At Back On Track Chiropractic + Acupuncture in Overland Park, we often use kinesiology taping to support our patients through injury recovery, improved mobility, and enhanced athletic performance. But not all tape is created equal. You may have seen various brands, (KT Tape is the most popular) on athletes or in your local pharmacy. At our office we use mostly Rocktape, Dynamic Tape and some KT Tape — so how do they differ, and which one is right for your condition?
What Is Kinesiology Tape?
Kinesiology tape is a stretchy, breathable therapeutic tape applied to the skin to promote natural healing. It works by microscopically lifting the skin, which reduces pressure, improves circulation, and helps stabilize joints and muscles without limiting range of motion. It is thought that the tape also affects the nervous system at the skin level. Stimulating small nerve receptors which impart a signal to the brain and other parts of the nervous system, resulting in better muscle and joint function around the are that is taped. More about the science behind Kinesiology tape here.
The brands we carry in our office do NOT contain latex, rarely do we have a bad reaction from kinesiotape, some people’s skin is more sensitive to strong adhesives. Let your clinician know if you are sensitive to medical tapes or adhesives.
Comparing the Top Brands: KT Tape vs. RockTape vs. Dynamic Tape
KT Tape®
- Best For: Mild strains, sprains, general joint or muscle support, weekend warriors.
- Unique Features: Comes in precut strips; easily applied at home; widely available.
- Elasticity: Moderate elasticity (about 140–160% of its original length).
- Common Uses: Knee pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, shoulder instability.
RockTape®
- Best For: High-performance athletes, CrossFitters, endurance runners, or contact sport athletes.
- Unique Features: Stronger adhesive, longer-lasting (up to 5 days), stickier in sweat and humidity.
- Elasticity: Slightly more stretch (about 180% elasticity), mimics the elasticity of skin.
- Common Uses: Low back pain, neck pain, postural support, shoulder impingement, mild to moderate joint sprains/strains, IT band syndrome, pregnancy taping.
Dynamic Tape®
- Best For: Complex or chronic injuries, biomechanical dysfunction, tendon overload conditions.
- Unique Features: 4-way stretch, strong recoil properties, acts like a bungee cord to reduce mechanical load.
- Elasticity: Highly elastic and stretchy in all directions (4-way stretch).
- Common Uses: Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff overload, hamstring strains.
What Conditions Respond Well to Kinesiology Taping?
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or trying to prevent one, taping can help manage:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Chronic knee pain
- Shoulder impingement
- Rotator Cuff Syndromes
- Lumbar strain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Shin splints
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Postural fatigue
- Muscle imbalances
Some people respond very well to therapeutic taping while others may not. Current research suggests about 54% favorable response. This may be due to differences in the individual’s injury or in how the clinician applied the tape.
Taping at Back On Track Chiropractic + Acupuncture
Our chiropractors use evidence-informed taping techniques to help you move better and heal faster. Whether you’re a high-level athlete, a busy parent, or recovering from surgery, we tailor our tape choice and application to your specific needs.
Taping is often combined with chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, and rehabilitative exercises for optimal results.
Ready to Get Back on Track?
Schedule your appointment today to find out how kinesiology taping can support your healing and performance. Call us at 913-276-0508 or schedule online.