Kinesiology Taping (RockTape) in Albany, CA

What is Kinesiology Taping?

RockTape is a brand of adhesive elastic tape known as kinesiology tape. It was invented by Japanese-American chiropractor Dr Kendo Kase in the 1970's and made famous by Olympic beach volleyball player Kerry Walsh in 2008. Today kinesiology tape is used by practitioners throughout the world to treat injuries and improve sports performance.

While the use of kinesiology taping is often associated with athletes such as Serena Williams and Kerri Walsh, the reality is that RockTape is effective for the treatment of a wide variety of problems, not just sports injuries.

And it comes in lots of cool colors too! 

Why Choose Innate Chiropractic for Kinesiology Taping in Albany?

Kinesiology tape is more than just athletic tape — properly applied, it can support an injured or overworked muscle while still allowing full range of motion, something rigid tape and bracing can't do. Dr. Cohen and Dr. Jenn are both trained in kinesiology taping and use RockTape and KT Tape, leading brands in the field, to support patients throughout Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, and Richmond during recovery and athletic training.

How Kinesiology Taping Works

When applied to the skin, kinesiology tape gently lifts the surface layer, creating a small amount of space between the skin and the tissue underneath. This can reduce pressure on the area, support lymphatic drainage, and improve circulation — all of which help the body's natural healing process. The tape's elasticity also provides ongoing proprioceptive feedback to the brain, helping improve body awareness and correct movement patterns, which is especially useful for patients relearning how to move properly after an injury.

Two Types of Taping We Offer

Fascial Movement (Sports) Taping: Designed to support athletic performance — helping improve form, reduce fatigue, and support blood flow during activity.
Functional (Rehab) Taping: Designed to support recovery — reinforcing proper movement patterns and reducing strain on an injured or healing area.

Conditions Kinesiology Taping May Help With

• Achilles tendinitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Jumper's knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome)
• ACL/MCL issues
• Rotator cuff strain
• Groin and hamstring pulls
• Lower back pain
• Shin splints
• Pain associated with pregnancy
• Postural correction

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does kinesiology tape stay on? RockTape is water-resistant and designed to stay in place for several days, including through showering and light exercise, though this can vary by individual and application area.

Does kinesiology taping hurt? No. Application is painless. Some people notice mild skin sensitivity when the tape is removed, especially with repeated use in the same area.

Is kinesiology taping only for athletes? No. While it's popular with athletes, kinesiology taping is also used for everyday injuries, postural support, lower back pain, and even pregnancy-related discomfort.

Can kinesiology tape be used alongside chiropractic adjustments? Yes. Taping is often used to reinforce and extend the benefit of chiropractic adjustments and other soft tissue work between visits.

What's the difference between Sports Taping and Functional Taping? Sports (Fascial Movement) Taping is geared toward improving athletic performance and reducing fatigue during activity, while Functional (Rehab) Taping is geared toward supporting recovery and reinforcing proper movement patterns after an injury.

Is RockTape safe for sensitive skin? Most patients tolerate kinesiology tape well, but if you have known adhesive sensitivities, let Dr. Cohen or Dr. Jenn know beforehand so they can test a small area first.

Does insurance cover kinesiology taping? Yes. Kinesiology Taping is wrapped together with other myofascial procedures such as ART, Cupping & Fascial Scraping. We use the insurance code 97140 for this. 

How do I get started with kinesiology taping at Innate Chiropractic? Book a consultation with Dr. Cohen or Dr. Jenn to determine whether taping is a good fit alongside your current treatment plan.

Below are just some of the conditions helped with Rocktape:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Jumpers knee (PFS)
• ACL/MCL issues
• Rotator cuff
• Groin and hamstring pulls
• Lower back issues
• Shin splints
• Pain associated with pregnancy
• Postural correction

While we can’t turn a 5 hour marathoner into a 3 hour runner, we do have methods to help you break the 3 hour barrier if you’re already close. When applied properly, Rocktape can help athletes improve form and decrease fatigue through better blood flow. These are the two most critical aspects of increasing performance in almost any sport.

Our office offers both Fascial Movement (Sports Movement) & Functional (Rehab) Taping and both Dr Cohen & Dr Jenn are Trained in Kinesiology Taping.