Plantar Fasciitis is one of those conditions that is not life-threatening, but can make you feel so miserable that it sometimes seems that it’s taken over your life. Marked by pain in the arch of the foot and the bottom of the heel, plantar fascitis reminds its victims of its presence with every step they take. Once it’s taken hold, it’s very difficult to get rid of, and many people suffer for years, trying a litany of orthotics, special shoes, liniments and other fruitless remedies.
Kinesiology tape is a thin, stretchy therapeutic tape that is particularly effective for relieving muscular pain, spasms and inflammation. Once applied, most kinesiology tape applications can be worn up to 5 days, providing therapeutic benefits 24/7 the entire time it’s worn. It has been used to effectively treat plantar fasciitis, as well as other causes of foot and ankle pain.
This is part of a series of posts presenting very simple, yet effective, kinesio taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.

Neck pain is a common complaint among athletes, office workers, manual laborers, health care professionals … in fact, there are few people who don’t experience neck pain or spasms at some point in their lives. Many others live with it on a daily basis, ranging from those nagging little “hot spots” to debilitating pain that takes over people’s lives.
Kinesiology tape is a thin, stretchy therapeutic tape that is particularly effective for relieving muscular pain and spasms. Once applied, most kinesiology tape applications can be worn up to 5 days, providing therapeutic benefits 24/7 the entire time it’s worn.
This is part of a series of posts presenting very simple, yet effective, taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.

Lower back pain, without a doubt, is the ailment that knows no barriers … it plays no favors among the young and the old or the fit and the sedentary. In the athletic realm, each sport has certain injuries that are more common – for example, long distance runners and IT Band Syndrome go hand in hand. Low back pain, however, crosses boundaries from sport to sport, striking runners, cyclists, gymnasts, racquet sport players, and so on, showing absolutely no respect.
There are almost as many remedies for back pain as there are back pain sufferers, and yet, it continues to strike 80% of the population at some point in their lives. Kinesiology tape is a therapeutic tape that is used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and prevent to eliminate muscle spasms. While kinesiology taping is not a cure-all for back pain, it can be incredibly effective for those suffering from back pain related to inflammation, poor posture, improper movement patterns, overuse, and more.
This part of a series of posts presenting very simple, yet effective, taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.


At our kinesiology taping booth at the 2010 Houston Marathon, we taped injured runners from the minute the booth opened until it closed. Although IT band tapings definitely took top honors, runner’s knee came in a close second. Luckily, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to apply a basic runner’s knee kinesiology taping.
This is part of a series of posts presenting very simple, yet effective, taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.


We had a kinesiology taping booth at the Houston Marathon Sports Medicine Expo last weekend, and approximately 80% of the tapings we did on the marathon runners were for the IT Band (iliotibial band). The IT Band is a sheath of fascia beginning at the hip and extending all the way down the outer thigh, ending just below the knee. It plays an important role in stabilizing the knee during running and walking. Tightness or overuse of the IT Band can cause it to become inflammed, causing considerable pain, usually at the attachment just below the knee. Once this inflammation develops, commonly referred to as IT Band Syndrome, it is very difficult to get rid of.
Kinesiology taping is one form of treatment that can bring immediate relief of pain and inflammation, as well as accelerate the healing process in those suffering from iliotibial band syndrome. The taping protocol is very simple, and can easily be mastered by anyone, even if they have no training in how to apply kinesiology tape.
The following taping technique was developed by the makers of RockTape, a new kinesiology tape engineered especially for performance athletes. It’s stronger adhesive coupled with a greater “snap back” mechanism make it ideal for endurance athletes such as marathoners and triathletes.

Therapists trained in the art and science of kinesiology taping are able to create complex applications for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions. For complicated injuries or medical conditions, this level of expertise may be required, but for everyday aches and pains no special training is necessary. Most people, armed with a roll of kinesiology tape and some basic instructions, can create an application that will effectively relieve pain and reduce swelling.
This part of a series of posts presenting very simple, yet effective, taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.
Therapists trained in the art and science of kinesiology taping are able to create complex applications for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions. For complicated injuries or medical conditions, this level of expertise may be required, but for everyday aches and pains no special training is necessary. Most people, armed with a roll of kinesiology tape and some basic instructions, can create an application that will effectively relieve pain and reduce swelling.
This part of a series of posts presenting very simple, yet effective, taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.


Therapists trained in the art and science of kinesiology taping are able to create complex applications for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions. For complicated injuries or medical conditions, this level of expertise may be required, but for everyday aches and pains no special training is necessary. Most people, armed with a roll of kinesiology tape and some basic instructions, can create an application that will effectively relieve pain and reduce swelling.
The following series of posts will present very simple, yet effective, taping techniques that virtually anyone can master. They were developed by the makers of RockTape, a new brand of kinesiology tape that has been engineered to enhance athletic performance in addition to providing therapeutic benefits.

My last two posts covered resources for learning to apply precut kinesiology tape and resources for beginners working with rolls of tape. This post will focus on resources for health professionals interested in learning to apply kinesiology tape from rolls. Because of the diversity among patients, health professionals have a greater need for the customization that is possible when cutting applications from rolls of tape. Applications can become quite complex for patients with complicated injuries. It is important to understand both the basic principles of kinesiology taping as well as different taping techniques for different situations.
The following resources have been developed by the manufacturer of Kinesio Tex Tape, but the application principles are identical for either SpiderTape or Rock Tape.
This detailed, technical manual was written for individuals with an extensive understanding of anatomy and medical terminology. It begins with an excellent introduction to the concepts of Kinesio Taping and the rationale and methodology for the 7 different corrective taping techniques. This is followed by chapters for different parts of the body, with detailed explanations and step-by-step photographs for a wide variety of injuries and medical conditions.
(2003) 8.5″ x 11″ Softcover, Spiral Bound, Black & White, 249 pages, $49.99.
The most recently-published Kinesio Taping manual, it is beautifully illustrated, with simple, step-by-step, full color photographs. It contains detailed explanations and instructions for promoting lymphatic drainage using a variety of taping techniques. It also covers basic taping techniques for a variety of other injuries and health conditions. This manual is recommended for individuals with a good understanding of anatomy and medical terminology or experienced professionals who have been trained in the Kinesio® Taping Method.
(2006) 8.5″ x 11″ Softcover, Spiral Bound, 172 pages with color photos, $59.99.
Developed for pediatric medical practitioners and therapists, this comprehensive manual covers conditions that affect children from infancy through adolescence. It begins with an excellent introduction to the concepts of kinesiology taping and a detailed overview of the seven different corrective taping techniques, followed by condition-specific instructions. Its user-friendly format includes numerous color photos to accurately demonstrate each of the taping techniques.
8.5″ x 11″ Softcover, Spiral Bound, 218 pages with color photos, $59.99.
This introductory DVD introduces the Kinesio® Taping Method and its applications for clinical settings. It explains how kinesio taping can be used as a therapeutic modality for a wide variety of common medical conditions or injuries. Certified Kinesio Taping Instructor Jim Wallis, MS, ATC guides viewers, step by step, through the proper selection and application of appropriate Kinesio Taping techniques. Includes concepts, applications and several taping techniques.
Run Time 41 minutes. $54.99
In 2009, kinesiology tape leaped from the offices of a few forward thinking chiropractors and athletic trainers into the sports bags and first aid kits of people across the nation. Once the domain of trained clinicians, kinesiology taping is now being done in schools, homes and on the sidelines of virtually every level of every sport in existence. This has created a new need for kinesiology taping education. Without at least a basic knowledge of the principles of kinesiology taping, it is difficult to apply the tape effectively. There are several ways to learn how to apply kinesiology tape – instruction manuals, instructional DVDs, and online videos.
My last post provided resources for learning to apply precut kinesiology tape. This post will focus on instructions for applying kinesiology tape from rolls, such as Kinesio Tape, RockTape or SpiderTape. Applying tape from rolls requires a significantly higher level of both knowledge and skill. Creating and cutting an application for each specific situation is often more complex than actually applying the tape. Fortunately, there are a number of resources available, providing instructions for every level of understanding. The following resources have been developed by the manufacturer of Kinesio Tex Tape, but the application principles are identical for either SpiderTape or Rock Tape.
If you are a home user wanting to learn how to apply kinesio tape, this manual is for you. The original Kinesio Taping manual written in 1996, the taping instructions are as pertinent today as when it was written. it was developed for the general population and requires very little knowledge of anatomy or medical terminology. It provides easy-to-follow instructions for taping a variety of common conditions, including low back pain, flat feet, neck pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and charley horse. Includes step-by-step photographs depicting the various stages of taping for each condition.
(1996) 6″x8″ Softcover, 132 pages, black & white photographs, $39.99.
Written by the father of Kinesio Taping himself, this manual was developed for individuals with a moderate understanding of anatomy and medical terminology. It covers the essentials of taping for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions. This step-by-step approach to the Kinesio® Taping Method includes very clear black and white illustrations indicating exactly how and where to apply Kinesio® Tex Tape. A 7-page introduction explains Kinesio Tape theory and basic techniques.
(Orig. 2003, Updated 2005).8.5″ x 11″ Softcover, Spiral Bound, 107 pages, $39.99.
The makers of RockTape have created an entire series of short videos, demonstrating simple application techniques for a variety of injuries and body parts. With their informal style and complete absense of medical terminology, these videos are the perfect way for beginning kinesiology tapers to learn some basic application techniques.
Watch RockTape videos at www.theratape.com
Watch RockTape videos on YouTube.