What Is Kinesiology Taping and What Does It Actually Do?
If you’ve ever finished a sports massage session and walked out with colourful tape on your body, you’ve probably wondered what it’s really doing. Kinesiology taping looks simple, but it can be a really useful tool when used properly and for the right reasons.
Unlike traditional rigid strapping, kinesiology tape is stretchy and flexible. It moves with your body rather than holding you still. The idea behind it is not to lock anything in place, but to support your body while still allowing you to move normally. That’s a big reason why it works so well alongside sports massage.
How kinesiology tape works
When kinesiology tape is applied to the skin, it gently lifts the surface layers. That small lift can help improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the area. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients getting to the tissues, and waste products being cleared away more efficiently. This can help reduce pain, swelling, and that tight uncomfortable feeling that often sticks around after an injury.
Another big benefit of kinesiology taping is how it interacts with your nervous system. Your skin is packed with sensory receptors that constantly send information to your brain. When tape is applied, it provides gentle feedback to those receptors. This can help calm pain signals and improve body awareness. In simple terms, it helps your brain understand what’s going on and how to move a bit more efficiently.
How I use kinesiology tape
In a sports massage setting, I often use kinesiology taping to help extend the benefits of a treatment. Massage can release tight muscles and improve movement, but once you leave the clinic, your body goes straight back into daily life. Taping helps support the changes we’ve made, whether that’s encouraging better posture, reducing strain on a muscle, or helping swelling settle down.
One of the best things about kinesiology tape is that it doesn’t get in the way of your routine. You can wear it for several days, shower with it, exercise with it, and go about your normal life without needing to think about it. Most people forget it’s even there until they realise things feel a bit easier.
Not a magic fix
It’s important to say that kinesiology taping isn’t a magic fix on its own. It works best when combined with massage, movement, and sometimes strengthening or stretching. Think of it as a support tool rather than a solution.
If you’re curious about kinesiology taping or wondering whether it could help with something you’re dealing with, just ask during your session. I’m always happy to talk it through and see if it’s a good fit for you.
Book online at www.astralfitness.co.uk
Thank you for reading this weeks blog, What Is Kinesiology Taping and What Does It Actually Do?
Thanks for reading,
Chloe and Jen