Adjunctive K-Tape (Wk5 Content)

K-Tape material and wear time

Non-latex, cotton, hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive, worn 3-5 days

Main proposed benefits of K-Tape

Psychological effect, pain inhibition, proprioception

Pain gating mechanism of K-Tape

A-Beta (touch) fibres are activated and, being thicker/faster, take priority at the dorsal horn over A-Delta/C (pain) fibres, reducing pain signal transmission to the brain

Does K-Tape reduce bruising?

No evidence of benefit

Effect of K-Tape on microvascular skin blood flow

Increased, regardless of tape tension

Effect of K-Tape on muscle strength and balance

Slight increases seen, possibly due to increased proprioception

K-Tape vs Mulligan taping

Mulligan taping was more comfortable with the same functional benefit as K-Tape vs rigid/elastic tape

Is there a placebo/biasing effect with K-Tape?

No evidence it biases patient perception - it worked regardless

Risks of K-Tape

Allergies, cost, may delay other potentially more effective therapies

K-Tape cautions

Elderly (thin skin), diabetics (peripheral neuropathy), patients on blood thinners/corticosteroids

K-Tape contraindications

Open wounds, infection, DVT, active cancer treatment or lymph node removal (risk of haematological spread)

I-shape (uncut) tape use

Alignment, movement, oedema, pain - structural or non-structural

Y-shape and X-shape tape use

Surrounding a target muscle, shape chosen depends on the muscle's shape

Fork-shape tape use

Oedema, bruising

Key application principle

Area of application must be on stretch before taping

K-Tape efficacy for shoulder tendinopathy/SA impingement

Biased research, poor efficacy, may help

K-Tape efficacy for lateral elbow tendinopathy

Effective for improving grip strength at 1 and 3 months

K-Tape efficacy for low back pain

No benefit beyond psychological

postural K-taping (a different style) showed benefit

K-Tape efficacy for PFPS

No benefit in isolation, minimal benefit otherwise

Overall conclusion on K-Tape

No negative outcome risk, minor improvements seen, best used as combination therap