Kinesio-Tape

We prefer the use of Rocktape as it has a history of staying on throughout multiple competitions or work outs better than the competition.

Kinesio-tape is a wonderful modality to help with immediate pain relief, increased blood and lymph flow, support muscles during and after workouts,  improved mechanoreception (fancy word for bodies awareness of itself in space), and more efficient movement. The idea behind kinesio-tape is that there is a lifting effect of the adhesive tape on the skin allowing for improved movement of muscle and fluid (MRI analysis has shown improved muscle movement when taped). The activation of mechanoreceptors also has an inhibitory (decreases) effect on pain perception. 

While the research on kinesio-tape is conflicting, most patients who try the taping once come back for more. They report similar effects as the ones mentioned above.

Taping has a wide array applications and uses. It is often a great modality for plantar fasciitis, knee pain, back pain, medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), shoulder pain, shin splints, strain/sprains, it helps with pregnancy issues, and a whole lot more. 

Evidence:

Short-term pain reduction in chronic musculoskeletal pain. "Kinesio taping is superior to minimal intervention for pain relief."