Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology taping uses flexible tape on the skin to support painful joints and muscles while still letting them move. Patients may notice less pain, less swelling and easier movement. Western Slope Rehab and Performance applies it as part of physical therapy in Grand Junction, for people in Fruita, Palisade, Orchard Mesa, Appleton, Clifton and the Redlands.
What taping can do for a sports injury or sore joint
Tape is one tool in your plan, usually used with exercise and hands-on care.
Pain relief
Taping may reduce the pain signals reaching your brain, so muscles can relax and you can move with more ease.
Less swelling
After surgery, injury or overuse, tape can ease pressure between the skin and the tissue underneath, which lets fluid move away.
Joint support
It supports a painful joint while still letting it move through its normal range.
Scar tissue
Taping can stretch scar tissue around a healing area, which may help movement.
What your visit looks like
Your physical therapist first evaluates your condition and decides whether taping suits you. If it does, they apply tape over the stiff or sore area.
Taping often comes with other parts of your plan, such as exercise and Manual Therapy. How long you wear it and how many applications you need depends on your injury, and your therapist will tell you.
Where taping is often used
Sports injuries
For athletes who want to stay active while recovering.
Shoulder pain
Support during movement while the area settles.
Knee pain
Support for a painful joint during daily activity.
Taping questions from Grand Valley patients
Will taping fix the problem by itself?
No. It is one part of a plan that also addresses why you are hurt, often with Therapeutic Exercise and other treatments.
How is it covered?
Taping is part of your physical therapy visit. See Insurance for the plans we work with.
Do I need a referral?
You can start physical therapy without a referral from a doctor in most cases. Some insurance plans, including Medicare, still need a doctor's sign-off on the plan of care. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan. See Direct Access.
Ask about taping at your next visit
Western Slope Rehab and Performance can tell you whether kinesiology taping suits your injury. You can start physical therapy without a referral from a doctor in most cases. Some insurance plans, including Medicare, still need a doctor's sign-off on the plan of care. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan. Call (970) 314-9822.
We see patients from Grand Junction and the surrounding Grand Valley: Fruita, Palisade, Orchard Mesa, Appleton, Clifton and the Redlands.