Kinesio Taping

Helping people with cancer access potentially life-enhancing non-drug therapy

Jane's experience

Research into the potential benefits of Kinesio Taping was one of Jane Tomlinson's final wishes.

Jane received the treatment herself in her final few months and her family reported that it improved her quality of life immeasurably.

For Jane, the tape helped to lift her ribcage, giving her organs - which had swollen during her cancer treatments - more space to move.

It reduced Jane's pain levels and relieved pressure on her stomach, allowing her to eat and drink properly.

Since seeing the dramatic results, Jane and her family have wanted to see if other patients could benefit.

Often the drugs Jane received were worse than the illness itself. In her final months, the one thing that improved her quality of life was the taping. The benefit was immediate and without any side effects

Mike Tomlinson - Husband to late Jane

Our research

Funded by the Appeal, scientists at Leeds Beckett University carried out a three year PhD – the first of its kind – to establish whether Kinesio Taping could help to alleviate some of the symptoms of cancer.

The study was carried out by a multi-disciplinary team, led by Professor of Pain and Analgesia Mark Johnson, and found that Kinesio Taping could help with breathlessness and other cancer-related symptoms.

Prof Johnson explained: “Our research investigated the potential usefulness of kinesiology taping for the management of symptoms in the continuum of cancer care.

“Kinesiology taping is normally used for symptom management of musculoskeletal conditions and involves the application of a thin elasticated self-adhesive cotton-based tape to the skin.

"Our research has found that kinesiology taping may have a role in the management of unpleasant symptoms related to cancer such as pain, abdominal discomfort and breathlessness.”

Kinesio Taping Video
Study Day Classroom

Study days

The Appeal is sharing knowledge of Kinesio Taping techniques and their potential benefits with professionals working in cancer care.

Study days take place across the UK for physiotherapists and nurses working with people with cancer.

The sessions, devised by renowned Team GB physiotherapist Alison Rose, who treated Jane Tomlinson with the therapy, take place several times a year and are fully-funded for professionals working in the NHS or third sector, such as in hospices or community care teams.

To find out more and register your interest in attending a future study day, click below.

Find out more

Our partners

The Appeal would like to thank its partners Rocktape, Coach House Sports Physiotherapy and Leeds Beckett University. Special thanks also to Alison Rose,  Jane Jones and Professor Mark Johnson.