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Kinesiology taping is a popular technique in equine rehabilitation therapy, offering potential benefits for horses recovering from muscle strain, joint issues, and various injuries.
Originally developed for human athletes, kinesiology tape is now used by veterinarians and equine bodywork practitioners to support a horse’s natural movement, improve proprioception, and provide support to muscles and joints.
Incorporating kinesiology taping into a comprehensive rehabilitation program may contribute to improved recovery and performance in horses. This article covers the fundamentals of kinesiology taping for horses, its practical applications, and its place in injury rehabilitation.
Kinesiology Taping for Horses
Kinesiology taping (also referred to as kinesio or kin taping) is a therapeutic modality in which elastic tape is applied to specific areas on a horse’s body. It is purported to support healing and improve physical function.
Originally developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1979 for human athletes, this technique has gained popularity in equine rehabilitation. [1] Unlike traditional bandaging, which limits motion, kinesiology tape is designed to allow full range of movement while providing support to the treatment area.
Kinesiology tape is composed of cotton elastic fibers that can stretch up to 140% of their resting length, intended to mimic the skin’s natural elasticity. The tape can adhere for up to five days, offering ongoing support without limiting the horse’s mobility. [1]
Effects of Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology tape is purported to affect five areas of the horse’s body that play a role in injury recovery and wellness: [1]
- Skin: Kinesiology tape lifts the skin, creating space between layers. This action is purported to improve circulation, relieve pressure on pain receptors, and reduce inflammation by reducing vascular congestion and stimulating local blood flow.
- Fascia: This is connective tissue that covers muscles and organs. Kinesiology taping is intended to support fascial movement, potentially improving mobility and reducing discomfort associated with postural imbalances.
- Muscle: Kinesiology tape is intended to support muscle function by influencing the body’s proprioceptive feedback (i.e., awareness of limb and body positioning). Depending on how the tape is applied, it may either promote relaxation or stimulation of targeted muscles, potentially benefiting horses with muscle strain or imbalances.
- Lymphatic system: Kinesiology tape is designed to create small lifts in the skin’s surface, which may encourage fluid movement in the underlying tissues. This could help reduce swelling and contribute to tissue recovery.
- Joints: The proprioceptive feedback provided by kinesiology tape may support joint alignment, which could help horses with joint-related issues.
Benefits of Kinesiology Taping
When applied correctly, kinesiology tape may offer the following potential benefits for equine care:
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Provides non-restrictive support to enable full range of motion
- Supports muscle function
- Support of tendons and ligaments
- Supports proprioception to prevent re-injury and optimize movement during recovery
- Improves lymphatic drainage and blood circulation
- May aid in reducing pain and inflammation
- Provides non-restrictive support, allowing for a full range of motion
- Supports muscle function during movement
- May support tendons and ligaments
- May improve proprioceptive feedback to reduce the risk of re-injury
- May facilitate lymphatic flow and improve blood circulation
It’s important to remember that each horse’s needs are unique, varying with factors such as age, health status, and type of work. Kinesiology taping should be tailored to the individual horse, taking these factors into account to support their recovery and performance.
Pain & Inflammation
Kinesiology taping can be used as one component of a comprehensive treatment plan to help manage pain and inflammation in equine athletes. [1][2]
The technique is purported to work based on the “pain-gate theory,” in which the tape’s compressive or decompressive effect on skin receptors interferes with pain signals being sent to the brain. In horses, this may contribute to reduced discomfort, particularly for those experiencing chronic pain or soreness from overexertion. [1][2]
Kinesiology tape may also help reduce inflammation, which can be useful for horses experiencing muscle fatigue or soreness after training. By increasing local blood flow, the tape may assist in relieving heat, redness, and swelling. [1][2]
Practitioners may recommend kinesiology taping as part of a management plan for both acute injuries and chronic conditions. This approach may support recovery while potentially reducing the need for medications that carry side effects. [1][2]
Range of Motion
Kinesiology tape is designed to be flexible, so it can support muscle function without restricting movement. This elasticity is purported to help the horse maintain mobility, even during intense physical activity. [1]
During a horse’s recovery and gradual return to performance, kinesiology tape may offer gentle support to specific muscle and joint areas while allowing a full range of motion. This can help maintain natural movement, potentially assisting in muscle conditioning and fitness development.
Muscle Function
Kinesiology taping is purported to help retrain motor patterns, which may be useful in preventing secondary injuries that occur as the result of compensatory movements. [1]
By supporting natural movement and alignment, kinesiology taping may help minimize strain on surrounding tissues, potentially reducing the risk of injury. [1]
Tendons and Ligaments
Tendons and ligaments in a performance horse’s body undergo significant stress, particularly during jumping competitions and high-speed activities like barrel racing. This makes them susceptible to strains and other injuries.
Kinesiology tape can be applied to provide targeted support to key connective tissues without immobilizing them. This flexibility may be beneficial during the rehabilitation phase of tendon or ligament injuries, where the goal is to promote healing without limiting movement completely. [3][4]
Proprioception
Proprioception is the horse’s awareness of where its body and limbs are in space and relative to one another. Kinesiology taping techniques are believed to improve proprioceptive awareness, by giving the horse feedback on limb positioning and encouraging proper movement patterns. [1]
Lymphatic Drainage & Blood Circulation
Another potential benefit of kinesiology taping is its role in supporting lymphatic drainage in areas of application. By gently lifting the skin, the tape is thought to encourage the flow of lymphatic fluids, which helps remove waste products from tissues. [1]
Kinesiology tape may also help maintain local blood flow, improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients while assisting in the removal of waste from tissues. [1]
This effect may be helpful for equine athletes recovering from intense workouts, as it could assist in reducing post-exercise soreness and minimizing fluid buildup in specific areas. By supporting circulation, the tape may also provide benefits for horses recovering from injuries. [1]
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Equine Applications
Much like in human medicine, kinesiology taping is used in horses to provide targeted support to muscles and other structures during exercise. It is commonly applied in rehabilitation settings and is gaining popularity as a training aid for high-performance horses, especially those at risk of re-injury after a previous incident.
Common areas of focus for practitioners employing equine kinesiology tape include:
- Neck and shoulders
- Back and lumbar region
- Lower limbs
- Stifle and hock
- Pelvis and hips
It’s important to consult your veterinarian before using adjunct therapies like kinesiology taping for your horse. Your veterinarian can guide you to a qualified practitioner to protect your horse’s safety during training and rehabilitation.
Neck & Shoulders
The neck and shoulders are common areas of stiffness and discomfort in performance horses, particularly those involved in disciplines such as dressage, jumping, or eventing.
These horses often engage their neck and shoulder muscles intensively, placing strain on structures like the trapezius, brachiocephalic, and pectoral muscles.
Kinesiology taping in this region may benefit horses prone to neck and shoulder stiffness or those showing signs of discomfort during movements that require bending or lateral flexion.
By helping to reduce tension in these areas, kinesiology tape may support improved posture and alignment, which is important for maintaining a smooth, unrestricted gait. Additionally, by promoting blood flow, the tape can aid in minimizing muscle soreness in high-stress regions. [1]
Back & Lumbar Region
Back pain is a common issue for many horses, particularly those with weaker core strength or those engaged in physically demanding disciplines. The lumbar region is susceptible to fatigue and tension, which can affect the horse’s ability to carry a rider or perform challenging maneuvers.
Applying kinesiology tape along the back muscles, particularly in the lumbar area, may help improve circulation and reduce muscle tightness in the area. For horses with chronic soreness or back pain, kinesiology taping may alleviate discomfort by maintaining blood flow to the area, which supports tissue healing and reduces muscle stiffness. [1][2][5][6]
This application can also be helpful for horses with kissing spines or other structural back issues by providing support while allowing them to move freely. Further, taping encourages proper muscle function, which may help prevent compensatory patterns that can exacerbate back pain. [1][2][5][6]
Lower Limbs
The lower limbs endure the majority of a horse’s physical activity, making them prone to injuries like tendon strains, ligament tears, and joint inflammation. Kinesiology taping may help support these areas during recovery and training by promoting circulation and reducing swelling in the lower limbs. [1]
When applied to areas like the tendons and joints, such as the suspensory ligament or the flexor tendons, kinesiology tape may help stabilize these structures without restricting movement, encouraging fluid drainage and reducing inflammation. This gentle support may also lower the risk of reinjury. [1]
For horses recovering from tendon or ligament strains, taping can help manage pain and swelling while supporting mobility. In high-impact disciplines like racing or show jumping, kinesiology tape can also be used preventively during training to help protect joints and tendons. [1]
Stifles & Hocks
The stifles and hocks are critical yet vulnerable joints in a horse’s hind limbs, often affected by conditions such as arthritis, osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and joint inflammation due to repetitive stress and weight-bearing demands.
Applying kinesiology tape to the stifles and hocks may provide non-invasive support for joint function, assist with reducing inflammation, and offer proprioceptive feedback that could improve the horse’s joint awareness. This can help encourage correct movement patterns and reduce compensatory stress. [1][7][8]
Illustration: Dr. Ana Mesa, PhD
When applied to the stifle joint, kinesiology tape may assist in managing conditions like locking stifles or muscle weakness by promoting stability and supporting neuromuscular function. For hocks, where issues like arthritis or bone spavin are common, taping can provide gentle support to encourage improved range of motion while maintaining flexibility. [1][7][8]
Pelvic and Hip Area
The pelvic and hip area, though less commonly taped than the limbs, can benefit from kinesiology taping, especially for horses with hind-end weakness or stiffness. This region plays a major role in generating propulsion, particularly in performance horses needing power and agility.
Taping the pelvic area may help reduce stiffness and improve mobility. For horses recovering from hip or pelvic injuries, kinesiology tape offers gentle support that may aid alignment and reduce strain on affected tissues. [1] Taping may also assist in muscle activation, improving strength and stability around the joints. [3]
Kinesiology Tape for Rehabilitation
Kinesiology taping can be a useful addition to a comprehensive rehabilitation and training plan when combined with other treatment practices. Other rehabilitation modalities used in horses include: [4][8][9]
- Chiropractic care: A form of manual therapy where joints are manipulated within their range of motion to improve performance and reduce pain.
- Massage therapy: This modality involves manipulating and massaging the horse’s skin and muscles to relieve muscle tension and release myofascia (“knots”) that are restricting movement.
- Cold and heat therapy: Cold therapy, often used immediately following an injury, helps minimize swelling and inflammation. Conversely, heat therapy is beneficial for loosening tight muscles before a workout or therapy session.
- Exercise and physical therapy: During rehabilitation, horses should follow a tailored exercise routine to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility.
To improve the results of kinesiology taping and other rehabilitative modalities, it’s best to consult with a qualified practitioner who can take your horse’s specific needs and case history into account.
Owners may be able to learn how to place kinesiology tape effectively at home, but it’s safest for you and your horse to do so with guidance and training from an experienced rehabilitation practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about kinesiology tape for horses:
Current research supporting the effects of kinesiology taping has primarily been conducted in humans. Preliminary findings support kinesiology tape as an effective modality in horses, but more research is required. [1][6][8]
Yes, kinesiology tape is designed to stay on during exercise, provided it is applied properly. It may improve proprioceptive feedback, helping the horse maintain balance and engage muscles effectively during activity. [1]
It is recommended that kinesiology taping is performed by a qualified practitioner, especially for complex injuries or specific techniques. However, with proper training and guidance, horse owners can learn to apply tape for basic support.
Summary
Kinesiology tape is an adjunct therapy which is gaining popularity as a rehabilitation and ongoing training support for performance horses.
- Kinesiology tape can provide stability to recovering joints without significantly restricting movement.
- This method also has potential benefits in supporting pain management, reducing inflammation, promoting healing, and improving proprioception.
- Common sites for kinesiology taping in horses include the neck, shoulders, back, and limbs.
- Work with your veterinarian to find a qualified practitioner when seeking kinesiology taping options for your horse.
References
- Molle. S., Kinesiology Taping Fundamentals for the Equine Athlete. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice. 2016.
- King. M. R. et al., Effects of Elastic Therapeutic Tape on Thoracolumbar Epaxial Muscle Pain in Horses. Journal of Equine Rehabilitation. 2024.
- Buchner, H. H. F., & Schildboeck, U. Physiotherapy applied to the horse: A review. Equine Veterinary Journal. 2006.
- Atalaia, T., et al. Equine rehabilitation: A scoping review of the literature. Animals. 2021. View Summary
- Ericson. C. et al., The Effect of Kinesiologytape on Flexion-Extension of the Thoracolumbar Back in Horses at Trot. Animals. 2020. View Summary
- Garcia P. M. and Forés J. P., Evaluation of Kinesiology Taping Applied to the Equine Thoracolumbar Spine: Clinical Response and Mechanical Nociceptive Threshold. Journal of Veterinary Medical Research. 2021.
- Boswell. J. C., Osteochondrosis of the Tarsocrural Joint in Horses - Musculoskeletal System. MSD Veterinary Manual. 2015.
- Jones. K., Honors College Thesis: Equine Kinesiology Tape Application to Equine Hock Joints: Impact on Lameness and Movement Evaluation. Murray State University. 2022.
- Scott. M. and Swenson. L. A., Evaluating the Benefits of Equine Massage Therapy: A Review of the Evidence and Current Practices. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2009.
