Kinesio-Tape, KT tape, and others…What are they and what would I use them for?
Kinesio-Taping for Kids and Loved Ones: A Parent’s & Caregiver’s Guide to Supporting Movement and Strength
As parents, we want to do everything we can to support our loved one’s development, especially if they have motor challenges, muscle imbalances, inflammation, or other physical needs. One tool that has gained popularity in pediatric therapy is Kinesio-Taping—a simple yet effective method used to support movement, improve function, and reduce discomfort.
What is Kinesio-Taping?
Kinesio-Taping is a therapeutic technique that involves applying a special, stretchy tape to the skin to provide support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting movement. Originally developed for athletes, this technique is now widely used in pediatric therapy to help children, teens, and adults with conditions such as:
Hypotonia (low muscle tone)
Hypertonia (high muscle tone)
Weak core or postural instability
Joint instability
Coordination and balance difficulties
Sensory processing challenges
Inflammation
How Does Kinesio-Taping Work?
The tape gently lifts the skin, creating space between the skin and underlying tissues. This can help with:
Muscle Activation – Encourages weak muscles to engage and work more effectively.
Muscle Relaxation – Helps reduce tension in overactive muscles.
Joint Support – Provides stability for joints that may be unstable or misaligned.
Sensory Feedback – Enhances body awareness for those with sensory processing difficulties.
Pain Relief – Reduces discomfort by improving circulation and decreasing pressure on pain-sensitive structures.
Inflammation Relief – By assisting in lymph drainage to main points, this tape can assist with some swelling and inflammation.
Benefits of Kinesio-Taping for Children & Loved Ones
Many parents find that Kinesio-Taping helps their child move more easily and confidently. Some key benefits include:
Improved posture and alignment
Increased strength and endurance for activities
Better balance and coordination
Enhanced sensory input for improved body awareness
Reduced pain or discomfort from muscle imbalances
Decreased inflammation
How Occupational Therapy Supports Kinesio-Taping
Occupational therapists often use Kinesio-Taping as part of a comprehensive therapy plan to enhance a child’s functional abilities. In addition to applying the tape, occupational therapists work on:
Developing Strength and Coordination – Using taping to support weak muscles while engaging clients in targeted activities.
Postural Control and Stability – Helping clients maintain better posture through positioning and movement exercises.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills – Encouraging improved hand function, grip strength, and overall movement efficiency.
Sensory Integration – Utilizing Kinesio-Taping to provide proprioceptive feedback, which can help clients process sensory information more effectively.
By incorporating Kinesio-Taping into occupational therapy sessions, children and adult clients receive holistic support to improve movement, independence, and participation in daily activities.
What to Expect
If your child’s or loved one’s therapist recommends Kinesio-Taping, they will assess your loved one’s needs and determine the best taping technique. The tape is applied in specific patterns depending on the goal, and it can stay on for several days, even though bathing and play. We always want to consider skin safety and pain. If the tape ever hurts, causes more soreness, or skin irritation, PLEASE REMOVE IMMEDIATELY. Use water and gently roll the tape to remove and some client shave also reported using body oil to loosen the adhesive and roll it off. Some clients choose to rip it off like a band-aid, not what I recommend but it can be done. It’s important to note that while Kinesio-Taping is a helpful tool, it is most effective when used alongside other therapy interventions, such as occupational or physical therapy.
Can Parents Apply Kinesio Tape at Home?
In many cases, yes! With guidance from a trained therapist, parents and caregivers can learn to apply Kinesio Tape safely at home. However, improper application can reduce effectiveness or cause skin irritation, so it’s best to consult with a professional, however there are also many educational and instructional videos on YouTube with this topic and commercially available tape like K-Tape found at Target, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.
Final Thoughts…
Kinesio-Taping is a safe, non-invasive way to support your child’s or loved one’s movement and development. Whether you’re facing muscle tone challenges, struggles with coordination, swelling/pain, or needs extra support for daily activities, this simple technique can make a meaningful difference. Everyone has different responses and there is so much variation in styles of tape, styles of taping, etc. This means sometimes it take trial and error to figure out what works best.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Kinesio-Taping could help your child, speak with your child’s or loved one’s therapist or schedule an evaluation with a professional trained in this technique. With the right support, your child can move, play, and thrive with confidence!
References
Kase, K., Wallis, J., & Kase, T. (2013). Clinical Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method. Kinesio Taping Association.
Williams, S., Whatman, C., Hume, P. A., & Sheerin, K. (2012). "Kinesio Taping in Musculoskeletal Pain and Disability: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Effectiveness." Sports Medicine, 42(2), 153-164.
Morris, D., Jones, D., Ryan, H., & Ryan, C. G. (2013). "The Clinical Effects of Kinesio® Tex Taping: A Systematic Review." Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 29(4), 259-270.
Occupational Therapy Association. (2021). The Role of Occupational Therapy in Pediatric Motor Development
Reminder this is an educational blog – If you try any of these techniques simply from reading this blog -> it is 100% your responsibility to handle any outcomes. Holly Ross or CANOE is not liable for any decisions you make from try out techniques and items that you read about in this blog.
Until Next Time – Holly Ross OTR/L, WSI/T, LTP, ATRIC
