The Basics of Applying 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

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

• The Basics - For skin preparation, tape removal, and general application tips, our Applying and Removing Kinesiology Tape Guide.

• Downloadable Instructions - For a basic list of downloadable instructions by ailment, injury or area of the body, please visit our Kinesiology Tape Application Instruction Guides.

• 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!