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Kinesio taping

Kinesio taping is a physiotherapy method used to gently relieve strain on muscles and joints and to promote healing. The elastic, skin-friendly tapes stimulate blood and lymph flow, can relieve pain and help to improve mobility. Tapes can also be applied to stabilise joints and muscles.

In brief

How long does kinesio tape stay on the skin?

As a rule, the tape stays on the skin for 3 to 7 days – even when showering or doing sport.

Full answer: How long does kinesio tape stay on the skin?
Is kinesio taping painful?

Applying the tape is normally painless, and most patients find it pleasant.

Full answer: Is kinesio taping painful?
Are there any risks or side effects with kinesio taping?

Occasionally, skin irritation or allergic reactions to the adhesive may occur.

Full answer: Are there any risks or side effects with kinesio taping?
Is kinesio taping covered by health insurers?

With a doctor’s prescription, basic or accident insurance usually covers one or two tape applications; further ones are billed separately.

Full answer: Is kinesio taping covered by health insurers?

Correct application is crucial if the tape is to be fully effective: at our practice in Boll, we not only apply the tapes professionally but, if required, also show you how to apply kinesio tape safely yourself – individually adapted to your complaints and your physical condition.

Whether for acute injuries, chronic complaints or prevention: we will advise you personally on whether and how kinesio taping can usefully complement your therapy.

Kinesiology taping: an overview of the method

In kinesiology taping, elastic, skin-friendly adhesive tapes are applied directly to the skin. They contain no active ingredients and work purely through mechanical stimuli.

The main effects at a glance:

Stimulating blood circulation and lymph flow

The tape lifts the skin slightly – this improves the supply to the tissue and, together with movement, helps to drain lymph fluid.

Regulating muscle tension

Sensory receptors in the skin are stimulated, which can have a positive effect on muscle activity and relieve pain.

Stability without restricting movement

Unlike rigid tapes, kinesio tape preserves full mobility – a great advantage, especially in everyday life and during sporting activities.

Kinesio taping method

How does kinesio tape work in physiotherapy?

Kinesiology tape uses the body’s natural movements to support healing in a targeted way. The elastic strips are applied to the skin so that they exert a gentle pull on the skin with every movement. This creates fine shifts between the skin and the subcutaneous tissue, which can have several positive effects:

Promoting blood circulation and lymph flow

Lifting the skin supports the flow of blood and lymph fluid and can thus reduce swelling.

Activating receptors

Stimulating mechanical and sensory receptors triggers feedback to the nervous system, which can help to regulate muscle tension.

Stability without immobilisation

Unlike non-elastic tapes, kinesio tape preserves mobility – a decisive advantage, especially for active people and in sport.

Pain-relieving effect

Activating what is known as the gate control mechanism can reduce pain signals.

Many patients find the tape pleasant and supportive. Kinesio taping is particularly valued in everyday life and during sporting activities because it does not restrict movement but accompanies it. Even though scientific research has not yet conclusively established exactly how it works, numerous reports of experiences and practical applications show positive effects for a range of different complaints.

Using kinesiology tape: when is taping useful?

The method is often used to complement other forms of therapy – particularly for:

  • Muscle tension, strains or overuse
  • Sports injuries (e.g. torn muscle fibres, ankle problems)
  • Back pain and neck pain
  • Joint complaints, instability or mild inflammation
  • Swelling and oedema
  • Support for headaches or migraine when muscular causes are involved

Can you apply kinesio tape yourself?

Applying kinesio tape requires sound knowledge of anatomy, the course of the muscles and the correct technique. We therefore recommend always having the first tape applied by a qualified physiotherapist.

At our practice in Boll, we attach great importance to adapting the taping individually to your complaints and physical condition. We will be happy to advise you on whether, and to what extent, re-applying the tape yourself is sensible and possible. If it is needed for stability over a longer period or for support in everyday life, we will show you the correct technique step by step.

After all, even though there are numerous instructions for taping at home, incorrect application can mean that the tape does not achieve its full effect – or, in the worst case, even makes complaints worse. What matters is correct positioning, the right amount of stretch in the tape and knowledge of the contraindications.

Our aim is to train you so that you can tape yourself safely and effectively when needed – always knowing when the support of a professional is still advisable.

Qualifications in our team

  • Flurina Aeschlimann

    Additional training: Kinesio taping (2019)

    Treatment in: German and English

These treatments include kinesio taping

Frequently asked questions about kinesio taping

What is the difference between kinesio tape and Leukotape?

Kinesio tape is elastic and allows full mobility, whereas Leukotape is non-elastic and is mostly used to provide stability through immobilisation.

How long does kinesio tape stay on the skin?

As a rule, the tape stays on the skin for 3 to 7 days – even when showering or doing sport. If skin irritation occurs, it should be removed sooner.

Is kinesio taping painful?

Applying the tape is normally painless, and most patients find it pleasant.

Are there any risks or side effects with kinesio taping?

Occasionally, skin irritation or allergic reactions to the adhesive may occur. At our practice, we use skin-friendly, low-allergen tapes where necessary.

Is kinesio taping covered by health insurers?

If kinesio taping is part of a physiotherapy treatment and you have a corresponding doctor’s prescription, the cost of the taping is, as a rule, covered once or twice by basic insurance or accident insurance. However, the costs of multiple tape applications or of a whole roll of tape are not included in the benefits of the health insurer and are billed separately in accordance with our price list.

We will be happy to tell you about the exact conditions in a personal consultation and whether the costs can be covered in your case.

For which complaints is kinesio taping particularly helpful?

The tape is often used for muscle tension, sports injuries, back pain, joint complaints and swelling.

Can I also apply kinesio tape myself?

For safe and effective use, we recommend having the tape applied by trained professionals. After instruction, re-applying the tape yourself is possible in some cases.

Does kinesio tape come in different shapes and colours?

Yes, there are various cut shapes (e.g. I, Y, X or octopus shape) and colours. The colour has no medical significance; the choice is a matter of personal preference.

Book your appointment now – we look forward to seeing you.

Whether it’s an initial consultation, treatment or advice, contact us in writing or by phone. We will get back to you promptly with suggested appointment times.

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