Kinesiotaping – Colourful Strips on the Skin

1. What Is It Actually?

Kinesiotaping is not a cream and not a tablet. It consists of elastic adhesive strips that are stuck onto the skin. They are stretchable like a rubber band. The strips stick to the skin and remain there for a few days. They can be purchased in various colours, but the colour is only for looking at. The strips are supposed to give the skin and muscles a feeling as if someone is lightly tapping on them. This is called a stimulus. This stimulus travels via the nerves to the brain. Researchers believe that the strip can help the body to perceive itself better in this way. But they are not yet sure whether this really works for everyone. Kinesiotaping does not hurt. It is like a plaster, only elastic. You can shower and swim with it. After a few days, you simply pull off the strip. Some people find it pleasant, others notice nothing at all.

2. Where Does It Come From?

Kinesiotaping was invented by a Japanese doctor. His name was Kenzo Kase. He lived from 1942 to 2023. He wanted to find a method that helps the body without medication. The idea came to him in the 1970s. He tried out various adhesives and stretches. Later the method became known throughout the world. The colourful strips are often seen especially on athletes. But doctors and physiotherapists also use them. In recent years researchers have conducted many studies on the topic. They want to know whether the strips really help or whether it is only imagination.

3. What Do the Researchers Investigate?

Researchers have often investigated whether kinesiotaping helps with pain or muscle weakness. For example, there was a study with people who had knee pain. Some received real strips, others received placebo strips. Placebo means that the strips do stick but are not supposed to have any special effect. The researchers found that the real strips were not better than the placebo strips. In another study the aim was to find out whether the strips make the muscles stronger. But here too it emerged that the muscles did not become stronger. There are also indications that the strips can calm the skin and thereby relieve pain. But this is not yet certain. Many studies are small and the results vary. Therefore scientists continue to research. They want to understand exactly when and how kinesiotaping works. One day we may know more.

4. An Experiment to Think About

Imagine you have a small scratch on your arm. It hurts a little. Now you stick a soft plaster over it. Do you notice that the pain decreases? Perhaps a little. This is because your brain perceives a different touch through the plaster. Kinesiotaping is supposed to work in a similar way. But whether this works for everyone is not yet entirely clear. You can pay attention to how a plaster feels on your skin. Do you feel it distinctly? Do you sometimes forget it? It is similar with the colourful strips.

For adults and professionals: the detailed page on Kinesiotaping.