Proprioceptive Taping or Kinesiotaping

Proprioceptive taping is an elastic strip that can be used for various purposes:

• inhibiting or activating a muscle,
• supporting a tendon or ligament,
• releasing a fascia and correcting a movement,
• draining swelling.

The strips can be found in all colors, but this is purely aesthetic. The effectiveness of taping lies in its application, not its color.

1. When taping is applied with tension on the muscle, muscle contraction is facilitated. This method can be adopted to help regain lost muscle strength, either following surgery or due to pain. Conversely, to reduce tension in a tense muscle, the taping will be applied without tension on the muscle in question. Taping can be left on for a few days, allowing relaxation for several days.
2. Proprioceptive taping can be used in cases of tendinitis and tendinopathy or following a ligament injury. When applied to the targeted tendon or ligament with maximum tension, it reduces pressure and pain, allowing for faster healing as physical activity is better tolerated.
3. Proprioceptive taping is commonly used to correct movement by promoting better bone alignment, especially at the knee and shoulder. Precise application with tension ensures that the knee, shoulder, or any other joint is in a more optimal biomechanical position for movement and limits pain experienced during activity.
4. The fourth and final use of kinesiotaping is to promote swelling drainage. Applying proprioceptive taping in cases of swelling lifts the skin. This lifting creates space between the skin and subcutaneous tissues, allowing lymphatic fluid to return to the lymphatic system. Swelling follows the applied taping filaments. Throughout the duration of taping, a continuous flow of lymphatic fluid occurs. Ultimately, kinesiotaping can be used for many conditions and purposes.

Your therapist will assess the relevance of using this modality with you based on your condition. Don’t hesitate to ask your therapist questions about kinesiotaping!