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Kinesiology taping as an adjunct for pain management: A review of literature
and evidence
Article  in  Indian Journal of Pain · January 2017
DOI: 10.4103/0970-5333.198005
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© 2016 Indian Journal of Pain | Published by Wolters Kluwer ‑ Medknow 151
Review Article
IntroductIon
Universal health coverage in India continues to remain poor 
despite a significant growth in the economy.[1,2] India spends 
only 4% of its total gross domestic product on its public 
health system, lower than other emerging economies such as 
Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa.[3] India was ranked 
in the lowest quintile of 166 countries on health outcomes and 
spending,[4] and this places a reliance on private delivery of 
health care and subsequent inequalities for access to health-care 
services.[1,2] It is, therefore, necessary to explore effective yet 
economic alternatives for treatment purposes.
Unrelieved chronic pain is a global health-care problem with 
prevalence of mean SD 30.3% ± 11.7%.[5] A cross-sectional 
telephone survey in eight Indian cities estimated the overall 
point prevalence of chronic pain to be 13%.[6] The prevalence 
of musculoskeletal-related pain in the national capital region 
and Pune was estimated as 25.9%[7] and 14.1%,[8] respectively. 
Considering India’s population,[9] it can be assumed that a 
significant number of Indians are experiencing chronic pain at 
any given time.[6] In addition, the financial burden of pain that 
includes costs associated with health care, sickness absence, 
and benefits is also significant,[10] and it is estimated to be higher 
than the annual costs of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.[11] 
In 2004, the International Association for the Study of Pain 
stated that the management of pain need not involve advanced 
costly interventions but low-cost therapies that are effective 
and available to the health-care professionals, patients, and 
their families.[10]
Pharmacotherapy is often the primary treatment for the pain 
of recent onset, and many people obtain nonprescription 
analgesic medication.[6] However, long-term use of 
analgesic medication is not desirable because of adverse 
effects. Exercise, manual therapy, patient education, and 
self-management are recommended as primary interventions 
for many musculoskeletal conditions including nonspecific 
persistent low back pain and chronic pain associated with 
knee osteoarthritis.[12,13] Moreover, nonpharmacological 
interventions are used as adjuncts to core treatment within 
a biopsychosocial model of care to improve the activities of 
daily living and quality of life (QoL).[14,15] The World Health 
Organization advocates the use of patient education and 
Kinesiology Taping as an Adjunct for Pain Management:A Review of Literature and Evidence
Gourav Banerjee1,2, Michelle Briggs1,2, Mark I Johnson1,2
1Centre for Pain Research, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, 2Leeds Pallium Research Group, Leeds, United Kingdom
Current evidence-based practice guidelines for the management of nonacute persistent and recurring musculoskeletal-related pain have 
emphasized the use of holistic multidisciplinary approaches including nonpharmacological therapies. Kinesiology taping is a simple, economical, 
easy-to-apply, nondrug therapeutic technique that is used by health-care professionals for managing and rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries. 
High-quality research on kinesiology taping is limited, although recent evidence suggests that kinesiology taping may have a small effect in 
mitigating pain and may be associated with mild cutaneous side effects. We present a review of the principles of kinesiology taping and an 
evaluation of research on its efficacy to catalyze discussion among clinicians about the merits of kinesiology taping as an adjunct for pain 
management.
Key words: Elastic therapeutic taping, nonpharmacological adjunct, pain management
Address for correspondence: Mr. Gourav Banerjee, 
Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, 
LS1 3HE, United Kingdom. 
E‑Mail: g.banerjee@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Abstract
Received: 03-05-2016
Revised: 13-06-2016
Accepted: 29-08-2016
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Website: 
www.indianjpain.org
DOI: 
10.4103/0970-5333.198005
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons 
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, 
and build upon the work non-commercially, as long as the author is credited and the new 
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For reprints contact: reprints@medknow.com
How to cite this article: Banerjee G, Briggs M, Johnson MI. Kinesiology 
taping as an adjunct for pain management: A review of literature and 
evidence. Indian J Pain 2016;30:151-7.
[Downloaded free from http://www.indianjpain.org on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, IP: 160.9.42.61]
Banerjee, et al.: Kinesiology Taping for Pain Management
Indian Journal of Pain ¦ September-December 2016 ¦ Vol 30 ¦ Issue 3152
inexpensive, easy to use, self-management techniques as this 
empowers individuals to take control of the management of 
their chronic pain leading to better outcomes in the longer 
term.[16]
Kinesiology taping is an inexpensive, easy-to-administer 
technique that involves the application of elastic adhesive 
tape on the skin. The technique has become popular 
because of its use by high‑profile sports persons for injury 
prevention and rehabilitation.[17] Kinesiology taping is 
also used to manage cancer-related lymphedema[18,19] and 
neuromuscular-related spasticity in conditions that include 
stroke,[18,19] cerebral palsy,[20] and multiple sclerosis.[21] 
Kinesiology taping was developed in the 1970s to facilitate 
healing of musculoskeletal-related injuries,[22] and at present, 
it is being used by nurses, physiotherapists, chiropractors, 
osteopaths, and sports therapists. The purpose of this review 
is to discuss the potential value of kinesiology taping for the 
management of pain.
KInesIology taPIng
The use of taping techniques for the rehabilitation of 
musculoskeletal-related injuries spans decades.[23] These 
techniques involve the application of nonelastic cotton zinc 
oxide-based adhesive tape to joints to provide structural 
support, biomechanical alignment, restriction of movement, 
and compression for the management of injuries.[23-25]
Kinesiology taping differs from these traditional taping 
techniques. Kinesiology taping uses a latex-free cotton-based 
tape with polymer elastic strands woven throughout containing 
heat-sensitive acrylic adhesive.[26,27] The elastic properties of 
the tape mean that it can be longitudinally stretched up to 
55–60% of its resting length, and this gives the treatment its 
unique identity because kinesiology tape can support tissues 
and joints without restricting the movements of structures 
around the joint.[26,27] An advantage over standard taping 
techniques is that kinesiology tape can be applied where 
rigid tapes cannot be conveniently applied, for example, head 
and neck, breast, underarm, and abdomen, resulting in better 
tolerated and fewer adverse effects.[28,29] Precautions include 
open wounds, dermatological diseases, and vascular diseases 
such as deep vein thrombosis, allergy to adhesive tape, and 
frail skin susceptible to irritation and damage as seen in the 
elderly.[26]
In India, kinesiology tape is available without prescription 
and over-the-counter for approximately ₹1000 for a 5 m strip 
of 5 cm wide tape. Proprietary names for kinesiology tape 
include Kinesio® Tex Tape, Rocktape, and Tiger K Tape®. There 
appears to be minor variations in the physical characteristics 
of different brands of kinesiology tape. Kinesiology tape is 
available in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns, 
which give the tape its distinctive appearance [Figure 1]. 
Some manufactures have claimed that the colors of the tape 
influence treatment outcome although there is no evidence 
in support. Kinesiology tape is resistant to water, so it can 
be worn while showering, bathing, swimming, and during 
physical activity.[26,27] The duration of a course of kinesiology 
taping treatment varies according to the condition being 
treated, although generally, kinesiology tape is replaced for 
every 3–5 days.[26,27] From a clinician’s perspective, it appears 
that kinesiology taping is tailored according to the need (s) of 
the patient using a trial and error approach based on previous 
clinical experience.
PrIncIPles of KInesIology taPIng PractIce
A wide variety of techniques have been described by the 
developer, manufacturers, and educators of kinesiology 
taping including techniques for pain relief, musculoskeletal 
rehabilitation, lymphatic drainage, postural correction and 
sports performance. Kinesiology taping techniques include 
neuromuscular taping, kinesthetic taping, and lymph taping. 
In general, kinesiology tape is applied to produce traction on 
the skin to produce skin convolutions (wrinkles) caused by the 
recoil of the tape due to its elastic properties [Figure 2b]. This is 
achieved by either stretching the tape during application while 
tissue is not stretched (i.e., in a neutral position) [Figure 2a] 
or positioning the body part to stretch tissue (e.g., in a flexed 
position) and applying tape without stretch [Figure 2b].[26] 
Opinion leaders claim that which technique is used depends 
on clinical assessment and the purpose of the treatment.[17]
Often, kinesiology taping is used to relieve musculoskeletal 
pain, and the goal of treatment is to provide support to an 
injured or overused muscle. In this instance, the tape is 
removed from its paper backing and applied with a very light 
stretch (20% approx.) from insertion to origin of the muscle 
along its direction of orientation; the skin, fascia and muscles 
are placed in stretched position during the kinesiology tape 
application. It is claimed that this will produce an eccentric pull 
in the fascia and muscle which will inhibit muscle contraction, 
thereby promoting healing and relief from pain.[26,30] Where 
increased muscle contraction with full range of motion is 
Figure 1: Distinctive appearance of blue‑ and beige‑colored kinesiology 
tapes. Figure showing woven polymer elastic strands when removed 
from the paper backing.
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Banerjee, et al.: Kinesiology Taping for Pain Management
Indian Journal of Pain ¦ September-December 2016 ¦ Vol 30 ¦ Issue 3 153
use, it is suggested that the tape should be carefully removed 
from top to down in the direction of body hairs to avoid hairpulling and skin irritation.[26] Moisturizer may be used if the 
skin becomes red and tender.
There is, however, a paucity of scientific evidence on the effect 
of design and technique variations on outcome. A critique of 
the fundamental physiological principles and mechanisms 
proposed for kinesiology tape is needed.
MechanIsMs of actIon
A variety of mechanisms of action have been proposed for 
the putative actions of kinesiology taping [Table 1]. These 
mechanisms are largely speculative, and theories are yet to 
be tested empirically.
The elastic nature of kinesiology tape means that it may 
generate convolutions (wrinkles) of the skin when applied 
to certain regions of the body. It is claimed that this causes 
microscopic lifting of the skin from the underlying tissue 
and that this improves microcirculation of the blood and 
lymph assisting in the drainage of analgesic substances and 
edema.[26] Studies evaluating the effect of kinesiology taping on 
microcirculation of blood and lymph are limited, conflicting, 
and inconclusive.[40-43]
It has been suggested that the elastic nature of kinesiology 
tape causes stretching and recoiling of the skin during 
movement, and that this stimulates low-threshold cutaneous 
mechanoreceptors, Golgi tendon organs, and muscle 
spindles.[26] Resultant activity in low-threshold afferents 
could cause central inhibition of nociceptive transmission 
and a reduction in pain in line with the Gate Control 
Theory of Pain,[44] and alter proprioception and postural 
awareness.[18,19,31,35,37,39,45,46] Mechanical forces produced by 
kinesiology tape may reduce stiffness in fascia occurring, 
for example, during acute inflammation and when the 
fascia tightens and loses flexibility.[30,47] Fascia consists of 
viscoelastic connective tissue matrix throughout the body 
and it is richly innervated with mechanosensitive receptors 
that signal forces from other soft tissues and structures.[48-56] 
It is proposed that kinesiology taping over hypothesized 
myofascial meridians[57] can help mitigate pain and improve 
muscle performance, range of motion, and posture.[58] At 
present, there is a paucity of research evidence to support the 
notion that kinesiology taping influences fascia.
It seems likely that in some instances kinesiology taping 
effects are being mediated as an “elastic splint” by providing 
structural support to unload incumbent forces on soft tissues 
and joints, for example, shoulder impingement syndrome.[31] 
Kinesiology taping is also being used to apply correctional 
forces in cases such as patellofemoral pain syndrome.[25,29] It 
is likely that there is a large psychological effect associated 
with kinesiology taping including an expectation of benefit 
from being given a treatment.[39]
desired, kinesiology tape is applied from the origin to insertion 
of the muscle with a moderate stretch (25–50% approximately); 
this is theorized to produce concentric pull on the fascia and 
underlying muscles.[26,31] For the purpose of rehabilitation 
following ligament or tendon injury, kinesiology tape is applied 
with medium to full stretch (50–75% approximately) while 
the individual maintains a functional joint position during 
application to target the stimulation of mechanoreceptors for 
improving proprioception.[26] Other common techniques of 
kinesiology taping include fascial movement taping, sports, 
and power taping.[32]
Scissors can be used to cut kinesiology tape into various 
shapes. For example, fan shapes are used to reduce edema and 
are applied with light stretch (0–15% approximately) directed 
toward lymph ducts to promote drainage [Figure 2c]. It is 
believed that fan shapes optimize the areas of low pressure 
underneath the epidermis and that this assists drainage of the 
interstitial fluids and reduces pressure on the nociceptors, 
thereby reducing swelling and pain.[26]
Application of kinesiology tape involves prior preparation of 
the skin (e.g., removal of dirt, oil, cream, etc.,) and the tape 
itself (e.g., rounding the edges of tape and avoiding touching 
the adhesive). It is suggested that the skin should be cleaned, 
the hairs must be trimmed, and the tape must be applied without 
any tension at its ends for better adherence on to the skin and 
for easier peeling of the tape afterward.[26] Notwithstanding, 
complete shaving should be avoided as it is desirable to have 
some lengths of hair (in mm) for the tape to stick to and 
stimulate skin mechanoreceptors by pulling on the hairs. After 
Figure 2: (a) Demonstration of kinesiology taping for knee pain. 
Blue‑colored tape applied with approximately 20% stretch (with the knee 
extended) and white‑colored tape stretched horizontally approximately 
50%. (b) Demonstration of skin convolutions produced by kinesiology 
taping for low back pain. Beige‑colored tape applied without any 
stretch and white‑colored tape stretched horizontally approximately 
50%. (c) Demonstration of kinesiology taping for forearm edema. 
Strips of beige‑ and white‑colored tapes applied in a crisscross pattern 
directed toward the base of thumb with minimum stretch. “Base” of the 
beige‑colored tape placed medially in the vicinity of cubital nodes.
a b
c
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Banerjee, et al.: Kinesiology Taping for Pain Management
Indian Journal of Pain ¦ September-December 2016 ¦ Vol 30 ¦ Issue 3154
clInIcal effIcacy
We have conducted an evaluation of research on clinical efficacy 
of kinesiology taping for pain and related musculoskeletal 
outcomes. Systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis 
with or without meta-analysis on kinesiology taping for clinical 
outcomes, primarily pain relief, were sought by searching the 
following in January 2016: MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, 
CINAHL, AMED, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, OTseeker, Web of 
Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Keywords used were 
Kinesio* tap*, k-tap*, kinesthetic tap*, lymph taping, and elastic 
therapeutic tap*. Titles and abstracts of studies published in 
English or translated into English were screened by GB, and 
full reports were obtained.
The search identified 19 systematic reviews and 1 pooled 
analysis [Table 2]. In total there were 90 studies with 3081 
participants that predominantly evaluated the efficacy of 
kinesiology taping for improving pain and function in 
musculoskeletal conditions in noncancer populations. In 
general, reviewers report insufficient evidence to judge 
the outcome because of a limited number of randomized 
controlled trials (RCTs) and those that exist have small 
sample sizes. A systematic review with meta-analysis on 
the effect of kinesiology taping on skeletal muscle strength 
noted that studies of lower methodological quality tended 
to report positive outcomes.[59] Evidence in more recent 
systematic reviews suggest that kinesiology taping may 
have a small effect in reducing musculoskeletal-related pain 
and may not be superior to other treatments when used as 
standalone.[31,36,39,60,61] Kinesiology taping, however, could be 
a useful adjunct to mainline therapies for pain management 
in conditions that include patellofemoral pain syndrome, 
rotator cuff tendinopathy, and lateral ankle sprain.[25,28,29,31,37,39] 
Kinesiology taping may also enhance proprioception which 
is suggestive of its role in the prevention and rehabilitation of 
sports-related soft tissue injuries.[28]
An evaluation of the research against the Grade Practice 
Recommendations[66] suggests that there is only level C 
evidence for clinical efficacy because of inconsistent findings 
from the systematic reviews and lack of high quality robust 
RCTs.
Kinesiology taping is also used to alleviate lymphedema 
and associated outcome measures in cancer patients. We 
have reported the initial findings of a systematic review 
that found positive outcomes for kinesiology taping for 
breast cancer-related lymphedema and associated outcomes 
including limb movabilityand QoL in 5/7 studies with 
controlled groups and in all studies without a comparison 
group.[67]
conclusIon
Kinesiology taping is a simple low-cost treatment option that 
has the potential to be useful in the management of a variety 
of painful conditions. At present, kinesiology taping is not a 
part of mainstream physiotherapy or nursing pain management 
practice because there is a lack of consistent evidence for 
efficacy. Nevertheless, kinesiology taping may have a role as 
an adjunct as adverse effects appear to be few. Further research 
appears necessary.
Financial support and sponsorship
This project was financially supported by The Jane Tomlinson 
Appeal.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
Table 1: Summary of major purported mechanisms of action of kinesiology taping
Mechanism of action Effects
Skin convolutions (circulatory 
effect)
Microscopic lifting of epidermis Facilitation of blood and lymphatic microcirculation
Removal of inflammatory exudates
Reduction in swelling, pain
Promotion of healing
Decompression of superficial free nerve endings
Reduction in pain
Epidermal stretch and 
recoiling (neuromuscular effect)
Stimulation of mechanoreceptors, 
Golgi bodies, and muscle spindles
Generation of afferent volleys in Aα and Aβ nerve 
fibers
Improvement in proprioception, posture
Reduction in pain (gate control theory)
Modulation of myofascial tone
Excitatory or inhibitory effect on muscle recruitment
Reduction in muscle spasm, pain
Support to soft tissues and 
joints (mechanical effect)
Biomechanical correctional forces Biomechanical realignment and unloading of 
incumbent forces causing lesser strain on tissues
Reduction in pain
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Banerjee, et al.: Kinesiology Taping for Pain Management
Indian Journal of Pain ¦ September-December 2016 ¦ Vol 30 ¦ Issue 3 155
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TOTL.ZS/countries?display=default. [Last cited on 2016 Mar 18].
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Table 2: Summary of systematic reviews and pooled analysis
Author, year Outcomes, number of studies Findings/authors’ conclusion
Bassett et al., 2010[33] MSK pain, muscle performance, n=3 Insufficient evidence to judge the treatment efficacy of KT and support its use
Mostafavifar et al., 
2012[34]
MSK pain, function, strength, 
performance, n=6
Insufficient evidence for or against the use of KT to improve pain, function, 
performance, and return to play. KT is a safe modality
Williams et al., 2012[35] Sports-related MSK pain, ROM, 
proprioception, muscle strength, 
kinematics in healthy individuals, n=10
Small beneficial effect of KT on strength, force sense error, and active ROM. 
Insufficient evidence for improvements in pain, ankle proprioception, or 
muscle activity
Kalron and Bar-Sela, 
2013[18]
MSK pain, muscle strength, ROM, 
n=9; cancer-related lymphedema and 
edema, n=2; stroke-related spasticity, 
n=1
Moderate evidence to support the use of KT for immediate pain reduction but 
not for long-term pain relief. No or inconclusive evidence for improvements 
in muscle strength, ROM, stroke-related spasticity and cancer-related 
lymphedema
Morris et al., 2013[19] MSK pain, ROM, disability, function, 
n=6; cancer-related lymphedema, n=1; 
stroke-related spasticity, n=1
Moderate and limited evidence that KT is clinically more effective than sham 
or usual care tape/bandage. Insufficient evidence to support the use of KT over 
other modalities
Montalvo et al., 2014[60] MSK pain, n=13 KT may have limited potential to reduce pain but may not be clinically 
meaningful. KT is not superior to other treatment modalities for reducing pain, 
and may be used in conjunction with more traditional therapies
Parreira et al., 2014[36] MSK pain, disability, QoL, return to 
work, global impression of recovery, 
n=12
KT was not superior to active therapies, sham taping, or placebo. In studies 
where beneficial effects were observed, the effect sizes were too small to have 
clinical significance. Current evidence does not support its clinical use
Csapo and Alegre, 
2014[59]
Muscle strength in healthy population, 
n=19
KT has no or only negligible effects on muscle strength. The 
strength-enhancing effects of KT are not muscle group-dependent
Vanti et al., 2014*[61] Spinal pain and disability, 
n (NET + KT)=8; n=KT=6
The immediate effect of KT on reducing low back pain and disability is 
insignificant. KT has a positive but small effect on reducing whiplash 
associated or specific neck pain, which may not be clinically relevant
Méndez-Rebolledo et al., 
2014[62]
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, n=6 Insufficient evidence to support the use of KT in patellofemoral pain syndrome
Artioli and Bertolini, 
2014[37]
Pain, n=10 KT produced similar or slightly superior short-term pain relief compared 
with other active physical therapy interventions. KT can be considered as an 
adjunct to other therapies
Hamneshin Behbahani 
et al., 2014[63]
Lateral epicondylitis, n=11 KT seems to have a positive effect on wrist extension, grip strength, function, 
and pain. Strong evidence is, however, not available
Ristow et al., 2014‡[38] Postoperative maxillofacial surgery 
management, n=3
KT significantly reduced postoperative morbidity of OMF surgery, i.e., pain, 
trismus, and swelling. KT is a simple economical approach that is free from 
systemic adverse effects for improving patients’ QoL following OMF surgery
Lim and Tay, 2015[39] MSK chronic pain and disability, n=17 KT is superior to minimal intervention for pain relief, but is not superior to 
other treatment approaches for reducing pain and disability
Wilson and 
Bialocerkowski, 2015[28]
Lateral ankle sprain, n=8 KT has positive effects on proprioception, muscle endurance, and activity 
performance and so may be used for preventing and managing lateral ankle 
injuries. Adverse effect of KT is unlikely
Beatriz and Rafael, 
2015[29]
Patellofemoral pain syndrome, n=12 There is insufficient evidence to support the use of KT in patellofemoral pain 
syndrome. KT is an inexpensive technique that has no side effects and can be 
used alongside other therapies
Chang et al., 2015*[25] Patellofemoral pain syndrome, 
n (NET + KT)=11; n=KT=5
KT technique used for muscles can relieve pain but unlike McConnell taping, 
KT cannot change patellar alignment. Both techniques of patellar taping can 
substantially improve muscle activity, motor function, and QoL
Desjardins-Charbonneau 
et al., 2015*[31]
Rotator cuff tendinopathy, 
n (NET + KT)=10; n=KT=6
KT significantly improved pain‑free range of motion; however, there is 
insufficient evidence to formally conclude on the efficacy of KT in rotator cuff 
tendinopathy as a stand-alone treatment or as an adjunct
Dong et al., 2015†[64] Shoulder impingement syndrome, 
n (total interventions + KT)=33; 
n=KT=1
Exercise and other therapies such as KT are ideal treatments in the early stage 
of shoulder impingement syndrome
Grampurohit et al., 
2015*[65]
Poststroke outcomes, 
n (NET + KT)=15; n=KT=2
Inconclusive evidence to support the use of taping for improving pain 
intensity, ROM, muscle tone, strength, or function
*Studies evaluating the effectiveness of taping in general which includes kinesiology (elastic) taping and NET (nonelastic taping), †Studies evaluating the 
effectiveness of interventions for shoulder impingement syndrome that include kinesiology taping, pharmacotherapy, and surgery, ‡Study is a pooled analysis. 
KT: Kinesiology taping, MSK: Musculoskeletal, NET: Nonelastic taping, QoL: Quality of life, ROM: Rangeof motion, OMF: Oral and maxillofacial
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Banerjee, et al.: Kinesiology Taping for Pain Management
Indian Journal of Pain ¦ September-December 2016 ¦ Vol 30 ¦ Issue 3156
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