Kinesiotape is a special type of elastic tape that can stretch to around 100% of its normal length. It is designed to mimic human skin, more specifically the epidermis, having a relatively similar thickness and elasticity.

Depending on how far the tape is stretched and how it is applied, it exerts a "pulling" effect on the skin. Since the skin is fascially connected to the structures lying beneath it - ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints and so on. This "pulling," or in other words this change in pressure, can produce a variety of effects: muscle relaxation or facilitation (enhancement of muscle action), a change in subcutaneous pressure and a reduction of swelling of traumatic or lymphatic origin, a change in the "pull" along a given myofascial meridian, and so on.

Applying kinesiotape requires precise biomechanical analysis, an excellent knowledge of anatomy — both of the structures being targeted and of their connections with other parts of the body, and in particular of topographical anatomy, together with a certain specific feel that develops with practice.