Does Athletic Tape Work, Or Is It A Case Of Placebo Effect?

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - If you're an athlete, or have a nagging injury, you've probably seen the ads. Athletic tape – like KT Tape – claims to reduce pain and cure your aches. But does it work?

The concept seems simple enough – just place the tape over the joint or muscle that hurts. There are several brands on the market, including KT Tape, kinesiology tape, Rock Tape, Leukotape, Strength Tape and more.

Most cost between $3 and $20 per roll.

Some companies even set up application stations at places that athletes frequent, like running expos, and have professionals on site to help you apply the tape properly. While the tape does come with application instructions, getting the tape in the right spot can be tricky. Many healthcare workers say it's best if a trained professional applies it.

The idea is that once the tape is on, pain is reduced and muscles are relaxed.

"By your skin feeling it, it sends a signal to your brain. Your brain sends a signal back to control certain muscles, so you get the feeling you want to feel – whether it be your posture or better positioning, or better strength," says Dr. Victor Prisk of the orthopedic surgery department at West Penn Hospital.

Some health professionals swear by it.

"I use it a lot," says Erin Hale, a hand therapist at St. Clair Hospital. "I use it for myself. I use it on about 50 percent of the patients that I treat. Even if it just takes the edge off the pain, it's going to help them do their exercises and get them better, faster."

The tape is water-proof and sweat-proof, and can last several days.

But several small studies have shown no difference in performance between athletes who wear the tape, and athletes who wrap their sore muscles with sticky, stretchy fabric.

Some researchers say the studies support the idea that using the athletic tape creates a placebo effect for athletes. In essence, if an athlete believes the tape helps, it will help.

"KT Tape can be very beneficial for patients that are also receiving education on how to retrain those muscles," says Lauren Cerqua of St. Clair Hospital's physical therapy department. "But, on its own? I think it would be better used with other therapies."