RockTape for Knee Pain: A Research-Informed, Simplified Solution for Active Lifestyles

Introduction

Knee pain can be a relentless barrier, whether you're recovering from ACL surgery, managing osteoarthritis, or pushing through runners/jumpers knee. Enter RockTape—a kinesiology tape designed to support, stabilize, and soothe. Backed by science and refined by simplicity, RockTape offers an accessible way to reclaim movement. In this post, we’ll explore the evidence supporting its use and introduce our streamlined taping method, enhanced by RockSauce Fire for amplified relief.

The Science Behind RockTape for Knee Pain

Research consistently highlights kinesiology tape’s role in reducing pain, improving function, and aiding recovery. Here’s how it benefits specific conditions:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA)

Pain Reduction & Mobility: A 2019 review (Abolhasani et al.) found kinesiology tape significantly reduces pain and improves range of motion in OA patients. Another study (Aydoğdu et al., 2017) reported enhanced clinical outcomes, including better balance and gait.

Muscle Strength: A 2014 RCT (Anandkumar et al.) showed improved quadriceps torque, critical for knee stability.

2. Post-ACL Reconstruction

Proprioception & Strength: A 2023 study (Kielė & Solianik) demonstrated that 4 weeks of taping improved proprioception, strength, and balance in ACL patients, aiding safer rehabilitation.

Post-Surgical Edema: Research (Hörmann et al., 2020) suggests taping may reduce swelling, though more studies are needed.

3. Patellofemoral Pain (Runners/Jumpers Knee)

Alignment & Activation: Taping corrects patellar tracking and reduces pain during activity (Song et al., 2015).

4. Immediate Relief

Even short-term use eases pain and improves mood in degenerative arthritis (Han et al., 2018).

Simplified Taping: Less Is More

Forget intricate patterns—our approach prioritizes ease and efficacy:

Step 1: The Single Strip (Band-Aid Method)

How: Apply one strip over the pain site (e.g., below the kneecap for jumpers knee). Start with little to no stretch to the tape and increase up to 50% (stretch) until you obtain the intended response.

Why: Research (Mao et al., 2021) confirms even minimal taping boosts proprioception and reduces discomfort.

Step 2: X-Marks the Spot (If Needed)

If you didn't achieve the intended outcome, add an “X” over the primary strip for extra support in stubborn cases.

Amplify Results with RockSauce Fire

Pair RockTape with RockSauce Fire, our topical analgesic, to combine mechanical support with chemical stimulation:

How: Apply RockSauce Fire to the skin before taping. Its warming formula enhances blood flow, while the tape lifts the skin to reduce pressure on pain receptors.

Why: Synergy matters. The tape’s physical support + RockSauce’s menthol/capsaicin blend creates a dual-action solution for deeper relief.

Key Takeaways

Evidence-Based: Studies validate kinesiology tape’s role in pain management, strength, and mobility.

Simple Application: Start with one strip—no expertise required.

Enhanced Relief: X-Marks the Spot & RockSauce Fire elevates the tape’s benefits.

Conclusion

RockTape isn’t just a trend—it’s a tool grounded in science and refined for real-life use. Whether you’re rehabbing an injury or chasing peak performance, our simplified approach (with a kick of RockSauce Fire) empowers you to move freely. 

Ready to try? Grab your tape and sauce, and step into comfort.

Learn More - www.rocktape.com and www.fmtplus.com 

References

1. Maryam Abolhasani, Farzin Halabchi, Elahe Afsharnia, Vahideh Moradi, Lee Ingle, Ardalan Shariat, Azadeh Hakakzadeh. (2019). Effects of kinesiotaping on knee osteoarthritis: a literature review. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 15(4):498-503.
2. Han JW, Lee DK, Park CB. The immediate effects of taping therapy on knee pain and depression in patients with degenerative arthritis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2018;30(5):704–6.
3. Song, C. Y., Huang, H. Y., Chen, S. C., Lin, J. J., & Chang, A. H. (2015). Effects of femoral rotational taping on pain, lower extremity kinematics, and muscle activation in female patients with patellofemoral pain. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 18(4), 388-393.
4. Aydoğdu, O., Sari, Z., Yurdalan, S. U., & Polat, M. G. (2017). Clinical outcomes of kinesio taping applied in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, 30(5), 1045-1051.
5. Anandkumar, S., Sudarshan, S., & Nagpal, P. (2014). Efficacy of kinesio taping on isokinetic quadriceps torque in knee osteoarthritis: a double blinded randomized controlled study. Physiotherapy theory and practice, 30(6), 375-383. 34.    
6. Mao HY, Hu MT, Yen YY, Lan SJ, Lee SD. Kinesio Taping Relieves Pain and Improves Isokinetic Not Isometric Muscle Strength in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Oct 4;18(19):10440. doi: 10.3390/ijerph181910440. PMID: 34639740; PMCID: PMC8507801.
7. Abolhasani M, Halabchi F, Honarpishe R, Cleland JA, Hakakzadeh A. Effects of kinesiotape on pain, range of motion, and functional status in patients with osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. J Exerc Rehabil. 2019 Aug 28;15(4):603-609. doi: 10.12965/jer.1938290.145. Erratum in: J Exerc Rehabil. 2019 Oct 28;15(5):736. PMID: 31523684; PMCID: PMC6732534.
8. Cakmak MF, Cigdem-Karacay B. The effect of kinesio taping on edema, pain, and functionality after total knee arthroplasty: A randomised sham-controlled double blinded clinical study. J Orthop Sci. 2023 Jun 10:S0949-2658(23)00140-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jos.2023.05.012. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37308332.
9. Baykal T, Köfkeci MN, Çelik GA, Erdemir E, Soyupek F. Acute effect of kinesiotaping on pain, balance and gait performance in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled study. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2023;36(4):969-977. doi: 10.3233/BMR-220357. PMID: 37092216.
10. Abolhasani M, Halabchi F, Afsharnia E, Moradi V, Ingle L, Shariat A, Hakakzadeh A. Effects of kinesiotaping on knee osteoarthritis: a literature review. J Exerc Rehabil. 2019 Aug 28;15(4):498-503. doi: 10.12965/jer.1938364.182. PMID: 31523668; PMCID: PMC6732535.
11. Hörmann J, Vach W, Jakob M, Seghers S, Saxer F. Kinesiotaping for postoperative oedema - what is the evidence? A systematic review. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2020 Mar 2;12:14. doi: 10.1186/s13102-020-00162-3. PMID: 32158546; PMCID: PMC7052984.
12. Kielė, Dovilė1,2; Solianik, Rima1,2. Four-Week Application of Kinesiotaping Improves Proprioception, Strength, and Balance in Individuals With Complete Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 37(1):p 213-219, January 2023.