FAQ: Kinesiology Tape – If you’ve watched the Olympic Games, you’ve probably seen athletes wearing kinesiology tape. These brightly-colored strips commonly cover the shoulders, knees and ankles of the world’s top athletes. But can it help amateurs and weekend warriors, too? Here, Levin answers frequently asked questions about this trendy treatment.
- Q: What is kinesiology tape? A: Taping is a decades-old rehabilitation strategy used by physical therapists, chiropractors, personal trainers, athletic trainers and other health professionals to promote healing.
- One of the most popular tapes on the market is Kinesio Tape, a non-latex, cotton tape that stretches with your body.
It’s breathable, water-resistant and lasts on your skin for three to five days — even as you shower, ice injuries and engage in regular activities. Q: How does it work? A: Tape supports the body’s natural healing process by microscopically lifting layers of skin[.
- This microscopic lifting stabilizes muscles and tissues, helps your lymph system drain excess fluid and reduce swelling.
- But unlike traditional athletic tape, it doesn’t restrict mobility.
- Depending how you apply the tape, it can even enhance your range of motion.
- The tape serves as a sort of tactile cue for the muscles to fire.
In fact, many athletes rely on tape to support injured muscles and protect the joints. Q: What is it used for? A: Tape can be used for almost any ailment from headaches to low back pain, You can even use it to draw out a splinter. But most people use tape to reduce pain and enhance performance.
- Common goals of tape:
- Improved range of motion
- Reduced pain and swelling
- Support and stability
- Scar tissue management
Q: Can you feel it? A: Most people who wear kinesiology tape can’t feel it after the initial application. The tape is elastic, so it moves with your body. In that sense, it feels much different than athletic tape, which often has the sensation of pulling your body in a certain way.
- Q: Who should NOT use kinesiology tape? A: In general, tape is safe to use for almost anyone.
- However, if you have cancer, an open wound or an active infection, you should avoid tape until those issues resolve.
- Tape works with your lymphatic system and increases circulation, so it could make some of those conditions worse.
Q: Are there any risks or drawbacks to using kinesiology tape? A: If you pull too hard on the tape – and make it too tight – you can blister and tear your skin. That’s why it’s important to work with a trained professional rather than apply the tape on your own.
Is sports tape water resistant?
SB SOX Kinesiology Tape (16ft Uncut Roll) – Best Latex Free, Water Resistant Tape for Muscles & Joints – Perfect for Any Activity – Easy to Apply/Use, Works Great, Stays on for Several Days!
How long should you keep sports tape on?
How K-Tape Works – K-Tape stabilizes joints and supports the treated area to help decrease pain and swelling. The tape lifts the skin slightly so that pressure is reduced around the body’s pain receptors. By slightly lifting the skin, the tape also allows increased lymphatic absorption of excess fluid which reduces bruising.
The elastic quality of the K-Tape supports the muscles like a second skin, which helps the muscles contract back to the resting position. K-Tape is designed to stay on for an average of 3-4 days. The adhesive is heat sensitive, so your doctor will rub the tape to make sure it properly adheres to your skin.
After 1-2 hours of normal activity, the K-Tape should be properly bonded to the treated area. After the tape has formed a strong bond, it can be difficult to remove. You can exercise while wearing the tape without any problems. However, we do not recommend swimming with the K-Tape on because chemicals in pool water can deteriorate the adhesive and loosen the tape.
Can KT Tape survive a shower?
Can You Shower With KT Tape? – The most common questions about KT tape are “Can I shower with KT tape?” and “Can KT tape get wet?” The good news is that the answer to both of these questions is yes, You can shower with KT tape, and KT tape can get wet, whether from sweat, swimming, showering, running in the rain, or any other means.
The medical-grade adhesive is designed to be water resistant, and even though the top portion, made from the stretchy blend of nylon and cotton, will absorb some amount of water when it gets wet, it will dry out and retain its original integrity. This means that KT tape will continue to provide the intended support and natural elasticity even if it gets wet.
After you shower or swim with KT tape, dab the tape dry with a towel. You may feel some amount of moisture, but it should dry in a few hours.
Does sports tape come off with sweat?
The Guidelines for Application of Kinesiology Tape for Prevention and Treatment of Sports Injuries The number of kinesiology tape’s users is increasing year by year. However, the insufficiency of fundamental knowledge about the appropriate usage of kinesiology tapes can generate undesired side-effects caused by incorrect application of kinesiology tapes and/or denouncement of kinesiology tapes as an ineffective practice.
Therefore, it is necessary to arrange a set of general guidelines of kinesiology taping that must be followed. If not, the treatment may have to be ceased due to the side-effects such as skin’s troubles. Another problem, which impeaches effectivity of treatment by kinesiology tapes, is focusing solely on the present area of pain or discomfort.
However, such solution is only short-termed and the likelihood of reappearance of the pain is remarkably high. Therefore, it is essential to find and eliminate the origin of the problem. If these fundamentals conditions of tape’s application are satisfied, the treatment by kinesiology tapes may bring us far more better results.
Eywords: kinesiology taping, tape’s application, sports taping, rules of taping, prevention, side-effects, core’s stability The popularity of kinesiology taping across the world is rising. This fact is supported by the common appearance of kinesiology tape on athlete’s bodies during top events such as the Olympic games or football leagues over the last decade.
Therefore, the results of the application of kinesiology tape will be important to sports physiotherapists, trainers, and sports medicine physicians. Even though kinesiology tape was originally developed and used for the treatment of injuries, joint stabilization, and pain reduction, nowadays, it is particularly valued for its injury prevention and performance enhancement properties,
- Currently, the public attention of kinesiology tape is nothing surprising if we consider all the advantages the application of this elastic cotton fabric tape can provide,
- Inesiology taping, in comparison to many other treatments, is invasive, simple, affordable, does not cause pain, and a relatively small amount of time is required for the application,
However, recently, there have been arguments and studies that object against its usage and denounce its effectiveness. It is important to remember that several techniques of kinesiology taping exist and the application of kinesiology tape for certain pain, injury prevention, performance enhancement, etc., can differ significantly depending on each technique.
Nevertheless, a basic set of rules for the application of kinesiology tape to prevent any undesired side-effects should be strictly followed when using any techniques. The most fundamental rule is that the skin of the taping subject must be clean, without any dirt, oils, or sweat, Also, longer body hairs, which could hinder proper adhesion of the tape to the skin, must be shaved prior to taping,
However, besides these well-known principles, there is another particularly important and fundamental rule of kinesiology taping that is either unknown or not respected, application of tape for a maximum of 24 hours, Subjects should never wear kinesiology tapes for more than a day,
There are several reasons for this time limitation. Skin troubles are the most frequent problems that arise due to excessive wearing of kinesiology tape, This does not solely mean allergic reactions that can be provoked by the glue, which adheres the fabric to the skin. Skin problems may arise particularly due to perspiration, which is part of everyday activities.
If kinesiology tape contaminated by sweat is worn for more than one day, it may cause skin irritation, It is also recommended to remove the tape immediately after showering as the wet tape can provoke undesirable skin effects. If undesirable side-effects (as itchiness, skin irritation, etc.) appear, the successive application of kinesiology tape is impossible, and treatment must be ceased,
- Thus, increased attention needs to be paid to the condition of the skin.
- If itchiness or another undesirable effect appears, kinesiology tape must be removed immediately,
- The 24 hours application rule is also recommended due to the constantly changing physical condition of a subject.
- Where kinesiology tape is applied, and the level of stretching of the tape may vary based on treatment progression.
Therefore, taping techniques need to be modified day by day as the treatment continues, Another fundamental factor is the skin’s adaptation to stimulation created by kinesiology taping, In order to provide effective skin stimulation, it is necessary to apply new kinesiology tape every day,
- Not stretching the origin and insertion areas of kinesiology tape is one of the basic rules of taping as well.
- Approximately 2–3 cm of the starting and ending point of the tape needs to be applied to the skin without any stretching,
- Violation of this rule may cause skin problems and cause discontinuation of the treatment,
Even though one of the biggest advantages of kinesiology taping is the elasticity of the tape, it is not recommended to stretch the tape excessively. This principle also applies to skin stretching. The skin should not be stretched excessively before the application of tape.
- After the application of tape, it is necessary to assure that the tape adheres to the skin properly, but vigorous rubbing of the tape should be avoided.
- These recommendations are made to prevent skin irritation,
- In order to prevent skin problems in some body parts (e.g., anterior aspect of the acromion), it is recommended to apply hypoallergenic undertape (50 × 75 mm) to the origin and insertion areas before applying kinesiology tape,
As for the kinesiology taping of athletes, it is essential to give at least 10 min for the body to adapt to the taping before any activity. If excessive perspiration during physical activity occurs, athletes should take a shower afterward and take off the kinesiology tapes when still wet.
It is not recommended to apply kinesiology tapes to the abdominal area immediately after food consumption. Otherwise, mild digestive troubles can be generated, These rules are especially important for the prevention of any skin irritation or discomfort that can occur by wearing the tapes. However, there is another fundamental principle of kinesiology taping (and treatment overall) that tends to be overlooked.
Many practitioners focus only on the part of body that needs to be fixed, but it is essential to see the body as a whole system. Segments of the human body are interconnected by the kinetic chain, Therefore, a movement of one body part influences another one.
In the case of athletes, physicians tend to concentrate on limbs, as those are perceived as a base for movement. However, since the core muscles serve as a stable basement for limbs’ movement, it is necessary to stabilize the core muscles first to achieve the improvement of limb movement, In other words, to improve the movement of distal body parts, the proximal parts must be stabilized first,
In a recently published study, kinesiology tape was applied to the forearm flexor muscles used for sport climbing, but there was no immediate effect on sport climbing performance and muscular strength. As sport climbing involves complex and several moves, they should be performed with caution,
Sport climbing can be considered an extreme sport where a climber often repeats moves, twisting or stretching the upper and lower limbs to grab or step on a distant hold by hand or foot. The sport also involves the use of postural muscles responsible for balance and coordination, The transverse abdominis muscle, which increases abdominal pressure, contracts before a movement in the upper limb segment, increasing the stiffness of the lumbar spine,
In contrast, the contraction of the oblique abdominal muscles provides stability regardless of the direction of limb movement, Hence, the results of the Limmer et al. study may have been different if the tapes had been applied not just to the core muscles, which provide stability to the trunk but also the shoulder muscles that connect the trunk and upper extremities, finger flexor, and lumbrical muscles.
- The same principle applies even for chronic pain in limbs.
- In such a case, the physician should not concentrate only on the elevation of the pain but should find the origin of the pain, which may be located in proximal parts of the body.
- Otherwise, taping may be ineffective, or the pain will be relieved only temporally and reappear,
Many other factors need to be taken into consideration while choosing the appropriate taping technique to achieve desired results, but the principles described above should never be omitted. If a solid foundation of rules for taping is established and current techniques are enhanced (or substituted by new ones), treatment by kinesiology tape may bring more various and effective results than is expected.A.A.
- Outlined and wrote the first draft of the Editorial; J.-H.L.
- Provided revisions to the first draft and contributed to its concept.A.A.
- Provided revisions to the first draft.
- All authors have read, edited, and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
- This Editorial work received no external funding.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.1. Williams S., Whatman C., Hume P.A., Sheerin K. Kinesio taping in treatment and prevention of sports injuries: A meta-analysis of the evidence for its effectiveness. Sports Med.2012; 42 :153–164. doi: 10.2165/11594960-000000000-00000.2.
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Phys. Ther.1997; 77 :132–142. doi: 10.1093/ptj/77.2.132. : The Guidelines for Application of Kinesiology Tape for Prevention and Treatment of Sports Injuries
What tape is safe for water?
Description – VT-2751 Water Tank Tape is an extruded, ever-tacky, waterproof, high performance butyl tape. It is non-toxic and safe for use in contact with drinking water.
Can water go through tape?
Conclusion: – Duct tape’s polyethylene coating makes it exceptionally water resistant. Although, the surface you’re sticking it to is equally important. You should get great results from smooth, non-porous surfaces like aluminium, plastic, vinyl and glass.
Can you shower with RockTape?
RockTape can be worn up to 5 days. It can also be worn while swimming or in the shower.
Can you sleep with athletes tape on?
Other Types Of Athletic Tape To Wear In Your Sleep – If you are still intent on wearing a zinc oxide tape to sleep, try using a porous form of tape. Porous tape (like DynaPo Porous Zinc Oxide tape) allows the skin to breathe more freely while being worn.
Can you wear sports tape overnight?
Coming from an athletic training background, I was introduced to the benefits of taping and padding early in my career. Much of the principles and techniques that I have used are from core principles in athletic training, which we incorporate into our biomechanical skills course at the California School of Podiatric Medicine.
- Taping and padding should be an integral part of every podiatrist’s practice.
- Taping is both an art and science that offers the patient and doctor many benefits: reduced pain, increased function and a predictor for orthotic therapy based on a patient’s response to taping and padding.
- Many of the additions that we add to our orthotic prescription are based on the different pads that we have used to reduce pressure and offload.
If the patient does not respond positively to taping and padding, you should be very cautious in prescribing a custom functional orthotic for treatment. I have found that the two main reasons podiatrists do not tape in their practice are that they do not think they can get reimbursement for taping or that they do not know how to tape. Why Use Taping And Padding? Athletic taping has the following advantages and caveats. • Athletic taping requires practice, creativity and adaptability. • It can be therapeutic as well as diagnostic. • Athletic taping can be a predictor of orthotic treatment success.
It is not a substitute for a comprehensive rehabilitation program. • Athletic taping does allow for an earlier return to activity and offers protection from further injury. The functions of taping and padding are for support, control of excessive motion (flexible splint), proprioception and protection (reduced end range of motion stress).
Patients often can leave taping on for several days as long as it is comfortable and supportive. I allow patients to shower with the tape on as long as it is not for an extended period. They can use a hair dryer on warm or cool to help dry the taped area.
- Athletes usually remove the tape after the activity.
- The most common taping procedures are: low Dye strapping, turf toe strapping, ankle strapping and Achilles tendon strapping.
- The most common pads I use are metatarsal pads, sesamoid pads, cobra pads, the medial longitudinal arch pad and heel lifts.
- Note that one should put padding on top of the tape job in order to ensure that the tape has even contact and pressure.
This also allows the patient to remove the pad when showering and subsequently reapply the tape. I usually start with a thinner pad (1/8 inch) to see how the patient responds before going to a thicker pad. Prior to taping a patient or athlete, always inquire about any reactions or allergic reactions to taping.
If the patient has had a negative reaction, find out what type of tape it was from. Also, if patients have fair skin or freckles, be cautious and monitor the tape job closely. Frequently, you can use pre-wrap or underwrap for sensitive patients. A pre-tape spray is also very helpful as it preps the skin and provides for better adhesion of the tape.
Frequently, we have the patient shave the area to provide better contact and less discomfort when removing tape. Make sure the patient has not applied lotion to the area as it will affect the contact of the tape. It is best that the patient does not wear flip-flops or sandals after taping the foot.
Using Tape For Medial Versus Lateral Column Overload It is helpful to divide common injuries and pathologies into medial or lateral column overload injuries. Common medial column overload injuries would be plantar fasciitis, medial tibial stress syndrome, posterior tibial tendinopathy or dysfunction, patellofemoral pain syndrome, sesamoiditis and hallux abducto valgus to name a few.
Lateral column overload would be iliotibial band tendonitis or syndrome, peroneal tendonitis or lateral ankle instability. In my practice, the medial column overload is the most common injury and I routinely use a low Dye strapping and pad (cobra, etc.) as treatment options.
- For lateral column overload, reverse the low Dye arch straps with tension going in a medial to lateral direction (pronating foot).
- Troubleshooting Common Problems With Taping The following are solutions for common taping problems I have experienced over the years in practice.
- Tape is too tight.
- Have the patient walk in the office for a few minutes to confirm that the tape is on too tight.
Usually, it will feel fine after a few minutes of walking as the tape loosens up a bit. Also, the retention strap may be on too tight. Try not to take the tape off right away and reapply the tape job as it may not be necessary. Tape comes off. Usually this happens because one has not applied the retention strap correctly to hold it on. Make sure the patient has not applied lotion recently. Also, it is best to have patients put on their socks and shoes after applying the tape. Tape losing strength.
- This can result from tape staying on too long, getting too wet or not having enough reinforcement of tape straps (depending on the activity and weight of the patient).
- Skin is irritated or itchy.
- This is because athletes have left the tape on too long, got the tape too wet, have sensitivity to tape or did not use underwrap under the tape job.
The patient may need to take a tape vacation or go on to a brace or support such as an over-the-counter arch support or wrap. What You Should Know About The Common Principles Of Taping Learn to tear tape with your hands instead of depending on bandage scissors.
Do this simply by holding the tape with your thumb and index finger, and rapidly tearing with one hand while holding the other hand still. For skin preparation, using a spray tape adherent protects the skin and allows the tape to adhere to skin better. You can apply petroleum jelly and pads on pressure areas.
Make sure to cover any open skin areas. Have the patient shave the area of hair if needed as tape removal can be painful. When applying underwrap, apply it in a single layer with gentle tension, overlapping about a half from the forefoot to the rearfoot.
Do the tearing by a rapid pull on the underwrap. Remember, the underwrap will retain moisture and heat, but is useful when athletes tape on a daily basis or have skin sensitivity issues. Using tape cutters or scissors, one can gently remove tape, lifting it away from the skin and following contours. Avoid rapid removal as this can cause tape cuts or “skin burns.” It is usually best to remove the tape job following athletic activity.
As for types of tape, I prefer porous cloth athletic tape, which allows moisture and heat to pass through, helping to keep the skin dry and cool. Nonporous tape increases the potential for skin damage and can be occlusive. Very few patients will have reactions to cloth athletic tape.
- Some areas adhere better to adhesive elastic type tape (such as Elastikon (Johnson and Johnson) or Elastoplast (Beiersdorf)), which allows muscles to contract without restricting circulation or nerve function.
- Some doctors like to apply paraffin wax over the tape job to secure the tape but I find it defeats the purpose of using porous tape.
One can use flesh-colored tape for those athletes such as dancers, martial artists and gymnasts who compete barefoot. Always instruct your athletes to monitor the tape job for any tingling, numbness, impairment of circulation, skin reaction or loss of mobility to affected areas. Here are a few key pointers for taping.1) Place the foot and ankle in the position you want it to be stabilized in as movement can cause wrinkles and uneven application to tape.2) Select the proper type of tape for the area and overlap by half.3) Avoid continuous taping whenever possible to prevent constriction of the area.4) Keep a roll of tape in hand while taping.5) Smooth and mold tape to the skin when applying.6) Apply tape firmly and with a purpose.
Fit the contour of the skin and pull the tape in the desired direction to control motion.7) Begin taping with an anchor piece to attach strips to and finish with a lock strap.8) Tape directly to the skin whenever possible for maximum support and protection.9) Always be in a comfortable position to tape the patient and apply pressure for straps.
Pertinent Principles On Low Dye Strapping The following is my basic low Dye taping technique, which consists of anchors, transverse straps and a retention strap, which are basic taping techniques. Please remember there are many variations to taping the arch.1) Apply an anchor strap for arch strapping just proximal to the first and fifth metatarsal heads, looping behind the rearfoot.
Take care not to be too plantar (pulls on heel fat pad) or too high (irritates the Achilles).2) Apply transverse straps with pressure lateral to medial (for medial column overload), overlapping a half for added strength and preventing gaps, leaving the heel area open and going distally to just proximal to the first and fifth metatarsal heads.
Typically, this is three or four straps for the average adult foot.3) Repeat the anchor strap and apply the second set of transverse straps and anchor this.4) Apply a retention strap on top of the foot to secure the low Dye strapping.5) One can apply a cobra or medial longitudinal arch pad for additional control for medial column overload.
Comparing Bracing And Taping There are pros and cons to taping versus bracing for the ankle. Bracing is usually more cost-effective for the entire athletic season, is easier on the skin, maintains support and athletes or patients can usually apply braces. However, fit is the key as a brace only comes in basic sizes.
Braces are also more bulky or high profile than taping. Although tape is inexpensive, a professional does need to apply it for the best benefit. In Summary Athletic taping and padding can play an integral role in your treatment of athletes and patients in your practice with common athletic injuries and biomechanical overload issues.
If you currently do not incorporate taping and padding for the treatment of foot and ankle injuries in your practice, it may be of benefit to develop your skills in taping and padding. It provides support, control and proprioceptive benefits as well as immediate relief or reduction of pain. Taping is an essential prelude to considering functional orthotics and what pads and additions you would consider for your orthotic prescription.
From an evidence-based medicine perspective, we need studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of taping as we know empirically that it is an essential part of our podiatric treatment plan for a variety of injuries. Dr. Dutra is a Past President of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine.
He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, the American College of Sports Medicine, the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine, and the National Academies of Practice. Dr. Dutra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Biomechanics at the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University.
He is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif., and is a podiatric consultant for intercollegiate athletics at the University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Dutra is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Joint Commission on Sports Medicine & Science.
What happens if KT tape gets wet?
What to do when your tape gets wet – You do not have to worry about getting your tape wet. Kinesiology tape is water-resistant therefore, you can shower, bathe, or even swim whilst wearing the tape. After activities that cause the tape to get wet, you can dry it by gently patting the tape down with a towel.
How do you shower with KT tape One?
Kinesio Tape® is water resistant. You may shower, bathe and swim with Kinesio Tape® on the skin. Let the tape air dry, or pat dry with a towel (do not use a hair dryer to dry). Avoid sun/excessive heat on the tape.
Is sports tape the same as kinesiology tape?
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF ATHLETIC TAPE OR KINESIO TAPE IS BEST FOR YOU? – The best method to determine what is wrong with your posture or joint alignment is to visit a physical therapist. They receive training in various cutting and application methods to maximize the tape’s usefulness and serve its intended function.
Athletic tape is ideal if you’re seeking more excellent stability, similar to a temporary brace. Compared to kinesiology tape, sports tape is stronger, stickier, and decreases the range of motion at a joint more. For active injuries or hypermobile joints, it is the ideal option. It can be helpful to apply an underwrap to lessen skin irritability.
To avoid the onset of dermatitis, the tape should typically be removed after three days. Individual differences still exist in this case. Kinesiology tape works best if you’re trying to retrain your body to use the appropriate muscles and keep a specific posture or alignment.
- It provides many apparent benefits when used in a clinical context.
- First, because it is primarily made of cotton, it breathes and doesn’t need to be kept dry in the shower.
- Due to its high degree of flexibility, it is excellent for joints like the knees and others that need to move.
- Finally, kinesiology tape helps manage oedema and bruises, preventing injuries and rehab.
Therefore, classic sports tape techniques are still the best choice if you have an injury and need to limit mobility and muscle activation. While if you wish to alleviate muscle stress, reduce swelling, and maintain joint functionality, you can pick your favourite colour or design and put on your kinesiology tape.
Is sports tape bad for your skin?
Absolute Contraindications to Using Kinesiology Tape – An absolute contraindication is when a medical treatment or procedure should never be used due to the high risk of harm, injury, or death. The following is a list of absolute contraindications to kinesiology taping:
- Severe allergic reactions : Kinesiology tape adheres to the skin using acrylic-based adhesives. If you have a history of a severe allergic reaction to acrylic or other components of the adhesive, avoid using this tape.
- Open wounds : If you have an open wound or surgical incision that is not fully healed, do not use kinesiology tape. The tape can trap moisture that promotes the growth of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) : This is when a blood clot develops in a deep vein of the arm or leg. If you’ve been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, placing K-tape near the clot can increase blood flow and cause it to become dislodged. It can then move to the lungs where it can cause a pulmonary embolism,
- Uncontrolled diabetes : If you have pins-and-needles sensations (known as peripheral neuropathy ) due to uncontrolled diabetes, K-tape can make the sensations worse. You should also avoid placing K-tape on or near a diabetes sore as these are already difficult to heal.
- Active cancer: If you are undergoing cancer treatment, you should avoid using kinesiology tape since it can increase blood flow to the tumor and help “feed” its growth.
If you have any of these problems, advise your healthcare provider or physical therapist before undergoing any form of physical therapy.
How often should I change my sports tape?
Kinesiology Tape – Tips for Maximum Benefits | Orthopedic Blog Elastic sports tape, often known as kinesiology tape, was first introduced to the US market in the 1990’s, quickly gaining a following among runners, volleyball competitors and football players.
These days everyone from weekend warriors to Olympians athletes can be seen taping up. Sports tape can be helpful for stimulating or facilitating weak muscles, relaxing tight muscles and helping pull out inflammation and bruising. Some companies even claim their sports tape enhances performance and recovery.
Despite positive feedback from therapists, athletic trainers, and patients, research on the benefits of this type of taping is still unclear. As a physical therapist, I find sports tape to be helpful in providing injury relief if used properly and on the right client.
Placement matters: Treating injuries with a random tape pattern doesn’t help. I’ve seen tape benefit runners with shin splints and IT band injuries, but it must be applied properly by an expert. Tension: A common mistake I see is sports tape that is applied and pulled too tight. Less tension is typically better and allows sports tape to do its job. Less is more: I’ve had patients come in with as many as five layers of tape on. The tape is most effective when placed directly on the skin. More tape and more layers do not improve outcomes. Life cycle: Sports tape can stay on for a long time but begins to lose elasticity and therefore benefit after a few days. I recommend changing the tape every three to five days. Not only does it help with elasticity, but keeps the sports tape from irritating the skin by staying on too long. Quality: Sports tape is expensive, but buying a cheaper brand can be a waste of money. Less expensive sports tapes often don’t stick as well. There is a noticeable quality difference, invest in a quality brand.
Bruise, pre-tape
Bruise – Post Tape
IT band tape If you are injured, sports tape won’t replace the need for a proper evaluation. A physical therapist or athletic trainer can provide a treatment plan and tools, which may include the use of sports tape, to get you back to the activity you love, quicker.
, PT, OCS (Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist), CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), practices physical therapy with the OrthoCarolina Wellness Center. Chris and his team treat a range of patients for orthopedic and sports medicine needs. He enjoys working with various local high school, college, and professional sports teams.
: Kinesiology Tape – Tips for Maximum Benefits | Orthopedic Blog
What tape is waterproof for skin?
BAND-AID® Brand WATER BLOCK® Waterproof Medical Tape firmly secures dressings or bandages to your skin and keeps water out for advanced first aid protection. Designed to be 100% waterproof, this waterproof adhesive tape is durable, and stays on even when wet, so bandages and wound dressings stay on in the shower or bath without coming loose.
1 in x 10 yds, 1 Count 0.5 in x 10 yds, 1 Count
Which KT tape is water resistant?
KT Tape Pro Extreme® Need support that will endure your toughest workout? KT Tape Pro Extreme® is here for you. The extra-strength adhesive within KT Tape Pro Extreme® is specially formulated to help with adhesion during strenuous activity through extreme conditions including wet conditions, high heat, high humidity, or oily skin.
- It has been designed to relieve pain and provide support where you need it, staying in place through multiple workouts.
- T Tape Pro Extreme® can be worn in the shower, in the pool, or while riding waves at the beach.
- Synthetic performance fibers are fast-drying, water resistant, and provide superior strength, stretch, and recoil.
KT Tape Pro Extreme® also features an extra-strength adhesive that will remain in place for 4-7 days. KT Tape Pro® fibers feature a stronger elastic core which delivers better support for muscles, joints and tendons without restricting comfort and range of motion.
- This improved elastic core retains its elasticity far better over time and provides more durable support than cotton kinesiology tape, lasting as long as you need it.
- Like top athletes, it relies on both strength and endurance to get the job done.
- T Tape Pro Extreme® is pre-cut and ready to apply right out of the box.
Pre-cut strips have rounded corners which help to prevent the corners from catching on clothing or the edges fraying. Each roll contains 20 pre-cut strips that are 10 inches long and 2 inches wide. KT Tape® products are Hypoallergenic, Latex-Free, Natural Rubber-Free! This means that our products have been designed and developed to contain fewer potential substances that can trigger allergic reactions.
Extra-strength adhesive can outlast the most extreme conditions including showers, sweaty workouts, and even the pool or ocean Versatile pre-cut strips can be applied to target pain* Stronger elastic core within KT Tape Pro Extreme® ensures longer-lasting benefits of pain relief and support* Latex-free, hypoallergenic, and natural rubber-free
Each box includes:
20 precut strips of 100% synthetic tape with extra-strength adhesive One hard plastic carrying case with twist on lids to keep your tape in good shape in your gym bag or purse One Quick Start Guide with step-by-step instructions for the most common areas of use
: KT Tape Pro Extreme®
Does water weaken tape?
7. Is Cloth Tape Waterproof? – Cloth tape is water resistant rather than waterproof. This means that it will keep moisture at bay for a time, but eventually, in the presence of enough water will cause the seal between the tape and the underlying surface to degrade at which point the tape will fail.
Cloth tape has a high tack adhesive and will stick to surfaces when there is a small amount of water present, and the seal will last long enough for emergency repairs. The durability of cloth tape is due to the layer of Polyethylene which protects the reinforcement layer of cloth and prevents this from weakening in water.
The tape can handle quite extreme conditions.
How often should I change my sports tape?
Kinesiology Tape – Tips for Maximum Benefits | Orthopedic Blog Elastic sports tape, often known as kinesiology tape, was first introduced to the US market in the 1990’s, quickly gaining a following among runners, volleyball competitors and football players.
- These days everyone from weekend warriors to Olympians athletes can be seen taping up.
- Sports tape can be helpful for stimulating or facilitating weak muscles, relaxing tight muscles and helping pull out inflammation and bruising.
- Some companies even claim their sports tape enhances performance and recovery.
Despite positive feedback from therapists, athletic trainers, and patients, research on the benefits of this type of taping is still unclear. As a physical therapist, I find sports tape to be helpful in providing injury relief if used properly and on the right client.
Placement matters: Treating injuries with a random tape pattern doesn’t help. I’ve seen tape benefit runners with shin splints and IT band injuries, but it must be applied properly by an expert. Tension: A common mistake I see is sports tape that is applied and pulled too tight. Less tension is typically better and allows sports tape to do its job. Less is more: I’ve had patients come in with as many as five layers of tape on. The tape is most effective when placed directly on the skin. More tape and more layers do not improve outcomes. Life cycle: Sports tape can stay on for a long time but begins to lose elasticity and therefore benefit after a few days. I recommend changing the tape every three to five days. Not only does it help with elasticity, but keeps the sports tape from irritating the skin by staying on too long. Quality: Sports tape is expensive, but buying a cheaper brand can be a waste of money. Less expensive sports tapes often don’t stick as well. There is a noticeable quality difference, invest in a quality brand.
Bruise, pre-tape
Bruise – Post Tape
IT band tape If you are injured, sports tape won’t replace the need for a proper evaluation. A physical therapist or athletic trainer can provide a treatment plan and tools, which may include the use of sports tape, to get you back to the activity you love, quicker.
, PT, OCS (Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist), CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), practices physical therapy with the OrthoCarolina Wellness Center. Chris and his team treat a range of patients for orthopedic and sports medicine needs. He enjoys working with various local high school, college, and professional sports teams.
: Kinesiology Tape – Tips for Maximum Benefits | Orthopedic Blog
How long should I leave kinesiology tape on?
How long should I keep the tape on? – Everyone is different and the duration of tape wear will vary. The kinesiology tape typically lasts for three to five days, even if you shower or swim with it. We recommend that you do not wear it for more than 5 days.