The Basics of Applying Kinesiology Tape

How to Apply Kinesiology Tape

Kinesiology tape has many benefits. It can be used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, increase blood flow, promote healing, improve athletic performance and provide functional support of injured joints and muscles. It has the same thickness and elasticity as skin, allowing it to move naturally with the body and interact with the underlying structures. It is believed to work by lifting the skin to allow blood flow to an injured area while also effectively dispersing fluid from areas of swelling.  Once you apply it, it can be worn for up to 5 days. You can shower, run and do your thing and the quality brands of tape will stay in place. The list of applications, therapeutic uses and benefits is amazing. Many times people can't believe it until they use it. When kinesiology tape first came out, its usage was limited to chiropractors, physical therapists and other trained clinical specialists. Over the last few years, there has been a tremendous surge in popularity and we’re seeing the use of kinesiology tape grow rapidly in the pro athlete arena as well as among sports enthusiasts and every day consumers who are looking for a new, effective approach to healing and pain management.

Kinesiology Tape is Not Athletic Tape

 Kinesiology tape application

The thinness and elasticity of kinesiology make it completely different from rigid athletic tape. Whereas athletic tape restricts movement and blood-flow, kinesiology tape encourages normal movement and actually enhances circulation. These differences are what make its application processes unique and important. The keys to applying it correctly include the amount of stretch in both the tape and the injured area, as well as the positioning of the tape on the skin. While traditional athletic tape tends to be wrapped tightly around an injured body part and must be removed immediately after activity, kinesiology tape is applied over and around the borders of muscles and joints, allowing it to be worn safely and comfortably for several days. The amount of stretch in the tape can vary, depending on the purpose of the application. For example, if your goal is pain relief, it is important to stretch the muscles being taped, but have no stretch in the tape itself. Different injuries and conditions also lend themselves to different varieties of tape (i.e., rolls or precut) and what method of application to follow. For an injury that you are taping  for a reduction in swelling, a precut edema tape would be an ideal choice for to encourage lymphatic drainage. Because there are numerous ways the tape can be used and applied, it is a good idea to learn a few basics of kinesiology taping so you can get the maximum benefit from every application. Following are some of our favorite resources:

Kinesiology Taping Instruction Resources

  • Instructional Videos  - For more in-depth instruction, we provide an excellent resource library of Instructional Kinesiology Tape Application Videos from many of the amazing brands we carry. You can find application instructions by brand or body part.

Theratape.com also offers a wide-variety of kinesiology taping instruction manuals and DVDs with comprehensive instructions for readers and kinesiology tape users of all backgrounds. Applying kinesiology tape doesn’t have to be intimidating. You don’t have to be a professional to apply it.  The key is simply to do a bit of homework first and choose the right tape for you. Want to stay up to date with Theratape and learn more about the benefits of kinesiology tape? Add us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube!    

The Basics of Applying Kinesiology Tape

There are 147 products.

Genesis Pure Pad Bowling Ball Wipe Pad

$22.99

Make a pure shot every time with this premium ball wipe pad. Made of durable all natural genuine buffalo leather, the heavy knap of the Pure Pad™ will effortlessly absorb dirt and oil better than any microfiber towel or shammy ever could. It\'s been specifically sized to fit in the palm of your hand, so right away you\'ll notice the texture and feel the difference in weight. Every time you use it, you\'ll be reminded that this isn\'t just another ordinary bowling towel.

Availability: Sold Out

Kinesio Clinical Video Series - Sports Medicine

$54.99

This DVD provides Kinesio Taping instructions for health professionals treating injuried athletes. Some of the best known uses of Kinesio Taping® are in the sports medicine field. Kinesio Taping can be utilized during all phases of sports injuries, including acute, sub-acute, chronic and rehabilitation. Relief of pain and swelling plus support and activation for injured or weakened muscles can allow patients to participate more fully in rehab and accelerate the recovery process.


This DVD is part of the Kinesio Clinical Video Series, a collection of 10 training videos to help health professionals learn more about incorporating Kinesio Taping into their specialties. Each video is approximately 45 minutes long and features specialists in the topic presented.

Availability: Sold Out

Kinesio Clinical Video Series - Women's Health

$54.99

As patients and as athletes, women may experience any of the injuries and issues common in an active population, as well as additional challenges specific to the female physiology and life cycle. Kinesio Taping® provides valuable assistance for medication-free support and pain relief during the pre and post natal stages of pregnancy and throughout the years, helping women to maintain an active lifestyle. This DVD focuses on Kinesio Taping applications for menstrual or pregnancy-related issues as well as health issues more common in women


This DVD is part of the Kinesio Clinical Video Series, a collection of 10 training videos to help health professionals learn more about incorporating Kinesio Taping into their specialties. Each video is approximately 45 minutes long and features specialists in the topic presented.

Availability: Sold Out

Kinesio Clinical Video Series - Hand & Upper Extremity

$54.99

This DVD provides an overview of Kinesio Taping® applications for the hand and arm, including thumb and finger issues, carpal tunnel syndrome. golfers and tennis elbow and arthritis. Kinesio Taping can provide structural support or realignment, relief of pain and swelling and can improve mobility and function during recovery from these conditions.

This DVD is part of the Kinesio Clinical Video Series, a collection of 10 training videos to help health professionals learn more about incorporating Kinesio Taping into their specialties. Each video is approximately 45 minutes long and features specialists in the topic presented.

Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

Genesis Power Band Magnetic Wrist Band

$18.99 $22.95

The Genesis® Neoprene Power Band™ is an ultra-lightweight, durable magnetic aid providing complete unrestricted, flexible support. It helps to relieve tendonitis pain and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome while keeping your wrist therapeutically warm. The easy to use strap features a velcro tension adjustment to fit most bowlers.

  • Embroidered Genesis® logos
  • Easy velcro tension adjustment for total comfort
  • Lightweight, stretchy neoprene material
  • Increases circulation & rejuvenates cells
  • Helps balance the nervous system
Availability: Sold Out

Kinesio Clinical Video Series - Foot & Ankle

$54.99

This DVD provides an overview of Kinesio Taping® applications for foot and ankle pain, injuries and dysfunction, including soft tissue and/or biomechanical issues. The complexity of the foot and ankle structures are simplified to provide the viewer with basic Kinesio Taping skills when addressing common, everyday lower limb issues.

This DVD is part of the Kinesio Clinical Video Series, a collection of 10 training videos to help health professionals learn more about incorporating Kinesio Taping into their specialties. Each video is approximately 45 minutes long and features specialists in the topic presented.

Availability: Sold Out

Kinesio Pro Scissors with Holster

$49.99

Kinesio® Pro Scissors have been specially engineered to be used in with Kinesio® Tex Tape or other brands of kinesiology tape.


Forged of high quality carbon stainless steel, Kinesio Pro scissors will remain razor sharp for years. These blades allow for precision cutting of the most intricate patterns, producing smooth edges and corners less likely to fray. A double florin-resin coating ensures that no adhesive residue transfers to the blades, ensuring that your first cut is as smooth as your last.


Included with each pair of Kinesio Pro Scissors is a Kinesio Pro Scissor Holster which can be either clipped to a waist band or looped through a belt, allowing you to keep your scissors with you at all times. Made of durable synthetic leather and reinforced with double-stitching, the holster will help keep your scissors protected, but at your fingertips when needed.

Kinesio Clinical Video Series - Active Mature

$54.99

This DVD is for active individuals over 50 or health professionals working with this population. Being healthy and active can maintain fitness and vitality over the years. Physical activity can help manage health challenges such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or pain due to changes in posture or weakness. Maintaining a daily level of activity can become more challenging with age and may be compounded by illness, fatigue or fear of falling. Learning to use the Kinesio Taping® Method to manage day to day health problems is a low-cost approach to maintaining or improving health.


This DVD is part of the Kinesio Clinical Video Series, a collection of 10 training videos to help health professionals learn more about incorporating Kinesio Taping into their specialties. Each video is approximately 45 minutes long and features specialists in the topic presented.

Availability: Sold Out

Kinesio Clinical Video Series - Scar & Edema

$54.99

Recovery from wounds after injuries or surgery can be complicated by swelling and the development of scar tissue. Kinesio Taping post-wound can enhance lymphatic flow to decrease swelling, leading to pain relief and increased rehabilitation potential. Management of scars is often overlooked when treating pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, contractures, and cosmetic appearance of the skin. Scar tissue can significantly disrupt how our bodies function. Using Kinesio® Tex Tape is one of the easiest and inexpensive ways of treating scars. Its unique elastic qualities not only assist scars to mature, allowing the collagen to become more parallel, but it can also assist scars to release adhesions. Both new and old scars can be treated with Kinesio Tape with changes noted as early as 24 hours in mobility, adhesion and color. Scar management with Kinesio Tex Tape is gentle with quick and significant results.

Availability: Out of Stock

Kinesio Clinical Video Series - Throat & Mouth

$54.99

Kinesio® Tex Tape and the Kinesio Taping® Method can be utilized very effectively as a rehabilitative tool with feeding and swallowing issues. It increases sensory and muscle functions and can also be used to facilitate weak muscles. It can be used with a variety of facial muscles to assist with musculo-skeletal issues or oral intake. Kinesio Taping during a therapy session can assist with carry-over of therapeutic interventions for several days following treatment.


This DVD is part of the Kinesio Clinical Video Series, a collection of 10 training videos to help health professionals learn more about incorporating Kinesio Taping into their specialties. Each video is approximately 45 minutes long and features specialists in the topic presented.

Availability: Sold Out

Kinesio Clinical Video Series - Sport & Fitness

$54.99

This DVD is for athletes or health professionals working with the athletic population. Instructions are provided for use of the Kinesio Taping® Method in the treatment of a variety of acute and chronic orthopedic injuries commonly seen in an athletic or active populations. By utilizing Kinesio® Tex Tape, patients have reported a decrease in pain and swelling as well as quicker recovery times and a faster return to their original level of performance.

This DVD is part of the Kinesio Clinical Video Series, a collection of 10 training videos to help health professionals learn more about incorporating Kinesio Taping into their specialties. Each video is approximately 45 minutes long and features specialists in the topic presented.

Availability: Sold Out

Kinesio Clinical Video Series - Chiropractic & Osteopathic

$54.99

This DVD provides training in the use of Kinesiology Taping as an adjunct to chiropractic or osteopathic medicine treatments. The Kinesio Taping® Method was originally developed in a manual therapy setting and continues to be a valuable tool to extend and prolong the benefits of treatments. It may be used as an adjunct or stand-alone treatment to address pain, edema or stiffness. In addition, it may give the physician a longer acting tool to help correct misalignment and assist in neuromuscular reeducation. Among the benefits of Kinesio Taping is its ability to promote self-healing without the use of medication.


This DVD is part of the Kinesio Clinical Video Series, a collection of 10 training videos to help health professionals learn more about incorporating Kinesio Taping into their specialties. Each video is approximately 45 minutes long and features specialists in the topic presented.

Availability: Sold Out

Caring for the Painful Thumb

$35.99

Caring for the Painful Thumb - More Than a Splint, was written by Jan Albrecht, an Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist. Written in terminololgy patients can understand with over 200 color illustrations, the book can be used as a teaching tool for both patients and therapists. A unique feature of Caring for the Painful Thumb is that it is two books in one: half the book is for the right hand and half for the left to help patients easily visualize mobilization and stabilization techniques. Includes step-by-step instructions for applying kinesiology tape to the thumb and CMC joint. 52 sturdy pages, spiral bound. This durable book can be used at the treatment table, or independently by the patient at the completion of therapy. Pages can be copied for handouts.