What is RockTape/KT tape?
You have probably seen RockTape/KT tape a lot this summer because of the Olympics. Besides looking like an Olympic athlete, there are some benefits to it. However, the research behind this modality is not all beneficial.
First, let’s talk about what the tape is and what does it do? It is a stretchy tape that stays on the area it is applied for 3-5 days. It has adhesive to it similar to like a bandaid, so those that are allergic to adhesive should not receive these tapes. It is heat activated, which allows for the tape to stick for a longer period of time. It can irritate the skin, so a trial might be beneficial to make sure that you do not have a reaction to it. Each provider has their own way of how they apply it due to how they were trained, what they find beneficial and the condition that it is used to treat.
It is used to support and stabilize a joint without restricting the joint motion. The design of the tape is to mimic the elasticity of a healthy muscle. It creates greater mechanical support and proprioception by stimulating special sensory receptors in our muscles and tendons. This tape is usually used post-injury to help improve athletic performance, increase muscle activation, strength & proprioception and alleviate pain (1) .
It is a common intervention used to treat musculoskeletal disorders and enhance performance. However, the research is inconclusive. According to the research performed by Cheatham, there is between 25-75% therapeutic benefit (2). In my mind, that makes it dependent on the patient, the condition and the goal for the tape. I have used RockTape on different conditions from impingement in the shoulder, labral tears, muscle spasms in the neck or low back, disc injuries, knee pain, etc. There are times when I use the tape on different areas of the patient. Some find that it is helpful, some find it more uncomfortable. It really depends on the patient and the goal of using the RockTape.
There is not enough evidence to supports the use of RockTape to be used to enhance sports performance. That does not mean that there is no benefit to using it. It can be great tool to improve blood flow, reduce pain, prevent injuries, facilitate recovery and enhance stability (3). It is a helpful tool for patients. There is also some research that shows the tape has a beneficial effect on swelling or inflammation in the body. Discuss with your provider to determine if this would be a beneficial aspect to your treatment.
Brogden CM, Marrin K, Page RM, Greig M. The efficacy of elastic therapeutic tape variations on measures of ankle function and performance. Phys Ther Sport. 2018 Jul;32:74-79. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2018.04.019. Epub 2018 Apr 23. PMID: 29758508.
Cheatham SW, Baker R. A Clinically Relevant Method of Quantifying the Mechanical Properties of RockTape® Kinesiology Tape at Different Elongation Lengths. J Sport Rehabil. 2020 Apr 22;30(1):173-176. doi: 10.1123/jsr.2019-0261. PMID: 32320946.
Jennifer C. Reneker, Lisa Latham, Ryan McGlawn, Matthew R. Reneker, Effectiveness of kinesiology tape on sports performance abilities in athletes: A systematic review, Physical Therapy in Sport, Volume 31, 2018, Pages 83-98, ISSN 1466-853X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2017.10.001.
