At Carolina Active Health Chiropractic, we provide kinesio taping using RockTape’s Functional Movement Techniques method. You’ve probably seen athletes wearing kinesiotape before—but do you know how it works?

Movement or muscle pain is generated by nerve endings in the space between the skin and muscle. Tape can decompress this space and reduce the overall pressure on these nerves. Elastic tape is also believed to stimulate receptors in the skin called mechanoreceptors that play a part in our awareness of movement.

Reduced pressure on the layers of tissue between skin and bone allows for more normal glide mechanics between the layers of tissue. This mechanism can help someone with limited mobility progress to touching their toes after a simple lumbar spine application. When Rocktape is applied with more stretch, it can support areas where tissue has been strained, torn, weakened, or lengthened.

Rocktape promotes a more normal fluid dynamic in the taped area. Swelling can flow out of the area better, taking toxins from inflammation and injury. Blood may also have less resistance to enter the affected area, bringing with it vital oxygen and nutrients for healing. This fluid effect is likely behind the dramatic improvement in swollen and bruised tissue with Rocktape application.