Rigid & Kinesio Taping

Taping uses skin-applied tape to support, offload or give sensory feedback to a painful area. We use two distinct families: rigid tape, which genuinely restricts unwanted movement, and kinesio tape, which is elastic and works primarily through sensory feedback.

The choice depends on the goal. Rigid tape suits acute offloading and return-to-sport protection; kinesio tape suits longer wear, postural cueing and swelling management.

• Patellofemoral knee pain and patellar tracking issues
• Ankle sprains and proprioceptive feedback during return to sport
• Shoulder impingement and postural shoulder cueing
• Plantar fasciitis and arch support
• Wrist and thumb support in racquet sports
• Swelling and bruise management after acute injury
• Scapular and thoracic postural cueing at a desk

1. Skin & Allergy CheckAdhesive sensitivity, skin integrity and hair management are reviewed first.
2. Technique SelectionRigid for restriction and offloading; kinesio for feedback, support and swelling.
3. ApplicationTape is applied with the joint in the specific position the technique requires — position is most of the effect.
4. Immediate TestYou move straight away so we can confirm the tape genuinely changes your symptoms.
5. Aftercare & RemovalWear time, showering, skin checks and safe removal are explained before you leave.

Application takes 5–10 minutes. Kinesio tape can stay on 3–5 days including showers; rigid tape is usually removed the same day or after activity. Tape should never cause numbness, tingling or colour change — remove it if it does.

Used as an adjunct within a 4–8 session plan. We teach you to self-tape where the technique is simple enough.

Allergy to adhesive, fragile or broken skin, open wounds, and areas with impaired circulation or sensation. Your physiotherapist will assess suitability.

• Both rigid and kinesio techniques available — chosen for the goal, not the trend
• We teach self-taping where it is safe to do so
• Tape is a bridge during rehabilitation, never the endpoint