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Kinesiology Tape Therapy

RockTape and KT Tape is a type of kinesiology tape used to support muscles and ligaments after injury, during rehab or returning to sport/activity. The tape is easy to apply and stays in place for up to 5 days. Once our providers show you how to use it, it is designed to be applied at home! 

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Kinesiology Tape Benefits

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Compression and Support - much more effective than an ace wrap, kinesiology tape stays in place while reducing swelling and providing pain relief

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De-load the injured area - spreading out muscle and ligament stress over a larger area

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Pain Relief - the tactile input on the skin, compression, and de-loading provide significant pain relief to strains, sprains and bruises

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Swelling Reduction - the ‘edema reduction’ application promotes lymphatic drainage, reduces swelling, and speeds resolution of bruising. 

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Muscle Retraining - through tactile input with movement, your muscles ‘learn’ to work appropriately during rehab.

In a nutshell

Kinesiology tape gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation or range of motion. It is primarily used for to treat pain, reduce swelling and provide support. Many athletes also use it for performance care. In contrast, traditional sports’ taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids as an undesirable side-effect. RockTape will not prevent injury or reduce the likelihood of traumatic injury to any joints.

Functional Taping for Musculoskeletal Injuries

In addition to RocDoc taping certifications, our doctors are certified in FTMI (Function Taping for Musculoskeletal Injuries).  This protocol combines several types of tape including athletic, strapping and stabilization.  FTMI involves functional analysis of which tape applications may make an injury feel better and exactly how they should be applied.

When to Get Taped

Kinesiology tape is used for anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in between. Examples include: posture, muscular facilitation or inhibition in pediatric patients, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain (subluxations, herniated disc), knee conditions, shoulder conditions, hamstring, groin injury, rotator cuff injury, whiplash, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, patella tracking, pre and post surgical edema, ankle sprains, athletic preventative injury method, and as a support method.

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Kinesiology Tape Applied

Here is a before and after picture a taping that Dr. Goodman placed on a patient with a large hematoma which had resulted from a skiing accident. 

Wash Park Chiro carries every type of RockTapeavailable.  Stop by to check out our selection or call to make an appointment with one of our Rock Docs to apply it for you.

Full videos of RockTape Applications are available on our Washington Park Chiropractic YouTube Channel and at www.rocktape.com. 

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Important Aftercare Instructions Following RockTape™ Application 

RockTape is extremely safe and gentle on skin. However, if you notice that your skin becomes immediately hot or itchy within an hour after applying, you should remove the tape immediately, following the instructions below. When in doubt, remove the tape if it becomes ot uncomfortable.

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When applying tape, the skin should be clean and dry, with no lotions or oils.

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The tape should remain in place for 3 days. If you try to remove it before then, it will be extremely difficult to remove. You will know it is ready to come off when the edges begin to roll off easily. 

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Tape can be worn in the shower, bath, or swimming pool. Be careful to pat the area dry and not rub. 

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Remove the tape when your skin is dry. Water and sweat make the tape adhere more strongly. 

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Remove the tape 1” at a time, slowly. Do not rip the tape off too quickly, you will risk removing skin. 

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We recommend one day of no tape in between taping applications to allow your skin to ‘breathe’ and replenish lost oils. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Kinesio Tape Work in Physical Therapy, and What Is Kinesiology Tape?

Kinesiology tape—often called Kinesio Tape™—is a specialized, flexible adhesive tape designed to mimic the skin’s elasticity and support muscles and joints without limiting motion. Unlike traditional athletic tape that restricts movement, kinesiology tape lifts the skin microscopically, creating space between layers of connective tissue and the tissues underneath. This slight lift helps improve the flow of blood, reduce pressure on pain receptors, and promote the movement of lymphatic fluid, which helps to reduce swelling and inflammation.


The tape also sends signals to the brain through sensory receptors in the skin, aiding in relief by modulating pain pathways. It can be applied to support weak muscles, improve posture, reduce pain in the neck, and aid in muscle activation during physical therapy or exercise. The versatility of kinesiology tape makes it ideal for conditions like joint irritation, sprains, or fatigue, while allowing the body's range of motion to remain unrestricted.


At Washington Park Chiropractic, we use kinesiology tape therapy in Denver to treat a wide range of injuries and promote the body's natural healing process. Whether you’re seeking relief from pain or performance enhancement, this cutting-edge therapy provides non-invasive, drug-free results that work with your body, not against it.

What are the benefits of kinesio taping therapy?

Kinesiology tape therapy in Denver offers a wide array of benefits that extend beyond simple joint support. The tape helps provide support to muscles and joints without compromising the full range of motion. Because of its elastic nature, it allows for active movement, making it ideal during recovery or physical therapy. Patients with injury, post-surgical swelling, or pain in the neck often experience reduced inflammation and faster recovery when incorporating Kinesio Tape™ into their treatment plan.


One of the standout benefits is its ability to alleviate pain. By lifting the skin, the tape creates space between underlying tissues, reducing pressure on pain receptors and enhancing blood circulation. This process can significantly reduce pain and discomfort in affected areas. Additionally, the compression supports lymphatic fluid movement, promoting detoxification and reducing bruising or edema.
Kinesiology tape massage techniques also extend the benefits of manual care. For example, after a physical therapist works on releasing tight areas, the tape helps maintain muscle alignment and posture between visits. Athletes and active individuals also turn to kinesiology taping for peak performance and recovery.


At Washington Park Chiropractic, our expert team applies kinesiology tape therapy with precision, ensuring every taped area meets your unique health needs—whether it’s injury rehab, motion correction, or proactive support.

Who can benefit from kinesiology taping in Denver?

​Nearly anyone can benefit from kinesiology taping in Denver, including athletes, seniors, desk workers, pregnant women, and those recovering from surgery or injury. This versatile technique offers both relief from pain and extra support for joints and muscles, making it suitable for many common conditions.For athletes, Kinesio Tape™ helps maintain peak performance by stabilizing areas prone to strain without restricting movement. In post-injury recovery, it supports tissue, improves the flow of blood, and reduces inflammation, helping patients recover faster while avoiding reinjury. Individuals dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome, neck, or lower back pain find that Kinesio Tape™ helps alleviate pain and encourages better muscle activation and alignment.Patients undergoing physical therapy benefit from tape applications that reinforce their exercises, particularly when retraining movement patterns.

 

Additionally, pregnant women often use Kinesio Tape™ to reduce abdominal strain and lower back tension safely.Whether you're visiting a physical therapist, a chiropractor, or combining tape with manual therapy, kinesiology tape enhances your treatment plan with around-the-clock therapeutic effects. At Washington Park Chiropractic, we customize every taping session to match your lifestyle, pain levels, and health goals, helping you return to activity with confidence.​

Can I apply kinesiology tape myself or should I see a professional?

​You can apply kinesiology tape yourself—but if you’re new to it, we recommend starting with a trained professional. Proper technique is crucial to ensure it delivers benefits like relief from pain, improved circulation, and structural support. Incorrect application may not only limit its effectiveness but can also cause discomfort, skin irritation, or failure to reduce swelling and inflammation effectively.
At Washington Park Chiropractic, our providers are certified in Functional Taping for Musculoskeletal Injuries (FTMI) and offer expert guidance on kinesiology tape therapy in Denver. We show patients how kinesiology tape works to lift the skin, improve blood flow, and stimulate muscle activation. We also offer application training for patients who want to continue treatment at home.

 

While self-taping is convenient, certain conditions, like neck pain, joint irritation, or post-surgery support, benefit greatly from professional assessment to determine the proper taping technique and direction of pull. Some taping strategies also combine with kinesiology tape massage for maximum therapeutic value.


If you're using kinesiology tape as part of your treatment plan for exercise recovery, pain management, or posture correction, our providers ensure each taped area aligns with your unique needs. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and training to use this cutting-edge therapy confidently at home.

What conditions can kinesiology tape help treat?

Kinesio tape work can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries, making it a go-to for both acute and chronic conditions. From neck pain to plantar fasciitis, this tape provides gentle pressure and support that doesn’t restrict your body’s range of motion. It can assist with joint irritation, tendonitis, sprains, and more.


Commonly treated conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder impingement, shin splints, tennis elbow, and lower back pain. By improving blood flow and guiding lymphatic fluid, kinesiology tape helps reduce swelling, bruising, and muscle fatigue. It also delivers continuous feedback to sensory receptors, which can alleviate pain and re-train proper posture and movement mechanics.


In a rehab setting, your physical therapist may use the tape to encourage muscle activation or inhibit overactive areas. This method pairs especially well with manual therapy and physical therapy exercises. For athletes, it can aid with performance enhancement and faster recovery after workouts.
At Washington Park Chiropractic, we specialize in kinesiology tape therapy in Denver for both everyday patients and athletes. Whether you’re healing from surgery, managing chronic discomfort, or preparing for a race, we apply Kinesio Tape™ to support your treatment plan with precision and care.

How long should kinesio tape stay on, and are there any precautions?

Kinesio tape work is designed to stay in place for 3–5 days, offering continuous support and easing pain during your regular activities, including exercise or even swimming. It's water-resistant and latex-free, but should always be applied to clean, dry skin free of lotion. Once applied, the tape forms a bond that provides compression, improved circulation, and access to the body's natural healing process around the clock.


However, there are some precautions to follow. If you experience itching, redness, or burning in the taped area—especially within the first hour—gently remove it. To remove the tape, wait until your skin is dry, and peel it off slowly, one inch at a time. Ripping it off too quickly may irritate the underlying tissues. It's recommended to leave at least one day between applications to let the skin rest and promote healing.


Kinesiology tape should not be applied over open wounds or broken skin. Patients with particularly sensitive skin or conditions that affect tissue should consult their provider first. At Washington Park Chiropractic, we take every step to make kinesiology taping in Denver safe, effective, and fully tailored to your needs. Whether you're using it post-injury or as part of a long-term wellness or treatment plan, our team ensures you get the most benefit from this innovative therapy.

Founded in 2006, our practice has evolved over more than 18 years to become a comprehensive health and wellness resource for athletes and families.

Contact Us

1313 South Clarkson Street,
Unit 1 Denver CO 80210

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​303-744-7100

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© Copyright 2024 Washington Park Chiropractic All Rights Reserved. 

Copyright 2022 Washington Park Chiropractic All Rights Reserved. 

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