Does Sports Tape Work?

Does Sports Tape Work
Rehabilitation – Though athletic tape can help prevent injuries caused by exercise, injuries can, unfortunately, still occur. When they do, athletic tape can be the effective remedy you need. The use of traditional athletic tape in limiting the range of motion for certain muscles and joints can help the body heal faster versus if the movement was not restricted.

It can also serve as a splint for sprained joints, which helps the injury heal at a much faster rate as well. By compressing the muscle, traditional athletic tape can help decrease swelling, which can alleviate pain and prevent further injury. Elastic therapeutic tape is used for the same reasons but in different ways.

By helping to increase blood flow in the injured area, athletic tape decreases swelling which alleviates pain. The elasticity of the athletic tape can also serve as support for the affected muscles. It naturally goes back to its original position, which takes some of the workload off of the athlete’s muscle.

How long does it take for athletic tape to work?

What Is Kinesiology Tape? – Kinesiology tape is constructed of fine, breathable, stretchable material, usually cotton or a cotton blend. Its elasticity does not overly restrict the area of application, and it is designed to provide just enough pressure and support to facilitate strength in the muscles and tissues.

How long should you wear athletic tape?

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.

Keywords: 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.

Is it OK to sleep with sports tape?

Can you wear kinesiology tape to bed? – Wearing kinesiology tape to bed may provide short-term relief from pain and may help you get a good night’s sleep. However, it is important to note that wearing kinesiology tape to bed should only be used as an occasional treatment option and should not be relied on as a sole source of relief.

Is it OK to shower with KT tape?

Tips for Taping Success – Kinesiology tape is a proven therapy that produces physiological effects on the neuromuscular, lymphatic and circulatory systems. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other treatment modalities. Unfortunately, applying therapeutic tape isn’t foolproof.

Get evaluated: Before you or a health professional applies tape, it’s important to get a complete evaluation, including muscle testing, range of motion and gait testing. In some cases, your doctor may need to treat an underlying condition before you can consider tape therapy.
Work with a professional: Find someone who holds a certification in the type of tape you’d like to use. Athletic trainers, physical therapists, chiropractors and even massage therapists may be qualified to apply kinesiology tape.
Stay out of the heat: Kinesiology tape is heat-activated, but it’s also water-resistant. So, while a hot tub soak or hot shower won’t affect the tape, dry heat can change the chemical properties of the tape, making it sticky and hard to remove. You can still wear it outside in the summertime without worry. Just be aware that too much heat may be problematic.
Don’t rely on the tape: Tape is meant to act as a sort of bridge to help you get past an issue or concern. It’s not meant to be a lifelong treatment.

If you’re suffering from an injury, pain or swelling from lymphedema, ask your doctor or physical therapist if kinesiology tape is appropriate for you. To find a doctor or physical therapist at Henry Ford, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-HENRYFORD (436-7936). Kristin Levin is a certified athletic trainer at Henry Ford Medical Center – Ford Road in Dearborn.

Should athletic tape be tight?

How to Prepare the Skin: Before you apply the tape, you need to prepare the area to be taped by:

Shaving the area – for best results, wet-shaving the skin 12 hours before or using an electric razor just prior. Cleaning the area by using a tape remover to remove the body oil. Covering any rashes or broken skin with a non-stick wound pad such as Elastoplast Soft Feel Compress, Applying an underwrap to the area, (optional). An underwrap, such as Elastoplast Sport Adhesive Underwrap will help protect tape-sensitive skin.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist contact your healthcare practitioner How Tight Should the Tape Be?

Flexing the muscles when applying the tape will help you get the correct tension. Check that the tape is not too tight by pinching the skin below the tape for a few seconds. The skin should return to its normal colour when released. If the tape is too loose, it will not support the joint. If it is too tight, then it could cut off the blood supply. If numbness and tingling result, remove tape or bandage and reapply with reduced tightness.

Where to Apply the Tape:

Joints are normally strapped in their “at rest” position. Do not use the limb to pull against when getting the tape off the roll. Hold the roll in one hand and pull the tape off with the other hand, then apply gently OR cut off the required number of strips of the correct length before you start applying. Elastoplast’s Hand Tearable Elastic Adhesive Bandages make tape application quick and easy with no scissors required.

Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist contact your healthcare practitioner How Much Tape to Apply: For maximum strength, overlap each layer of strapping tape by 1/3-1/2. The amount you use depends upon the amount of support you need.

Remove the tape as soon as you have finished training or playing.

How to Remove the Tape:

Ideally, remove the tape using bandage scissors. Place the scissors over a soft part of the limb (not over the bone) then slide under the tape and cut. Peel down over the top of the tape. Do not peel at right angles away from the limb. Peel gently and evenly – do not rip. A tape remover can help to quickly and painlessly remove tapes and bandages. It also helps to remove any tape residue from the skin.

Can you put athletic tape on bare skin?

Athletic tape application: Athletic tape must be adhered to a dry and clean area of the body at body temperature to bare skin or pre-wrap in order to prevent slippage and to maintain the effectiveness and rigidity of the wrap.

What is the difference between athletic tape and Kinesio 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.

Does KT tape promote healing?

Does Sports Tape Work When it comes to musculoskeletal issues, doctors and patients alike are always on the hunt for reliable, noninvasive solutions to pain. The brainchild of Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase, Kinesio Tape (known as KT tape for short) burst onto the medical scene in the 1970s.

Inspired by Kase’s own longtime struggles with tuberculosis and kidney infections – along with his own family traditions of traditional Japanese healing, KT tape puts the focus on the power of human touch.
According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, Kinesio Taping (KT) has been proven effective for both the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries.

It’s also highly effective for treating neuromuscular and neurological conditions. Today, taping is often used in tandem with a multitude of other treatments to deliver the best possible outcome to patients. The concept of a tape relieving pain is hard for many to grasp.

And while the colorful tape graces the bodies of numerous pro athletes, people might wonder – what can it do for me? When we experience trauma due to an injury, or wear-and-tear due to overuse, an excess of lymphatic fluid builds up in the affected region.
Inflammation, swelling, pressure and discomfort often follow.

KT tape is no ordinary medical bandage; when applied correctly, it can lift layers of the skin, allowing for a better flow of lymphatic fluid. This lymphatic fluid carries invaluable white blood cells throughout the body and helps remove cellular waste products and bacteria.

KT tape has helped both “weekend warriors” and award-winning Olympic medalists get back in the game. It can help athletes muster through physical therapy sessions and compete even when pain is persistent. KT tape is shown to offer speedier recovery of overworked muscles and allow athletes to “play through the pain,” so to speak.

While most doctors recommend waiting to play until an injury has healed, KT tape can deter the overstretching or over-contraction of injured muscles to prevent further wear-and-tear. However, it’s always advised to have a pain specialist apply your tape to ensure proper placement.

Can you wear KT tape everyday?

Kinesiology tape can be worn for up to five days, if necessary, allowing the wearer to protect an injury without having to take complete rest.

Who should not use KT Tape?

Injuries can affect your mobility and often require physical therapy. Different types of physical therapy may restore full movement and functions to the injured area. Kinesiology Taping is a method utilized by physical therapists that assist in restoring services to an injured region.

If you are looking for physical therapy near Island Park, then contact us here at The Physical Therapy Experience. This type of therapy is done by strategically placing a special tape on injured joints, muscles, and or tendons. If you live in Oceanside and require physical therapy, then this form of physical therapy may benefit you.

Though you must keep in mind that Kinesiology Taping is not for all injuries, choosing the right physical therapist is key to your recovery. You should avoid using Kinesiology if you are allergic to adhesives. You should also avoid Kinesio if you have diabetes, have open wounds, DVT, Active Cancer, and or any infections in the injured area.

You may also have issues using Kinesio if you have thin skin, sensitive skin, or had a lymph node removed. If you have any of these issues than you should always consult with a doctor before using this treatment. Our p hysical therapy near Island Park can provide you with the correct technique for Kinesiology Taping.

Kinesiology Taping is recommended if you have injuries such as carpal tunnel, back pain, and other common minor injuries. Which can be used in the following areas of the body:

Back Neck Shoulders Knees Feet Wrists

The significant advantage of Kinesiology Taping is that it’s supposed to give you the full range of motion to the injured region opposed to traditional tape which hinders full range of motion. It is also essential that the tape is applied correctly to make sure it is useful and not causing more damage to the injured region.

The tape can be implemented by yourself under the directions of your physical therapist.
Inesiology tape can also be worn for up to seven days and remain effective.
It also allows many athletes or active people to stay functioning while recovering from an injury.
It may be an effective treatment alone, but it may also be incorporated into other forms of therapy.

It is one of the least expensive types of physical therapy. The benefits of the tape include pain relief, accelerated recovery times, may reduce or prevent muscles spasms and cramping. If you need p hysical therapy near Island Park, then The Physical Therapy Experience may be the right fit for your Kinesiology taping needs.

Why not to use KT Tape?

PROPER DIAGNOSIS BEFORE KT TAPE – The biggest reason that people shouldn’t be applying KT Tape themselves is that much of the time, they do not have an accurate diagnosis of what their problem is. People think that it’s their patellar tendon when it’s really a meniscus problem or maybe a patellar tracking problem,

There are different ways to do the taping to accomplish different results depending on what the challenge is. When you’re trying to get somewhere, it helps to have a map to get there quickly. Having an accurate diagnosis will allow you to arrive at the proper treatment more quickly. At the Expo, I examine every patient to determine what they need.

While a person often needs the same taping, it can change. People are creatures of habit that continue to tape their ankle issue in a certain way even though the diagnosis can change, especially from injury to injury. Having an accurate diagnosis and a knowledge of anatomy and physiology also allows you to avoid situations where you should not use the tape.

Cancer Infection or Fever Deep Vein Thrombosis (Blood Clots) Open Wounds Altered sensation due to neuropathy or stroke Extreme allergic reactions to adhesives

KT tape can change blood flow in an area, so infection or cancer could be possibly spread. There are other conditions where it may or may not be a good idea to use Kinesio tape which includes skin sensitivities, thinner skin, Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, renal Insufficiency, and pregnancy.

Can sports tape get 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. Does Sports Tape Work

How do you remove sports tape painlessly?

Option Two: Take a Shower –

Get in the shower and thoroughly wet the tape and lather the area with soap.This will loosen up the adhesive and allow you to slowly pull it off. Remember to keep the skin taut by tugging it in the opposite direction of the pull to minimize discomfort.

Whichever option you choose, make sure you remove the tape along the direction of your hair, never against it. Doing so will help minimize pain and reduce the likeliness of removing any hair. Whatever you do, take your time. Don’t get frustrated and try to rip the K-Tape off like a band-aid. It will hurt, a lot.

Is athletic tape better than a brace?

Ankle sprains are the most common sports-relates injuries in the United States, accounting for an estimated 12 million injuries per year. These injuries can result in significant time away from games and practices. If there was only an easy way of decreasing the number and severity of these injuries, that would be great.

For this very reason, the practice of taping ankles before there was an injury was introduced more than 60 years ago.
How, then, do taped or braced ankles decrease the incidence and severity of sprains in athletes? One explanation for how it works comes from a study which found that taped athletes had improved proprioception, which is the body’s ability to know where the ankle and foot are, how fast they are moving and if they are starting to roll over or not.

When they were compared, the athletes with taped ankles had better proprioception both before and after exercise compared with untapped athletes. The theory is that the traction and/or pressure on the skin of the foot and ankle because of the tape or bracing provided improved sensory input and improved proprioception, resulting in fewer ankle sprains.

Another common concern often expressed by the public is that prolonged tapping or bracing of the ankle results in weak ankles that then tend to get injured easier; this would obviously be a strong case against the use of ankle taping or bracing.
However, another scientific study looked at the effects of consistent ankle brace use on the peroneus longus muscle, which is an important stabilizer of the ankle, particularly against inversion, the most common type of ankle injury.

This study showed that the peroneus longus muscle’s ability to fire and do its job was not changed by the long term wearing of an ankle brace. Many studies have been completed comparing taping versus bracing of the ankle to try to determine which on is better.

Some of the studies have had trouble controlling all the different variables that can cause ankle injuries. Most have shown that braces are slightly more effective than taping but that both are better than no support at all. One study found that simply wearing high-top sneakers instead of low-tops prevented some ankle injuries and that high-tops plus taping had more than 50% fewer injuries than low-tops plus taping.

Shoes can get expensive, but whether it’s on the field or on the court, they are an important piece of athletic equipment just like your helmet, mouth guard or shin guards. Having a good pair that is designed for your particular sport can help prevent many injuries.

Consult your primary care physician for more serious injuries that do not respond to basic first aid.
As an added resource, the staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine is available to diagnose and treat sports-related injuries for youth or adolescent athletes.
Services are now available in five locations,

To make an appointment, call (614) 355-6000 or request an appointment online,

Does athletic tape hurt to take off?

Athletic Tape and KT Tape on your body – Kinesio tape helps reduce swelling, increases mobility and boosts recovery time by supporting muscles, joints or ligaments. It can also be used to treat or prevent joint-related injuries such as sprains, muscle strains and tendonitis.

The benefits are there.
The big downside is when you need to remove the tape.
Athletic wraps and tape aren’t recommended to stay on your body for longer than three days.
Removing KT tape, which is resistant to water, or athletic tape can irritate your skin and downright hurt.
At Goo Gone, we didn’t like the home remedy options available to us: alcohol wipes, baby oil, soaking the bandages with soapy water for extended periods of time.

That’s why we decided to make Goo Gone Bandage & Adhesive Remover, It makes life easier for medical professionals and athletes of all sizes and experience.

How long does it take for KT tape to set?

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.
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.

Does athletic tape reduce swelling?

According to Dorney, k-tape recruits blood vessels in a way that helps place blood flow where the tape is applied. The result is increased oxygen and decreased inflammation and swelling.

How long does KT tape take to stick?

How long can kinesiology tape be worn? – Kinesiology tape may remain in place as long as it adheres. On average, a tape will last for 4 to 6 days. Applications with a hand or foot may release more rapidly which is also the case for oily skinned patients.

Inesiology tape absorbs the skin heat and adheres optimally after about half an hour. Dressing for the first time must therefore be done carefully to prevent the ends from coming loose. Once kinesiology tape has reached skin temperature, the vulnerability when dressing or undressing declines. Tip: after applying kinesiotape, rub kinesiology tape with talcum powder.

The talcum powder adheres to the edges of the kinesiotape so that kinesiology tape does not stick to the clothes.

USE:	PRODUCT:
Preventative ankle taping	Rigid Strapping Tape 38mm or 50mm for large joints
Treatment such as injured ankle, elbow, fingers	Rigid Strapping Tape 25mm or 12.5mm
Treatment such as injured shoulder, knee, feet	Rigid Strapping Tape 50mm

USE:	PRODUCT:
For strong compression when returning from injury, eg sprained knee. To be used over rigid tape.	Elastic Adhesive Bandage 75mm
For initial compression, eg, acute ankle sprain	Elastic Adhesive Bandage 50mm