Kinesiology Taping in Orem, Utah
Kinesiology taping is a therapeutic technique that uses specialized elastic tape applied to the skin to support injured muscles and joints, reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote natural healing without restricting movement. Available at Integrative Motion in Orem, UT.
What Is Kinesiology Taping?
Kinesiology tape is a thin, stretchy, cotton-based tape with a medical-grade adhesive that mimics the elasticity and thickness of human skin. Unlike rigid athletic tape that immobilizes a joint, kinesiology tape is designed to support the area while allowing full range of motion. It gently lifts the skin away from the underlying tissue, creating space that improves blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and nerve signaling.
At Integrative Motion in Orem, Utah, Dr. Dustin Drussel uses kinesiology taping as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. After performing chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, or sports rehabilitation, he applies tape to the treated areas to extend the benefits of your in-office treatment between visits. The tape can stay in place for 3 to 5 days and is waterproof, so it works through showers, workouts, and daily activities.
Dr. Drussel's Master of Science in Sports Rehabilitation includes specialized training in taping techniques for a wide range of conditions and body regions. He selects the appropriate tape tension, direction, and application pattern based on your specific injury and treatment goals.
How Kinesiology Taping Works
When kinesiology tape is applied to the skin with specific tension patterns, it creates microscopic convolutions (wrinkles) in the skin that lift the tissue. This lifting effect serves multiple purposes. First, it decompresses the space between the skin and the muscle, which reduces pressure on pain receptors and provides immediate relief. Second, it improves blood and lymphatic circulation to the area, which accelerates healing and reduces swelling.
The tape also provides proprioceptive feedback, meaning it gives your brain constant sensory information about the position and movement of the taped area. This improved body awareness helps you maintain better posture, avoid harmful movement patterns, and protect injured tissues during daily activities and exercise.
Different application techniques achieve different effects. Taping with stretch can provide structural support to weak or injured muscles. Taping without stretch over a swollen area creates a lifting effect that promotes drainage. Dr. Drussel selects the exact technique based on what your body needs.
Benefits of Kinesiology Taping
- Pain relief that lasts 3 to 5 days between visits
- Reduced swelling and bruising through improved lymphatic drainage
- Muscle and joint support without restricting movement
- Enhanced proprioception and body awareness
- Waterproof and activity-friendly for active lifestyles
- Extends the benefits of chiropractic adjustments between visits
- Safe and non-invasive with no side effects
- Effective for both acute injuries and chronic conditions
Common Applications
Kinesiology taping is used for a wide variety of conditions at Integrative Motion. Some of the most common applications include shoulder support for rotator cuff injuries, knee taping for runner's knee or patellar tracking issues, lower back support for disc-related pain, ankle stabilization after sprains, postural correction taping for neck and upper back, wrist and forearm taping for carpal tunnel or tennis elbow, and lymphatic drainage taping for post-injury swelling.
Athletes frequently request kinesiology taping before competitions to support areas that are prone to injury or have been recently treated. The tape does not impair performance and provides a confidence-boosting layer of support during high-intensity activity.
What to Expect
Kinesiology taping at Integrative Motion is typically applied at the end of your chiropractic visit as a complement to your adjustment, soft tissue therapy, or exercise session. The application takes 5 to 10 minutes and is painless. Dr. Drussel prepares the skin, cuts the tape to the appropriate length and shape, and applies it with the correct tension for your condition.
The tape should be left in place for 3 to 5 days for maximum benefit. You can shower, exercise, and go about your daily activities normally. When it is time to remove the tape, apply a small amount of oil to the adhesive and peel it off slowly in the direction of hair growth to minimize skin irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Kinesiology tape is waterproof and designed to stay in place during physical activity, showering, and swimming. The adhesive is medical-grade and holds up well under most conditions. Gently pat the tape dry after getting wet rather than rubbing it with a towel.
Yes. Research supports kinesiology taping for pain reduction, swelling management, and improved proprioception. While it is not a standalone treatment, it is a highly effective complement to chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and corrective exercises. Patients at Integrative Motion consistently report extended relief when taping is part of their treatment plan.
The tape we use at Integrative Motion is latex-free and uses hypoallergenic, medical-grade adhesive. Most patients tolerate it well. If you have particularly sensitive skin or a history of adhesive allergies, let Dr. Drussel know and he can do a small test application first.
Kinesiology taping is included as part of your treatment when Dr. Drussel determines it will benefit your recovery. There is typically no separate charge for taping applied during a chiropractic visit at Integrative Motion. It is one of the many tools Dr. Drussel uses to maximize your treatment outcomes.
Related Services
Support Your Recovery Around the Clock
Ask Dr. Drussel about kinesiology taping at your next visit to Integrative Motion in Orem, Utah. Extended support between appointments.