Podcast Summary: Move It or Lose It | Episode 136 | Rock Tape: The Many Uses!

Host: Kathy Chester
Guest: Dr. Steven Capobianco, Co-Founder of Rock Tape, Chiropractor
Date: August 27, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode explores the origins, science, and expanding applications of Rock Tape—a leading brand of kinesiology tape. Host Kathy Chester is joined by Dr. Steven Capobianco, Rock Tape's co-founder, who discusses the product’s development, its original and evolving uses, and its particular relevance for people living with autoimmune conditions like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The conversation is a blend of personal stories, science-backed explanations, and practical advice for patients and clinicians alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The History and Development of Rock Tape

• Origins: Dr. Capobianco explains that kinesiology tape dates back to the late 1970s, originally developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase.
  • “I was using another form of kinesiology tape... It just wasn’t lasting.” (02:03)
• Formation of Rock Tape: After being introduced to a superior new tape by a textile expert, Dr. Capobianco and his partner launched Rock Tape around 2010 to address issues of durability and performance.
  • “I called him back a week later and said, what you made here is superior—exactly what I’m looking for.” (03:25)

2. Fundamental Principles Behind Kinesiology Taping

• How it Works: The tape is applied to the skin—highly innervated tissue—to communicate with the brain and "highlight" body areas that may be sensory blind spots.
  • “The only tissue we’re coming in contact with is the skin… it communicates to our central processing unit, our brain.” (08:59)
• Blind Spot Concept: If the brain doesn’t “see” an area, bringing tactile attention to it using tape can improve function and reduce pain.
  • “If we can highlight or bring attention to an area that’s a blind spot… we can actually improve function, we can improve pain.” (09:57)

3. Applications for Autoimmune and Neurological Conditions

• Both Kathy and Dr. Capobianco emphasize that movement is key for MS and autoimmune diseases, and tools like Rock Tape can help make movement safer, reduce inflammation, and support weak joints.
  • “This is not something that’s expensive. This is something that really can work for us.” (12:33)
• Dr. Capobianco frames Rock Tape as a low-risk supplement to medication and standard care.
  • “I just want to be the compliment… It doesn’t mean you have to stop everything else that you’re doing.” (33:56)

4. Science of Fluid Dynamics & Inflammation

• The elasticity of tape microscopically lifts the skin, facilitating “external pumping” of fluid—helpful for both acute and chronic inflammation.
  • “The tape literally lifts the skin away from underlying tissue… it helps to externally pump the fluid out of an area that’s congested.” (14:53)

5. Fascial Movement Taping (FMT) and Education

• Dr. Capobianco wrote “Fascial Movement Taping,” aimed at teaching the underlying neuroscience of taping—the fascia (connective tissue) responds to touch and communicates with the brain just as the skin does.
  • “Fascial would be more accurate… we’ve learned over the last 20 to 30 years that this network of tissue is alive and highly innervated.” (18:24)
• Rock Tape offers courses through FMT Plus for professionals and laypeople.
  • “FMTplus.com is our hub of education… courses range between two to six hours in duration.” (36:53)

6. Product Innovation: Rock Tape & Partnerships

• The partnership with the UK brand Ray/“Rayon” led to tapes with fabrics that provide dynamic support—flexible at low speeds but stiffer for high-impact or fast movements.
  • “At higher speeds, this material will stiffen. So it adds more support to the tissues that need it.” (21:27)
• Three levels of adhesive are provided for different climates and activity levels (gentle, standard, extra sticky).
  • “I would recommend anyone that’s a high mover or sweats a lot… lean more towards the extra sticky.” (25:27)

7. Broadening Access: Beyond Athletes

• Dr. Capobianco underscores his desire to bring techniques once reserved for elite athletes to those with chronic pain and NDs like MS and Parkinson’s.
  • “I want to bring the athletic training room… to the masses, meaning the MS community, the Parkinson’s community… everyone deserves the same assets.” (28:10)
• Kathy echoes the importance of movement and early intervention in MS, sharing her own experiences as both athlete and trainer.

8. Common Concerns & FAQs

• When applied properly, Rock Tape lasts 3-5 days but performance can vary with activity, water exposure, and climate.
  • “This tape is intended to be applied for multiple days… tape has three different levels of adhesion.” (24:53)
• The discussion covers the difference between traditional cupping and neurosensory cupping techniques, highlighting additional educational offerings by Rock Tape.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Power of Movement for Chronic Disease
  “I watched [my relatives] pass away because they just rested. And I’m like, no, that’s a rule I’m not following.” – Kathy (10:21)

• On Expanding Rock Tape’s Mission
  “If I had to be honest with myself… I get so much joy helping those who are not given the tools and resources they deserve. I want to bring the athletic training room to the masses.” – Dr. Capobianco (28:10)

• On Trying New Solutions
  “Lean into the unknown, because quite often you’ll find something that works for you and meets your needs… there’s very little risk and there could be significant upside.” – Dr. Capobianco (40:25)

• On Complimenting (Not Replacing) Medical Care
  “A strip of tape can complement what you’re currently doing. It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop everything else that you’re doing.” – Dr. Capobianco (33:56)

• On Practicality and Trust
  “This is not something that’s expensive. This is something that really… can work for us.” – Kathy (12:33)

Important Timestamps

• Rock Tape Origin Story: 02:03 – 03:41
• Explanation of Sensory Blind Spot: 08:59 – 10:21
• Autoimmune Community Relevance: 12:33 – 13:57
• Fluid Dynamics & Reducing Swelling: 13:57 – 15:34
• Fascial Movement Taping & Book Discussion: 17:37 – 19:59
• Product Science: Rayon Partnership & Smart Tape: 20:32 – 22:18
• Adhesion, Use Conditions, & FAQ: 24:18 – 26:12
• The Future: Broadening Access: 27:31 – 29:00
• Complimenting Standard Care: 33:35 – 33:56
• FMT Plus and Professional Education: 36:53 – 39:27
• Advice for the Community: 40:25 – 41:25

Final Advice & Call to Action

• Dr. Capobianco encourages listeners:
  “Lean into the unknown. I’m not suggesting that tape solves all problems… Sometimes it could be just a simple strip of tape. There’s very little risk and there could be significant upside.” (40:25)
• Kathy reinforces:
  “Don’t be afraid to try new things. This is easy breezy… put it where it hurts. You’re going to see me with it all over.” (41:55)

Resources & Further Information

• Rock Tape & Education: FMTplus.com
• Kathy Chester’s Website: msdisrupted.com

This episode offers validating and accessible information for people with MS, other autoimmune diseases, and anyone interested in innovative approaches to movement and pain—the blend of clinical insight and personal story makes it both instructive and inspiring.