From Kinesiology Tape to Everyday Support: How Physical Therapy Inspired Our Design

If you’ve ever had kinesiology tape applied to your back or shoulders, you know that subtle, supportive feeling, like a gentle reminder to stand taller and open up your chest. It’s not restrictive, but it cues your body to engage the right muscles and maintain better posture.

As a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Piper has spent years using kinesiology tape to help patients improve their posture and alleviate discomfort. While effective, the tape is temporary and not always convenient for daily life.

This led us to a pivotal question: What if that same supportive cue could be integrated into something you wear every day?

The Science Behind the Support

Research supports the effectiveness of kinesiology taping in improving posture. A study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that both kinesiology taping and therapeutic exercises significantly improved forward head posture over a five-week period, with benefits maintained at a two-week follow-up.

Another study in Diagnostics demonstrated that kinesiology taping effectively improved postural control, balance, gait, coordination, and reduced pain in patients with low back pain.

These findings highlight how external cues, like those provided by kinesiology tape, can positively influence posture and movement patterns.

Integrating Support into Everyday Wear

Inspired by these insights, we set out to design a bra that offers similar postural support without the need for tape. Our goal was to create a garment that not only provides comfort and functionality but also subtly encourages better posture throughout the day.

The result is a bra that incorporates strategic support elements, drawing from the principles of kinesiology taping, to offer continuous, gentle reminders to maintain optimal posture, whether you’re nursing, working, or on the move.

Looking Ahead

All of us at Pipperly are excited to share more about our design and how it can make a difference in daily comfort and posture support. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to develop and refine our products.