5 Conditions When You Should Not Use KT Tape
KT Tape is highly effective for a large number of various pains and injuries*. However, there are a few conditions when KT Tape should not be used. One of the key benefits KT Tape provides is improvement of fluid circulation in the body. However, there are times when facilitating circulation of fluid could be harmful. In these instances KT Tape should not be used.
Please note that the following is provided for reference and this list does not include all conditions that may be contraindicated. If there are any questions or doubt about whether or not KT Tape is appropriate for a specific treatment method, please consult a licensed physician.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT, or blood clots) - It could be fatal if a clot were to break free and travel to the heart, brain, or lungs. Taping for a clot is very dangerous and should never be done.
- Renal Insufficiency - If the kidneys are not able to handle the fluid in the body, it is very dangerous to send more fluid back to them. Taping any portion of the body during a state of renal insufficiency creates a risk for kidney failure.
- Congestive Heart Failure - This is the same idea as renal insufficiency. Moving fluid back to a failing heart can overwork it.
- Infection - Tape should never be applied in the vicinity of any infection. Moving fluid associated with an infection can cause the infection to spread.
- Cancer - If cancerous cells are present anywhere in the body, taping can cause the spread of those cells to other areas. Without exception, tape should never be used with malignancies.
As always, if there are any questions or doubt about whether or not KT Tape is an appropriate treatment method, please consult a licensed physician.
Information provided by Dr. Cindy Bailey.
*KT Tape not clinically proven for all injuries.
Written by KT Tape Team
The KT Tape Team is a collective of passionate experts in kinesiology, sports medicine, athletic training, and fitness innovation. United by a mission to empower movement and recovery, the team brings together decades of experience working with athletes—from elite professionals to weekend warriors—across a wide range of sports and activity levels. Through rigorous research, collaboration with healthcare professionals, and feedback from real users, KT Tape has developed a line of products trusted around the world for pain relief, support for injuries, athletic recovery, and empowering movement. Whether it's developing application guides, supporting major sporting events, or advancing the science of movement, the KT Tape Team is committed to helping people stay active, recover effectively, and perform at their best. KT Tape isn’t just a product—it’s a movement, and the team behind it is here to support yours.
