Many people associate colourful strips of tape on the knees, shoulders or back mainly with professional athletes.However, taping has long been intended not only for people who run marathons or spend several hours a day at the gym.Lower back pain after a day at the computer, knee pain when walking, a stiff shoulder or muscle tension can affect practically anyone.For some musculoskeletal problems, properly applied kinesiotape can be one of the options used as part of complementary care. So, what can taping do, when is it used and why does it also matter who applies the tape?

What is taping?

Kinesiotaping uses special elastic tapes that are applied directly to the skin. Unlike traditional rigid sports tape, the aim of elastic tape is to allow the person to move naturally. However, the tape itself is not a treatment.The result also depends on where, how and with how much tension the tape is applied. There are several taping techniques, and the application method may vary depending on the specific problem and therapeutic goal. Professional recommendations therefore emphasise the importance of correct application.

Do you suffer from back or lower back pain?

Lower back pain is one of the problems that has been investigated in several clinical studies involving taping.A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023 examined kinesiotaping for chronic non-specific low back pain. The results suggested a short-term reduction in pain intensity. However, taping did not demonstrate a clear advantage over other interventions in improving function, range of motion or other measured outcomes.

Taping can therefore be used as a complementary part of care for back pain, but it should not replace identifying the cause of the pain, appropriate physical activity or physiotherapy.

What about painful knees?

The knees are another area where taping is frequently used. Interesting results were reported in a 2025 meta-analysis, which evaluated 16 randomised controlled trials involving people with knee osteoarthritis.The results showed that, compared with placebo taping, kinesiotaping provided short-term reductions in pain both at rest and during movement and improved some measures of function and knee flexion in the studies reviewed. However, the authors also pointed out that the long-term effects of taping remain uncertain.

Taping therefore does not “cure” osteoarthritis. For some patients, however, it may form part of a comprehensive approach aimed at managing its symptoms.

When your shoulder starts to hurt

A stiff or painful shoulder can interfere with everyday activities such as getting dressed, working at a computer, driving or sleeping.Kinesiotaping has also been studied in this area. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 studies involving a total of 555 participants found some improvements in pain and limitations when taping was combined with exercise. Taping alone, however, was not more effective than placebo or some of the other interventions compared. The authors therefore consider taping primarily as a possible complementary method rather than a standalone solution for shoulder pain.

Taping is not a substitute for physiotherapy

This is particularly important when pain persists. Tape can remain on the body outside the clinic and generally does not significantly restrict everyday movement. This does not mean, however, that the tape itself will resolve the underlying cause of the problem.For musculoskeletal pain, it may be necessary to work on movement habits, muscle strength, mobility or targeted exercises. Taping should therefore primarily be viewed as one part of a comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal care.

Why should taping be applied by a professional?

You may have seen taping tutorials online and thought: “It’s just tape. I can apply it myself at home.”However, the application technique is precisely what determines what we are trying to achieve with the tape.Professional sources point out that there are various kinesiotaping techniques and that the application may differ depending on the specific problem. Incorrect use can also lead to skin irritation, for example.The main advantage of professional application is therefore that a physiotherapist can select the appropriate technique according to the specific area and individual problem.

When should you be careful with taping?

Taping is not suitable in every situation. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the skin. Commonly mentioned contraindications include open wounds, skin lesions, skin irritation or an allergy to the adhesive or tape material. If significant itching, redness or another skin reaction occurs after application, the tape should be removed. At Hotel Park Piešťany, contraindications for taping also include acute infectious and inflammatory diseases, fever, severe heart failure and hypertension. Before the procedure, please inform the physiotherapist about your health condition.

Pain does not have to be part of every movement

Perhaps your back hurts after every working day. Maybe your knee starts to hurt when you walk. Or perhaps you have a shoulder that regularly reminds you that something is not quite right.We can gradually become accustomed to such problems. That does not mean, however, that they should simply be ignored.If problems persist, the first step should be to identify their cause. Appropriate follow-up care may then involve several approaches – from exercise and physiotherapy to complementary methods such as taping.

Taping at Hotel Park Piešťany

If you are experiencing muscle, joint or musculoskeletal pain and are wondering whether taping could be suitable for you, you do not have to rely on trying to apply the tape yourself at home. At Hotel Park Piešťany, elastic tape is applied by a physiotherapist, who selects the appropriate taping technique according to the specific area and the client's individual needs. The procedure itself takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

Taping is part of our Wellness & Medical offering, allowing you to combine it with other treatments focused on the musculoskeletal system, regeneration and relaxation.Because sometimes we do not need to stop moving.We need to find a way to move more comfortably and pay attention to our body before our problems begin to limit us more significantly.Are you experiencing lower back, knee or shoulder pain or muscle tension?

Find out more about taping at the Wellness & Medical Centre at Hotel Park Piešťany and find out whether this treatment could be suitable for you medical@hotelpark.sk