Kinesiology taping

Elastic tape applied to the skin, distinct from rigid athletic taping.

Sport5 of 9 professions covered

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At a glance

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DC, ChiropractorChiropractor
Varies by stateChiropractic laws rarely name elastic taping; some state rules allow supports and similar add-on measures while narrower laws say nothing about them, so whether it is allowed depends on your state board.Updated October 10, 2026
PT, Physical therapistPhysical therapist
Within scopeTaping is part of entry-level physical therapist practice, though most practice acts cover it only through general wording about supportive devices.Updated October 10, 2026
PTA, Physical therapist assistantPhysical therapist assistant
Not yet covered
OT, Occupational therapistOccupational therapist
Within scopeOccupational therapists use elastic taping as part of a broader treatment plan; practice acts rarely name it.Updated October 10, 2026
OTA, Occupational therapy assistantOccupational therapy assistant
Not yet covered
AT, Athletic trainerAthletic trainer
Within scopeTaping is a routine athletic training skill; practice acts usually cover it under general language about supportive devices rather than naming elastic tape.Updated October 10, 2026
LMT, Massage therapistMassage therapist
Varies by stateMassage therapy laws rarely mention elastic taping; Mississippi's board treats it as an add-on method, so whether you may use it depends on your state board.Updated October 10, 2026
CSCS, Strength and conditioning specialistStrength and conditioning specialist
Not yet covered
CPT, Personal trainerPersonal trainer
Not yet covered

Stretchy cotton tape is applied along muscles or joints. It is different from the rigid tape used to stabilize an ankle.

The same technique can carry different names in different practice acts. The word a statute uses can decide who may perform it.

Names for Kinesiology taping across professions
Profession	Term in practice acts	Note
Across professions	Kinesiology tape
Across professions	Elastic therapeutic tape	Generic term; several brands

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