as a temporary assist.. I think it definitely helps in the long run.
KT tape straight up works for muscle pain/spasms. I was in agony for 3 weeks with neck, upper back and shoulder pain (MRI showed muscle spasms). I was prescribed Oxycodone and Tramadol at the same time by the hospital, which helped a little. I used KT tape, as it still wasn't getting better and it literally reduced the pain more than anything else I had tried or was on. I was able to do my job again in comfort until it healed, and I only needed pain meds at night, as sleeping was still painful (I roll around a lot).
I did take the tape off occasionally to let the skin breathe and it was straight back to knives twisting in my neck and shoulder after 30 mins or so.
I also think it helps the healing process, as it provides support for the strained muscles.
I don’t care what anybody says-I cracked 3 ribs and would have been longer healing had I not taped them. I have COPD and it was not affected at all because I could only inhale/exhale so far anyway because of the pain. The tape allowed me to take a slow, deep breath without pain. I also used it for achilles tendonitis. It was my podiatrist that told be about it in the first place.
I have severe leg pain. It does help with pain on knees. I like it because I can’t find a brace to fit or stay right. It’s the same as wearing a brace just stays better and thinner to wear under clothes.
To be honest, I was extremely skeptical of kinesiology tape and thought it was even a bit silly. About a year and a half ago I broke my leg and had to have an ORIF performed on it. After a few months of PT I ended up working at the PT facility where I got my PT as a PT Aide. After about a month or so of working there my knee started hurting and one of the therapists suggested using kinesiology tape. I figured it couldn’t hurt, but really wasn’t expecting much. After the initial pain of having about a dozen or so of my leg hairs pulled out upon standing up, sure enough the pain was gone. I’m still using the tape, but I always make sure to shave the area before applying it. Does it work? I can’t say for sure, but it seems to have done the trick with my knee pain. I can walk further and faster without any knee pain when I’m wearing it. Is it a placebo affect? Maybe, but if that’s the case… I want my sugar pills! 😜
I use and it's helped me. I wear it during workouts and the blood flow to the muscles is incredible. I get incredible pumps with the tape. Plus DOMS (Delayed onset muscle soreness) is decreased. Without the tape, soreness lasts 4-5 days, with the tape, the soreness is there for 2-3 days, and I train heavy.
The only study and data I need is what my body tells me and the way it responds.
It's silly to question it. All professional athletes/trainers use it. It's very common among tennis players. *If applied properly* it alleviates pain whether it's muscular, tendonitis, or neurological (pinched nerve).
I love this stuff. I have age related lateral movement in my knees that really makes my muscles and ligaments hurt and makes it difficult to walk or climb stairs. K-Tape has been a life saver for me and it is much more comfortable than most of the knee braces I have used. Braces do work but they are cumbersome and unless I fall and really hurt myself, K-Tape is all I ever need. I (recommended by my therapist) have also used K-Tape for lymphedema and it has been wonderful for that too.
I recently traveled (by plane) to visit family for a week and my knees swell up. I already had knee pain before the travel and constantly wear patella strap until it stopped helping at all. I used K tape and instantly alleviated my pain. It worked for me.
I have extensor tendonitis of the wrist, I am a cosmetologist. It can be a very painful experience day to day when I am busy. When I discovered KT tape, my whole world changed. I don't wear it all the time. I wear it Only when my tendonitis is flaring. Before KT tape I didn't know what a full night sleep was I was in constant dull aching pain. It actually changed my life. When it is on it gives those muscles the help they need to relax and make the pain go away!! It may not be forever everyone but it helps me for sure!
It's helped tremendously with my EDS, the sensory input was truly something marvelous - having poured time and effort into a plethora of experts and approaches.
One couldnt help but be gobsmacked how an inexpensive tape helped turned off my cramping psoas in a manner premium treatment forms never even could begin to approach.
It doesn't make me stronger or more flexible, but it certainly helps in telling my brain to not go beyond a certain range of movement.
I found kinesiology tape was good for correcting technique which later prevented injury. Ie, taped at my lower back or around shoulder blades to ensure posture. It didn’t outright prevent the movement but was more a reminder for me to use the muscles in those areas better. By developing the muscles in this area appropriately, I was able to avoid further injury and pain
I have Marfans syndrome and it helps a lot when my ligaments are giving out. I do not participate in sports but just for every day movement.
I use K-tape when I hike in the mountains. Had two knee surgeries, and on decent I feel a lot of difference. If I don't use tape I can't hike for the next few days, due to a swollen, painful knee. But if I use it, I can do a new mountain the following day. I don't know if it gives a different outcome than sports tape or a brace, but I can shower with it, leave it on for days andi t doesn't hurt to remove. I find the brace to be more invasive and clumsy under hiking trousers, and sports tape painful to remove. For anyone looking to stabilize their knees, I would definitely recommend it due to my experience during the last 8 years.
I think of K-tape as external fascia that can, with proper application, target the imbalance and misalignment at the root of discomfort or pain by either activating a weakened, under-used muscle, or supporting an injured, over-used muscle.
I've had K tape for years & only used it once, until today. After years of weight training & some major inbalances, both knees have been compromised. After years of seeking proper diagnosis, to no avail. FINALLY, an Ortho Surgeon advised possible patella tracking issue in my RT knee. Thankfully with my current PT, it's now stable, but I now have this annoying heaviness/dull sensation in my LT knee. I'm avoiding surgery @ ALL cost. I had one cortisone shot after knee swole up, but I don't plan to do that again. Been wearing knee sleeve, which relieves the sensasation, but the sleeve keeps sliding. Today, a lightbulb moment occurred & I remembered the K tape. I taped my knee & WALLAH....ABRACADABRA...perfect solution. Heavy sensation gone & NO SLIDING‼️ I will still wear my knee brace over tape when working out, but I am so gratefull so far for this tape👌🏽🎯
As a competitive bowler and gym rat, I use it on my wrist to keep pain away. It does do that. Problem is it literally rips my skin when I take it off.
I have done sports all my life, now it's almost full-time padle tennis. In my opinion about the effectiveness of KT tape,- If anything, I would think it could have a placebo effect on some people. In this case and many others actually, the desired placebo-effect comes easy.
What else would you need but a good elastic support for joint injuries, including tendons and ligaments?
the right kind of stretching before, during and after exertion. regular stretching is also important when you wake up in the morning and before going to bed. regular therapeutic exercise of vulnerable areas. and an occasional aspirin to reduce inflammation and promote healing. i don't deny some individuals may benefit from tape, but if you use tape, do you rely on it as a lazy way to address your problem instead of doing other things you know are right for you to do?. i often see people using braces, tape and other 'supportive' things and ask what kind of exercises they are doing to strengthen the affected area, and the answer is usually 'none'
I have a small tear in my meniscus that causes a lot of knee pain, and I also have arthritis in my knee. I've been using KT tape for maybe a year/year and a half because I can't wear a knee brace. It doesn't take away all of the pain, but it does greatly reduce it.
Personally for me it helps a lot. I view kt as support for healing. Eather can block positions that hurt by counter stretching (wrist is good example) or decreased load on muscles and tendons for less painfull and quicker recovery (for example knees).
I don't know about you but I've had tremendous success with kinesiology tape. Although I still have widespread pain, I have found that my teeth are considerably whiter now, I seem to have much fresher breath and my skin emits an unmistakably rosy glow. Now, you may not have these same benefits as I and, of course, past performance is no guarantee of future results, but it's KT for me from, now and to eternity!
Went through physical therapy for a month with no relief of forearm pain. Until a substitute therapist added KT as part of the treatment. ALL my issues were resolved within a week.
I have used it for plantar fasciitis as well as patella issues. It was very helpful. For reducing pain and helping have time to heal.
I had to look it up, I've seen so many runners nowadays using them. I'm personally skeptical, but I'm not against trying it out.
Anyone who has used KT tape for lymphatic drainage, knows it works. The reality is that KT is a brace. It just lets you customize the support. it is not a performance enhancer. Because of its bracing ability, it helps minimize pain. Saying that, I have to find the right application for each injury.
It is my personal observation that if properly applied it will significantly reduce pain for rotator cuff and general shoulder pain due to overuse, wrist, thumb, and knee pain. I have no experience to reference for any other areas. In regards to performance, context is necessary. You mentioned "does it make you run faster?", and of course the answer is no, and neither do new sneakers but every kid who got a pair sure felt like it. Due to reduced pain the tape can increase mobility and with the pain reduction make a given task easier and in some cases even possible to perform. In that regard, it does positively affect performance. The key points are: 1) proper application, and 2) realize that it's not magic. Warmup prior to activity, stretching, and regular exercises targeting the cause of the pain are the keys to better health.
My therapist is using Kinesio tape for my hip bursitis. I find that it’s the first time I could sleep on the side of my bursitis pain. It works for me.
It helped hold my patella in place after knee replacement while I was having PT , so I believe in it whole heartedly.
I have a bad throwing shoulder but the tape gives it some support and definitely helps ease the pain a bit. It’s not a scam, just need to have realistic expectations of the product.
This was the best video I have seen ! I agree with everything you stated. Esp the placebo effect. I believe the tape is amazing! Immediate relief for my tendinitis and arthritis. I have tried to tell family and friends about the benefits. I have gotten shot down due to the limited research done. My response is .. ok maybe it is placebo effect, maybe it actually is relieving my pain, who cares, bottom line I feel better! So again, great video! Thank you!
I would not be able to cover the 25k steps a day I do at work, following an ankle injury I had without k-tape holding it together. I was 100% ready to hate on it until I tried it. Incredible stuff.
I've been on disability since 2019 for lower back problems! I've been to physical therapy, I've had 10 injections for pain in my back, I took pain meds everyday, been to several chiropractors, nothing at all has helped!! Kt tape has been the only way I can get some relief and move. The days I have to take it off I pretty much have to lay down the entire day. It's been helping me to move around and even drive. My back flares up so bad over little things. Such as brushing my teeth, or washing dishes. This tape has been able to bring somewhat normalcy back into my life. Not sure what I would do without it at this point 😭😭😭.. I have to put 5 on my back at once for relief.
The tape is more than just a placebo....I've used it for a petellar subluxation and torn medial meniscus and it indeed works and alleviates a huge amount of pain.....so in terms of pain management it does work....mind you its not magic tape but it can compliment other remedies such as anti inflammatory meds and in cases of knee arthritis or torn meniscus it can greatly reduce the pain thats associated with it and give you a good chance to rehab through Physical therapy whether your going at it yourself or using an actual physical therapist.