Evidence-Based Kinesiology Taping for Massage Therapists

Presenter: Kerry Gustafson LMT, ATL, ATC MA60301642

Class Format: In-person, Hands-on

About the Class: Kinesiology taping has become one of the most widely utilized clinical interventions in manual therapy. Frequently applied to reduce musculoskeletal pain, the modality is also popular for claims regarding improvements in muscle strength, range of motion, lymphatic drainage/swelling, and overall functional outcomes. However, despite widespread commercial training programs, high-quality research validating specific taping patterns, directions, or exact tape tensions remains surprisingly scarce. This course bridges the gap between commercial hype and clinical reality. By adopting a transparent, scientifically grounded approach, participants will learn to navigate the limitations of current literature while maximizing the true therapeutic effects of tape. By integrating the best available evidence with practical clinical experience and individual patient presentation, you will learn how to seamlessly incorporate taping into a standard massage session for post-treatment support and extended therapeutic carryover.

First Half: The Scientific Basis of Taping: Critical review of proposed physiological mechanisms, including neurosensory input, soft-tissue decompression, and pain modulation via the gate control theory. We’ll take an honest look at what the research actually supports versus common industry claims regarding tension percentages, directional recoil, and specialized application patterns.

Second Half: Practical Skills & Clinical Applications Pain & Sensory Modulation. Hands-on protocols targeting acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Through edema & swelling Management, we’ll cover techniques for supporting lymphatic drainage and bruise recovery following tissue trauma.

What to Bring: Please bring massage tables as well as $5 cash for a tape supply fee.

About the Presenter: As an athletic trainer and massage therapist, Kerry uses her background in sport biomechanics, performance enhancement, movement quality, and muscles imbalances to specialize in all aspects of human performance.

Kerry Gustafson is the owner and founder of Prime Sports Institute, a multidisciplinary sports medicine facility that integrates physical therapy, sports medicine, fitness, exercise recovery, and sports performance training in Bellingham, WA. Established 2012. Kerry loves teaching and making complex concepts simple and easy to apply immediately. Her teaching incorporates both her sports medicine and massage therapy disciplines to broaden your skills as a practitioner.

Presenter Website: https://www.primebellingham.com/kerry-gustafson