Improve Your Posture with Kinesiology Taping: How It Works

Learn how kinesiology tape can help you improve your posture with different taping techniques, tips for application, and precautions to take.
Improve Your Posture with Kinesiology Taping: How It Works
Photo by Avrielle Suleiman

Good posture is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and preventing musculoskeletal problems. However, many people struggle with poor posture due to a variety of reasons, such as prolonged sitting, hunching over electronic devices, or muscular imbalances. While there are many ways to improve posture, kinesiology taping is gaining popularity as an effective and non-invasive method. In this article, we will explore the role of kinesiology tape in improving posture and how to apply it correctly for optimal results.

The Role of Kinesiology Tape in Improving Posture

Kinesiology tape is a flexible, adhesive tape that can stretch up to 140% of its original length. It was first developed in the 1970s by a Japanese chiropractor and has since been used by healthcare professionals worldwide for various musculoskeletal conditions. Kinesiology tape works by lifting the skin and underlying tissues, creating more space for blood and lymphatic flow, and stimulating proprioception or the sense of body awareness. When applied correctly, kinesiology tape can help correct postural issues by providing support, stability, and sensory feedback to the muscles and joints.

Different Taping Techniques for Correcting Specific Postural Issues

Kinesiology tape can be applied in various ways to correct specific postural issues, such as rounded shoulders, forward head posture, or swayback. For example, to correct rounded shoulders, two parallel strips of tape can be applied from the upper back to the front of the shoulders, creating a gentle “reminder” to retract the shoulder blades. To correct forward head posture, a “Y” shaped tape can be applied from the base of the neck to the shoulders, encouraging the chin to tuck in and the neck to lengthen. To correct swayback, a horizontal strip of tape can be applied around the lower back, providing a cue to engage the core muscles and maintain a neutral spine.

Tips for Applying Kinesiology Tape Effectively for Posture Improvement

To achieve the best results with kinesiology tape for posture improvement, it is essential to follow these tips:

  1. Clean and dry the skin before applying the tape to ensure proper adhesion and avoid skin irritation.
  2. Trim the edges of the tape to reduce friction and prevent premature peeling.
  3. Apply the tape with no tension on the anchor end, and stretch it to the desired tension on the other end, depending on the postural correction needed.
  4. Rub the tape gently to activate the adhesive and ensure a secure bond with the skin.
  5. Avoid excessive stretching or wrinkling of the tape, as it may compromise its effectiveness and comfort.

Precautions to Take When Using Kinesiology Tape for Posture Correction

While kinesiology tape is generally safe and well-tolerated, there are some precautions to take when using it for posture correction. These include:

  1. Avoid using kinesiology tape on broken or irritated skin, allergic reactions to tape adhesive, or underlying medical conditions that may affect tape use.
  2. Do not apply kinesiology tape too tightly or for prolonged periods, as it may compromise circulation or cause skin irritation.
  3. Seek professional advice on the correct taping technique and duration for your specific postural issue, as an improper application or overuse may lead to adverse effects.

In conclusion, kinesiology taping can be a valuable tool for improving posture and preventing musculoskeletal problems. By providing support, stability, and sensory feedback to the muscles and joints, kinesiology tape can help correct specific postural issues and promote better body alignment. However, it is crucial to apply the tape correctly, follow the recommended precautions, and seek professional advice if needed, to achieve optimal results and avoid potential risks.

If you suffer from back pain and would like to see how kinesiology tape can work for you, simply click the “Book Now” button to make an appointment with one of our trained RMTs.

bold

Share this article

About Athlete’s Choice Massage

Athlete’s Choice Massage was created to provide consistently excellent rehabilitative services for health-conscious people. Our team is extremely well-trained and they take pride in their work. They are constantly striving to learn and better themselves in their respective fields so that they can help you recover and aid in the maintenance of your well-being.

best massage Edmonton

All appointments will begin with a short but in-depth one-on-one assessment. This is your opportunity to point out what area you’d like to work on during your time, as well as identify any special requests or concerns you may have. Should you have more than one area of concern, your therapist will prioritize the chief complaint and create a treatment plan for the time allotted and for follow-ups as needed.

Please note our 24 Hour Cancelation Policy.

With massage therapy being covered by many people’s extended health care benefits, it is now easier than ever to experience the positive effects of therapeutic massage.

DYNAMIC

Frequently Asked Question

When a massage is administered, your body reacts to the pressure and movement of the massage therapist’s hands in a variety of ways. As your body relaxes, the massage prompts the release of hormones and Read More

I am item content. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

I am item content. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

I am item content. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

I am item content. Click edit button to change this text. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Kinesiology taping is a therapeutic technique that uses elastic tape to support muscles and joints, improve circulation, and reduce pain and inflammation.

Kinesiology taping can improve posture by providing support and stability to the muscles that are responsible for maintaining good posture. The tape can help activate weak muscles, relax tight muscles, and encourage proper alignment and movement.

Kinesiology taping is generally safe when applied by a trained professional. However, it’s important to avoid taping over areas of broken or irritated skin, and to remove the tape if it causes any discomfort or irritation.

Kinesiology tape can last anywhere from 3 to 5 days, depending on factors such as activity level, sweat, and skin type. It’s generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours between applications and to avoid wearing the tape continuously for long periods of time. Your healthcare provider can give you more specific guidance on how often to apply the tape for your particular condition.