Eli5: How does kinesio tape works?

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Colorful tapes those used by any sport player. How do they work?

In: Biology

2 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

It doesn’t work, except as a placebo. It was invented by a chiropractor and based on pseudoscience. It does not support muscle or joints, as it’s just too flexible (even the “stiffer” versions). And it does not increase blood flow to the skin or any tissue.

The closest to any sort of efficacy that kt tape has is proprioceptive feedback–you feel the tape on your skin and change your behavior because of that reminder (usually that you’re injured). Wearing a soft elastic band accomplishes the same thing.

Anonymous 0 Comments

The tape is slightly elastic. When applied correctly, the stretch in the tape gives extra support and/or rebound to the underlying muscle group or joint being targeted.

It’s a lightweight brace.