Kinesiotaping: The Stretchy Solution for Your Aches and Pains

Imagine a world where a simple strip of tape can ease your pain, improve your movement, and help you feel better. Welcome to the world of kinesiotaping! This stretchy, breathable, and practical tape has been revolutionizing the way we treat and manage pain since the 1960s Olympics. But what exactly is kinesiotaping, and why should you consider it? Let’s dive in!



What is Kinesiotaping?

Kinesiotape is not your average roll of adhesive. This tape is thin, flexible, and mimics the elasticity of your skin, allowing for full movement and comfort. Whether you’re breaking a sweat on the track or going about your daily routine, kinesiotape is designed to stick with you. It's water and sweat-resistant, ensuring that it stays put through your toughest workouts and longest days.


What Does Kinesiotaping Do?

Kinesiotaping is more than just a sticky strip. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Muscle Activation and Support: It provides gentle support and activation to your muscles, helping them contract and function more efficiently.
  • Joint Support: The tape offers additional support to your joints, stabilizing them without restricting your range of motion.
  • Improved Blood Flow and Reduced Swelling: By lifting the skin slightly, kinesiotape enhances blood circulation and reduces swelling, making it ideal for managing inflammation and lymphedema.
  • Bruise and Contusion Healing: As mentioned, the tape allows for better blood flow and bringing in new oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood to the area of a bruise speeds up recovery.
  • Pain Relief: It’s a great tool for alleviating pain from various conditions, including post-surgery discomfort.
  • Inflammation Relief: For those battling arthritic inflammation, kinesiotape can provide much-needed relief by reducing pressure and allowing for better fluid drainage.


How Does It Work?

The magic of kinesiotape lies in its stretchiness. When applied correctly, it interacts with your skin and the underlying nerves. This interaction signals your muscles to activate and contract, promoting movement, maintaining posture, and stabilizing joints.

For swelling and lymphedema, kinesiotape works by gently lifting the skin, creating space underneath that allows fluids to flow more freely. This reduces pressure and swelling, providing relief and enhancing mobility.

But be warned, sensitive skin types might experience some irritation. The tape can stay on for several days to weeks, depending on the brand, and removing it requires soaking it in water and applying a bit of oil to gently peel it off.


Who Should Use Kinesiotaping?

Kinesiotaping isn't just for athletes, although they certainly benefit from its use. It’s also highly effective for individuals with chronic conditions like arthritis, those recovering from surgery, and anyone looking for a non-invasive way to manage pain and support their muscles and joints.


Why See a Chiropractor for Kinesiotaping?

While DIY kinesiotaping is possible, having it applied by a professional ensures you reap the maximum benefits. We have chiropractors who are trained in the application of kinesiotape and can tailor its use to your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, chronic pain, or post-surgical recovery, our chiropractors can assess your condition and apply the tape in a way that optimizes support and relief.


At our Buffalo chiropractic and massage office, we’re all about healing. Kinesiotaping is just one of the many tools we use to help you feel your best. So why not give it a try? Come in for a consultation and let us show you how a little tape can make a big difference.


Remember, the next time you see someone sporting that stretchy tape, know that they’re not just making a fashion statement—they’re on the fast track to recovery and better performance!


Bethany Wolcott

D’Youville Chiropractic ‘26

Seasonal Wellness: Preparing Your Body for Winter Sports

By S21 GMB • December 15, 2025
As temperatures drop and snow blankets the ground, winter sports enthusiasts eagerly prepare for a season of skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and more. While these activities offer an exciting way to stay active during the colder months, they also present unique physical challenges that can lead to injuries if the body isn’t properly prepared. A strategic approach to seasonal wellness can help you build strength, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of common winter sports injuries.

Small But Mighty: The Best Stocking Stuffers for Health & Wellness Lovers

By S21 GMB • December 8, 2025
When it comes to filling a stocking, there’s something magical about tiny treasures that pack a big punch. Sure, candy canes and fuzzy socks are classics—but what if your stocking stuffers could actually make someone feel better long after the holiday sugar crashes fade? This year, level up your gifting game with wellness-forward, feel-good, wow-that’s-so-useful ideas curated with your favorite chiropractic and massage office in mind. Whether you’re shopping for the gym buff, the “my neck hurts every day” coworker, the parent who needs a moment of peace, or that friend who swears they’re finally going to prioritize self-care in the new year, we’ve got you covered.  Here are our top stocking stuffers that are cute, practical, and chiropractor-approved.

Gratitude for Your Body: 5 Ways to Thank Your Muscles and Joints This Season

By S21 GMB • December 1, 2025
Thanksgiving is the time of year when we pause to appreciate the big things—family, food, football, and maybe even a perfectly flaky pie crust. But there’s one thing we often forget to be grateful for: our bodies . Every day, your muscles, joints, and connective tissues do a whole lot more than you realize. They carry you through grocery store marathons, marathon-marathons, late-night study sessions, workdays, workouts, and everything in between.  So this season, before you grab that second helping of mashed potatoes (no judgment here), take a moment to thank the parts of you that keep you moving. Here are five simple, meaningful ways to show your body a little gratitude—and feel better in the process.

Lower Cross Syndrome: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Fix It

By S21 GMB • November 21, 2025
If you’ve ever stood up after a long day at your desk and thought, “Why does my lower back feel like it’s been personally offended?”—you’re not alone. In fact, your posture may be telling a whole story. Enter Lower Cross Syndrome (LCS) : a common postural pattern that shows up when certain muscle groups decide to overachieve while others go on vacation. The good news? You can absolutely fix it—and your favorite chiropractic and massage team is here to help.

Boosting Your Immunity as We Head into Winter

By S21 GMB • November 17, 2025
As the temperature drops and the days get shorter, winter brings cozy nights, comfort food, and—for many—an uptick in sniffles, coughs, and the flu. While we can’t control every germ that crosses our path, we can support our immune systems to better defend against them. A strong immune system is the body’s best defense against seasonal illnesses, and with a few intentional habits, you can give yours a well-deserved boost this winter. Let’s break down some evidence-based ways to keep your immune system in top shape through the colder months.

Breaking Down the Raking Up: How to Protect Your Back This Fall

By S21 GMB • November 10, 2025
Fall in Buffalo is beautiful—the crisp air, the smell of bonfires, and, of course, the sea of colorful leaves blanketing your yard. But before you grab your rake and get to work, it’s worth talking about something most people don’t think about until it’s too late: the physical toll of yard work. Raking may seem harmless, but poor technique, repetitive motion, and improper lifting can lead to back pain, muscle strain, and even more serious injuries. Here’s what you should know about protecting your body during fall cleanup—and how chiropractic and massage care can help you recover and stay strong all season long.

Move Better, Feel Better: Why Mobility Matters More Than You Think

By Solution21 Team • November 3, 2025
Let’s play a quick game: When you think about staying healthy, what comes to mind? Eating veggies? Getting enough sleep? Maybe strength training or cardio? All great answers — but there’s a key piece many people forget…

Prenatal Massage

By S21 GMB • October 27, 2025
8 Reasons You Should Get a Massage During Pregnancy

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

By S21 GMB • October 20, 2025
The Importance of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: When Your Funny Bone Isn’t So Funny

By S21 GMB • October 13, 2025
We’ve all hit our “funny bone” before — that zinger of tingling pain shooting down your arm that you shake out. But when that sensation starts happening without bumping your elbow, it might not be so funny anymore. You could be dealing with something called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome — a condition that gives your ulnar nerve a bit too much attention for comfort.  Let’s break down what’s going on inside that elbow of yours, what causes this pesky problem, how to treat it, and what you can do to keep your funny bone feeling more “fun” than “numb.”
Show More