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Neck Taping

Learn how to support neck osteoarthritis with kinesiology tape

Follow our step-by-step kinesiology taping guide to ease pain from neck osteoarthritis, reduce stiffness, and add cervical stability — at home or as a continuation of physiotherapy treatment.

CureTape — How to tape for neck osteoarthritis stability

Do you suffer from neck osteoarthritis and are you looking for extra support and pain relief?

Osteoarthritis in the neck is fairly common. As the cartilage between the cervical vertebrae gradually deteriorates, it can cause pain during movement and lead to stiff muscles in the neck. Headaches are another well-known symptom. This condition affects quality of life and daily movement, and is often managed in combination with physiotherapy treatment.

This taping method combines a relaxing Y-strip alongside the cervical spine with a stabilising I-strip across the base of the neck. It can be used as a continuation of therapy at home between treatments. Because it involves the neck, it is advisable to ask someone for help when applying the tape.

Benefits

This taping method may help with:

Relieve pain

Reduce neck pain from arthritic degeneration of the cervical vertebrae

Add stability

Extra support for the cervical vertebrae during daily movement

Reduce stiffness

Improve neck mobility and ease of movement throughout the day

Bridge between treatments

Continue therapy support between physiotherapy sessions at home

Conditions

It can be applied for:

Cervical osteoarthritis (spondylosis)

Degenerative changes in the cervical vertebrae causing pain and stiffness

Neck stiffness

Limited range of motion and discomfort when turning or bending the head

Cervical instability

Feeling of weakness or lack of control in the neck region

Osteoarthritis-related headaches

Headaches originating from cervical joint degeneration

Video Guide

Self-taping for neck osteoarthritis and stability


Tips to ensure your taping treatment goes smoothly:

Read the instructions carefully before you begin taping.

Since it involves the neck, ask someone to help with the application.

Select the tape colour you prefer.

Do not apply any stretch at the beginning and end of the tape anchors.

Keep the neck slightly bent, chin towards the chest, during application.

Rub the tape firmly after application to activate the heat-sensitive adhesive.

Replace the tape every 3–5 days. Remove gently by pulling it slowly along the skin.

Preparation

Preparation before taping neck osteoarthritis

Shape
One Y-strip (~25 cm total, base ~5 cm, slit ~20 cm) and one I-strip (~20–25 cm). Round all ends.
Number of strips
2 (one Y-strip and one I-strip)
Technique
Muscle technique (Y-strip, applied without stretch for relaxation). Ligament / stability technique (I-strip, applied with light stretch from the centre for support).

Measuring

Measuring and cutting the tape

 

Step 1 — Cutting tape for neck osteoarthritis

Step1

Measure & Cut

  1. Cut one strip of tape about 25 cm long. Leave a 5 cm base at the bottom, then cut the remaining 20 cm down the middle to create a Y-shape.
  2. Cut one straight I-strip of about 20–25 cm. Round off all ends to improve adhesion.

Application

Applying CureTape for stability in neck complaints caused by osteoarthritis



Sit with your neck slightly bent, chin towards your chest. Ask someone to help with the application. The Y-strip relaxes the neck muscles alongside the cervical spine; the I-strip adds the stability component across the base of the neck.
Step 2 — Apply the anchor of the Y-strip

Step2

Apply the Y-strip anchor

Tear the release paper at the split of the two Y-strips and remove the backing from the base. Apply the anchor without stretch at the upper thoracic vertebrae, just below the base of the neck.

Step 3 — Apply the right Y-strip

Step3

Apply the right strip

Tilt your head slightly down to the left. Apply the right strip of the Y upward alongside the right side of the cervical spine without stretch. Lay it upward toward the base of the skull.

Step 4 — Apply the left Y-strip

Step4

Apply the left strip

Tilt your head slightly down to the right. Apply the left strip of the Y upward alongside the left side of the cervical spine without stretch. Rub the Y-strip firmly to activate the adhesive.

Step 5 — Prepare the I-strip

Step5

Prepare the I-strip

Tear the release paper of the I-strip in the middle and fold the paper ends outward so the centre of the strip is exposed. Keep the chin towards the chest.

Step 6 — Apply the I-strip with light stretch

Step6

Apply the I-strip

With the chin still towards the chest, apply the centre of the I-strip horizontally across the base of the neck with light stretch. Secure both ends without stretch.

Step 7 — Check the result

Step7

Check the result

Rub all strips firmly. The neck should feel supported and more comfortable. This taping is most effective as a supplement to ongoing physiotherapy — not a standalone solution. Replace every 3–5 days.

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Advice from Christina on taping neck osteoarthritis

When taping your neck, it’s crucial to choose a tape that provides strong adhesion and support. That’s why I recommend CureTape kinesiology tape. For regular use, CureTape Classic or Art is ideal. However, if you’re engaging in extreme sports or swimming, opt for the extra sticky CureTape Sports variant! I have selected practical, easy-to-follow self-taping applications alongside a few valuable tips from clinical experience. For an optimal recovery, remember to combine this taping with specific neck mobility and posture exercises, and always consult a physiotherapist or GP if your symptoms persist.

Christina Peter

Christina Peter
Physiotherapist & Taping Instructor

Christina Peter

Disclaimer:
Please note: the suggested tape applications and the information on our website regarding the possibilities of the Medical Taping Concept are not yet scientifically proven. The stated claims are based primarily on extensive experience from therapists and users of CureTape® products. No rights can be derived from the content on this website.

Contraindications for not using tape:
pregnancy, open wounds, bone fractures, unexplained complaints, allergies and skin conditions, medication use such as blood thinners, thrombosis, and fever. Always consult a medical professional if in doubt.