Taping Taping Taping is often used by physical therapists to augment your rehab program.10 The tape is made of a flexible fabric that stretches and pulls as you move. It may be used for various functions, which may include: Muscle inhibition, Muscle facilitation, Bruising and swelling management, Pain relief. Kinesiology tape is applied to the skin, and it can be kept in place for a few days. Caution should be used; since K-tape is a newer treatment modality, it has yet to be fully tested, and gains made with it may be due to the placebo effect.