Understanding MS and Movement
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects how the brain and body communicate. As the protective myelin around nerves is damaged, people with MS often experience changes in balance, coordination, sensation, and muscle tone. These challenges can make everyday movements, from standing to walking to grasping an object more difficult and tiring.
Traditional care focuses on medications and physical therapy. But in recent years, there’s growing interest in complementary tools that support how people feel and move in daily life. One of those tools is kinesiology tape.
At RockTape, our FMT (Functional Movement Training) methodology teaches professionals how to use tape as a way to influence the brain through the body. We don’t use tape to “fix” posture or “hold” joints in place. We use it to improve sensory feedback (what the brain feels), which in turn changes how the body moves.
What the Research Says
Several recent studies have explored how kinesiology tape can support people with MS.
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Cortesi et al., 2011 (NeuroRehabilitation)
This early pilot study showed that applying kinesiology tape to the legs of people with MS led to improved standing balance compared to no tape. Participants reported feeling more stable and confident when standing and moving. The authors suggested that the light, elastic tension of the tape may enhance sensory input from the skin, helping the brain better detect body position (proprioception). -
Erdeo et al., 2025 (Neurological Sciences)
This newer and larger study confirmed those findings. Individuals with MS who received kinesiology taping demonstrated significant improvements in both static and dynamic balance, particularly when combined with rehabilitation exercises. The authors proposed that the tape may act as a “reminder” to the nervous system, improving postural awareness and muscle activation patterns. -
Castelli et al., 2025 (Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies)
This study focused on manual dexterity, applying tape to the forearm and hand. Participants who received real taping showed better performance on hand coordination tests compared to those in the sham (placebo) group. The researchers concluded that taping may help recalibrate fine motor control by enhancing sensory feedback and neural recruitment.
Collectively, these studies point to one key takeaway: Kinesiology tape doesn’t just affect muscles and joints. It affects the nervous system.
The Science Behind the Sensation
From an FMT perspective, the tape’s benefit isn’t in the material itself, it’s in how the body responds to it.
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The light stretch of the tape lifts the skin microscopically, stimulating the sensory receptors beneath.
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Improved sensory feedback helps the brain better coordinate muscle activation and balance responses.
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The result is often a subtle but noticeable improvement in stability, confidence, and control.
For people with MS, whose sensory pathways can be disrupted, this small “nudge” can have a meaningful impact.
What This Means in Practice
For professionals (therapists, trainers, rehab specialists):
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Think of tape as a neurosensory tool, not a mechanical brace.
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Apply tape with the goal of stimulating awareness in key regions, such as the calves, quadriceps, or forearms, depending on balance or coordination goals.
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Combine taping with functional movement patterns: sit-to-stand drills, gait retraining, or fine motor tasks.
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Remember that the tape’s influence is temporary, but it can help reinforce the new sensory patterns created through movement practice.
For those living with MS or supporting someone who is:
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Kinesiology tape may help with day-to-day balance, coordination, and movement confidence.
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It’s comfortable, wearable for days, and can be applied easily with professional guidance.
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Some people report reduced fatigue or improved control when walking or performing tasks that require precision.
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Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning a taping routine, especially if you have skin sensitivities or circulation issues.
The Bigger Picture
Research on kinesiology taping in MS is still growing, but the results are promising. When used with intention, through the “less is more” philosophy we teach in FMT, tape becomes a bridge between the nervous system and movement practice.
At RockTape, we often say: “We don’t tape muscles, we tape movement.”
For people living with MS, that simple concept may open new doors to feeling and moving better.
References
- Cortesi M, Cattaneo D, Jonsdottir J. Effect of kinesio taping on standing balance in subjects with multiple sclerosis: A pilot study. NeuroRehabilitation. 2011;28(4):365–372.
- Erdeo F, Uca AU, Çankaya M, Yılmaz NA. Does kinesio taping affect balance in individuals with multiple sclerosis? Neurol Sci. 2025;46(7):3183–3190.
- Castelli L, et al. The impact of Kinesio Taping on manual dexterity in Multiple Sclerosis. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2025;40:907–913.
- Cupler ZA et al. Taping for conditions of the musculoskeletal system: An evidence map review. Chiropr Man Therap. 2020;28:52.
- Tran L et al. Efficacy of Kinesio Taping Compared to Other Treatment Modalities in Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Res Sports Med. 2023;31(4):416–439.