Have you ever seen those colourful strips of tape on athletes and wondered what they actually do?

Kinesio taping is a gentle, therapeutic technique that uses special elastic tape applied to your skin to support muscles, joints, and ligaments without restricting movement. It’s designed to help your body heal naturally while you keep going about your daily activities.

The tape works by lightly lifting the skin, which improves blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the area underneath. This reduces swelling, eases pressure on pain receptors, and gives subtle support to tired or injured tissues. Unlike rigid sports tape that locks a joint in place, kinesio tape moves with you, encouraging better posture and natural movement patterns.

Many people benefit from kinesio taping for issues like muscle strains, joint pain, swelling after injury or surgery, postural aches, or even tendon discomfort. It’s commonly used during recovery from sprains, back or shoulder tension, knee problems, and to help manage ongoing niggles that flare up with activity. The gentle support can make everyday tasks feel a little easier while your body recovers.

When you come in, we’ll first chat about what’s bothering you and gently assess the area. I’ll then cut and apply the tape in a specific pattern tailored to your needs—most people say it feels comfortable right away, almost like a second skin. You can shower, exercise, and carry on normally; the tape usually stays on for several days.

Kinesio taping is ideal if you’re recovering from an injury but still want to stay active, notice swelling or bruising that lingers, experience pain with certain movements, or simply need extra support during sport or work. It’s suitable for all ages and works beautifully alongside physiotherapy or massage.

As an award-winning physiotherapist with over 20 years of experience in the field, I’ve used kinesio taping to support countless people through their recovery and return to the activities they love. My careful, individual approach means the taping is always applied with your comfort and goals in mind.

Curious how kinesio taping could help you? Book an appointment in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, Scotland today. I’d love to show you how this simple technique can make a real difference.