How to apply therapeutic tape correctly

Prof. Hong Jung-gi

• Published Mar 17, 2016 4:29 PM KST
• Updated Mar 17, 2016 4:29 PM KST

By Baek Byung-yeul

Prof. Hong Jung-gi at the College of Physical Education at Seoul’s Kookmin University said the parts of their bodies that aggravate people the most with sports injuries are the neck, shoulder and knee.

He said the kinesiology taping method needs to be applied when the body’s muscles and tendons don’t fulfill their function on their own. The proper application of therapeutic taping can reduce the pressures on overused muscles and tendons and ease swelling in the tissue.

For those who suffer from soreness or stiffness in their shoulders, kinesiology taping is applied starting from the shoulder blade. From the lower shoulder blade to the AC joint (acromioclavicular joint), attach the tape with an elasticity of 50 to 70 percent. Then place two layers of tape to stabilize your shoulder joint with an elasticity of 10 percent over the top and place the top layer of tape from the shoulder close to the spine to humeral head.

For people with lower back pain, bend forward from the waist. Apply two vertical strips starting from either side of the top of the buttock cleft to the mid-point of the spine with a 10 percent stretch. Then, apply a horizontal strip across the most painful area with an elasticity of 90 percent.

Last, for knee pain, apply two strips of tape starting from lower knee to the mid-point of the thigh across the kneecap with a 50 percent stretch. Then, place a horizontal strip directly below the kneecap with a 90 percent stretch.