Physiotherapy · Koh Samui
You've seen it on Olympians, marathon runners and fighters: colorful elastic tape across knees, shoulders and backs. At Body Tune Up, Kinesiotaping is a clinical tool, not a fashion statement. We apply it as part of a treatment plan to support injured tissue, reduce pain and help you keep moving between sessions.
Understanding it
Kinesiology tape was developed in the 1970s by Japanese practitioner Dr. Kenzo Kase, with the aim of mimicking the support of a therapist's hands between treatments. Unlike rigid athletic tape, which locks a joint in place, kinesiology tape is elastic. It stretches to roughly 120 to 140% of its resting length and has a similar thickness and elasticity to skin, so it supports tissue without restricting normal movement.
The tape is latex-free, breathable and water-resistant, and it can be worn for several days, including in the shower, the pool and the sea.
The research points to a few mechanisms that likely work together:
Let's be clear about what tape is and isn't. Research on kinesiology taping is mixed. It works best as part of a complete treatment plan, and it doesn't replace the treatment itself. Used that way, clinically and with purpose, it can make a real difference to how you feel and move between sessions.
Who it's for
Patellar and IT band support for runners and hikers, applied to reduce load while we fix the movement pattern underneath.
Postural and stability support for surfers, swimmers, tennis players and lifters dealing with impingement or rotator cuff irritation.
Support for the low back during flare-ups, and postural cueing for desk workers and anyone with forward head posture.
Lymphatic taping after sprains, strains and surgery to help manage swelling and support recovery.
The difference
Anyone can buy a roll of kinesiology tape. The value is in knowing where to put it, how much tension to use and which muscle or tissue to target, and that depends entirely on what's actually driving the problem.
At Body Tune Up, taping is always informed by assessment. We use functional movement assessment and NeuroKinetic Therapy® muscle testing to find which muscles are underperforming and which are overworking, then tape to support that specific pattern. The tape keeps working between sessions, reinforcing what we did on the table.
Our method
We identify what is driving your pain and what the tape needs to do: support, offload, reduce swelling or cue better posture.
Taping is usually applied at the end of a physiotherapy or NKT® session, to hold and extend the effect of the hands-on work.
We apply the tape with the correct tension and direction, tell you how long to wear it and show you how to remove it safely. For ongoing issues, we can show you a simple self-application.
Your therapist
Kinesiotaping at Body Tune Up is applied by Tanny, our physiotherapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. She uses it within her physiotherapy and NeuroKinetic Therapy® sessions, alongside her orthopedic and rehab work, from post-injury swelling to shoulder and knee support.
Your visit
The skin needs to be clean, dry and free of oil or lotion for the tape to stick. Some hair may need to be trimmed. Tape typically stays on for three to five days. You can shower, swim and train in it. Pat it dry instead of rubbing.
Remove it slowly, in the direction of hair growth, ideally after softening it with oil or water. If you notice itching, redness or irritation, take it off.
Kinesiotaping isn't suitable over open wounds or fragile skin, and we will check for any skin sensitivities before applying it.
Pricing
Prices in Thai Baht (THB). Packages are valid for 6 months and are non-transferable and non-refundable.
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FAQ
The evidence is mixed. It does not replace treatment. Used as part of a full treatment plan, it can reduce pain, support injured tissue, help manage swelling and improve how a joint feels and moves between sessions.
Usually three to five days. Remove it earlier if it starts peeling or irritates your skin.
Yes. It is water-resistant. Pat it dry afterwards and avoid rubbing it with a towel.
No. The color has no effect on how the tape works. Pick the one you like.
For some simple, ongoing issues we can teach you a self-application. For injuries, it is worth having a practitioner apply it so the placement and tension are correct.
Yes. Taping on its own is ฿300 per joint, and it is included in every physiotherapy session. For a new injury, we recommend starting with a physiotherapy session so we know exactly what to tape and why.
