Have you ever see professional athletes wearing fancy taping patterns around their shoulders, knees and other regions? Does it actually work or is it all a bunch of hocus pocus? Can average Americans use this tape during their rehab sessions? Have you ever wondered what kinesiotape is and what exactly does it do? 
Well for starters, they are designed to provide muscle or joint support. If you have a minor injury, sprain or strain, a taping technique can provide support and stability to muscles/joints without restricting the body’s range of motion like a brace or a sling would. This means kinesiotape is for everyone, not just for James Harden! It provides extended soft tissue manipulation and facilitates some lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This may allow for decreased inflammation to the affected area and reduced pain. It can stay on your skin for up to 5 days. They also come in assorted colors to give it a fashionable look too!
There are specific tensions and application methods for the taping. This tape will not work if you just place it anywhere or in any which direction on the skin. Many professional athletes, including James Harden form the Houston Rockets, has a professional apply the tape onto his shoulder to reap the benefits! He has trained and educated professionals applying this tape specific to his exact needs. 
So if you have pain with movement or with playing a sport, give it a shot and see if it can help you! At Wellness One, our highly trained clinicians can apply the tape correctly for optimal benefit and even teach YOU how to do it yourself. And then you be the judge and determine if it actually works for you.
Haider Rizvi, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)
Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT)
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)