What is Power Taping for Athletic Performance?

power taping
The Power Taping technique involves applying tape to the entire chain of joints, muscles, fascia and nervous system components responsible for specific movement patterns. Kinesiology tape has numerous therapeutic uses, including rehabilitation after injury, edema control, postural correction, and relief of pregnancy-related issues. In contrast to these applications, which focus on therapeutic or corrective action, RockTape, a kinesiology tape manufacturer, developed a revolutionary technique called Power Taping which focuses on enhancing athletic performance by taping fascial connections along the kinetic chain. Often utilized by doctors, physical therapists, coaches, and trainers, the Power Taping technique assists in coordination and movement and helps athletes perform closer to their innate physiological potential. Power Taping is a breakthrough technique that helps athletes achieve peak performance, peak protection of body structures, and peak recovery from injuries. This technique aids athletes by helping to improve form and reduces fatigue through better blood flow, which are two most of the most critical aspects of increasing performance in almost any sport.

power taping handsTaping Movement Not Muscles

Unlike traditional kinesiology taping applications which isolates joints or muscle groups, RockTape’s Power Taping protocol involves applying tape to the entire chain of joints, muscles, fascia and nervous system components responsible for specific movement patterns. The Front Chain, for example, is responsible for the sprinting motions important to so many sports. Power Taping of the front performance chain begins on the front of each foot, running up the front of the legs to the hips. A second strip runs along the abdominal muscles, and a final strip is applied to the muscles along the front of the neck. The tape is applied with the muscle groups in a maximally stretched position, simulating the movement associated with the sport. RockTape, like other kinesiology tapes, uses a biomechanical lifting mechanism to lift the skin away from the soft tissue and promote blood flow. This sends more oxygenated blood to the area, maximizing the nourishment of overtaxed muscles, joints, and other body structures. Additionally, it accelerates removal of lactic acid from muscles, promoting recovery, and increases the flow of lymphatic fluid, effectively reducing swelling and edema. In addition, it interacts with sensory-neural pathways, providing additional stimuli to fatigued or weakened muscles. When athletes fatigue, they lose form. When form deteriorates, athletes slow down.

power taping shoulderWhat Makes RockTape Different?

Not only is RockTape’s taping method unique, but their kinesiology tape has been developed with the athlete in mind. RockTape is created with a tighter weave and a stronger adhesive, with an increased 180% elasticity (more than the traditional 130-150% of competitor kinesiology tapes). RockTape was designed for greater versatility than traditional kinesiology and athletic tapes. When applied according to Power Taping principles, RockTape’s technique:
  • increases endurance
  • activates muscles
  • provides stronger, more efficient movement of related muscle groups
  • significantly decreases recovery time
When these benefits are added to Rock Tape’s bio-mechanically supportive, therapeutic, and healing properties, it becomes a potent weapon in the arsenal of the serious athlete by enhancing performance, preventing injury, as well as aiding and speeding recovery from those injuries that are unavoidable. Want to learn more about RockTape’s Power Taping Technique? Check out the educational links below: The Clinical Efficacy of RockTape in a Performance Enhancing Application (PDF) Read more about the principles and techniques of PowerTaping in RockTape’s PowerTaping Manual.

Power Taping Videos

RockTape PowerTaping for Athletic Performance http://youtu.be/lso09rHJXBs RockTape Performance Quad Kinesiology Taping http://youtu.be/NBCOeIDQWr4 RockTape Kinesiology Taping for Cross Fit http://youtu.be/BSxaf2u_c_8?list=UUyMjIZFy7BhfkSrzDnRLZOA Stay up to date with the latest from Theratape, the kinesiology tape experts! Follow us on Twitter! Like us on Facebook! Pin us on Pinterest!

What is Power Taping for Athletic Performance?

There are 110 products.

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KT Tape Pro Jumbo Uncut Rolls

$76.47 $89.99

If you tape a lot, KT Tape jumbo rolls are the best kinesiology taping value you\'ll find. While bulk rolls from most other brands are 105\' (32m) long, KT Tape jumbo rolls are 125\' (38m) long. That\'s an extra 20 feet, or approximately 15-20 additional applications! Combine that with the fact that KT Tape bulk rolls are also priced lower than the competition and you\'ll see why they\'re the choice of so many health professionals.

KT Tape Pro is made from 100% synthetic microfibers for better performance in wet conditions.



    • Synthetic microfiber fabric is more durable than cotton

    • UltraLite elastic core for enhanced support

    • SecondSkin Adhesive lasts up to 7 days

    • Dispenser box for easy access

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KT Tape Pro Jumbo Rolls - 150 Precut Strips

$76.47 $89.99

If you tape a lot, KT Tape jumbo rolls are the best kinesiology taping value you\'ll find. While bulk rolls from most other brands are 105\' (32m) long, KT Tape jumbo rolls are 125\' (38m) long. That\'s an extra 20 feet, or approximately 15-20 additional applications! Combine that with the fact that KT Tape bulk rolls are also priced lower than the competition and you\'ll see why they\'re the choice of so many health professionals.

KT Tape Pro is made from 100% synthetic microfibers for better performance in wet conditions.



    • Synthetic microfiber fabric is more durable than cotton

    • UltraLite elastic core for enhanced support

    • Secondskin Adhesive lasts up to 7 days

    • 150 easy-to-apply 10-inch strips per roll

    • Dispenser box for easy access

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SpiderTech PreCut Hamstring Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Hamstring Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms in the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh. It has a wide base that is applied just below the gluteal area and extends down the thigh almost to the knee. It can help with:



  • Strained or \'pulled\' hamstrings
  • hamstring tendinitis
  • torn or ruptured hamstrings
  • weak or imbalanced hamstrings
  • hamstring cramps or spasms
  • hamstring pain or stiffness from overuse
  • recovery after hamstring surgery



* Contains 1 single-use application with 3-5 day wear time.

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SpiderTech PreCut Lower Back Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Lower Back Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms in the lower back. It is applied at the base of the lower back, extending up to cover both the erector and oblique muscles on both sides of the spine. It can help with:



  • Lower back strains, pain and inflammation
  • Sciatica
  • Muscle spasms in the lower back or gluteal area
  • Weak or poorly toned lower back muscles
  • Stiff, sore back from overuse
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal enthesopathy



* Contains 1 single-use application with 3-5 day wear time.

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RockTape 2" Bulk Rolls

$153.00 $128.00

ROCKTAPE is a premium kinesiology tape with a tighter weave, greater elasticity and stronger adhesive than industry standard. A tighter weave means enhanced support for working muscles and joints. Extra elasticity promotes "snap back," helping muscles contract and relax more efficiently. And Rock Tape\'s stronger adhesive allows it to stay on longer, even under the toughest conditions. This makes it an ideal athletic tape for high performance athletes and those competing in extreme sports.

Bulk rolls are an economical solution for those who tape a lot.  At 2" wide x 105\' long, a RockTape Bulk Roll is equivalent to 6.5 regular rolls. Each roll comes conveniently packaged in its own dispenser box, making it easy to cut just the amount of tape you need. Includes poster with instructions for a variety of injury and performance taping applications.

Availability: Out of Stock

RockTape HookGrip Tape for Thumbs

$22.00

HookGrip tape is designed to protect the thumbs of weightlifters when using the hookgrip* technique. Instead of a standard 16\' roll of RockTape, HookGrip Tape is precut into 32 strips, each 2" wide by 6" long - the perfect size for any thumb. Strips tear off easily for quick application. THat means less time taping and more time lifting!

  • protects thumbs and enhances grip during high volume barbell lifts
  • approved for use in all competition as long as thumb tip is not covered
  • developed with CrossFit legend Jason Khalipa, exclusively for RockTape
  • 32 strips = 16 lifting sessions per roll
  • 2" (5cm) width works for all thumbs
  • no scissors required - just tear off and apply

* Hookgrip - a method of holding a barbell by gripping the thumb between the barbell and the fingers, increasing grip strength when performing heavy lifts

Availability: Sold Out

KT Tape Recovery+ Ice/Heat Therapy System

$49.99

KT Tape\'s KT Recovery+ Ice/Heat Compression Therapy System is like having your own personal, portable trauma kit. Whether you prefer heat therapy, cold therapy or need to alternate, Ice/Heat has you covered. It contains:



    • 1 5" x 9" reusable heat pack

    • 1 5" x 9" reusable ice pack

    • 1 instant ice pack for emergencies

    • 1 adjustable wrap that fits any body part

    • 1 nylon carry bag



The versatile, adjustable wrap is a key component in the system. It keeps the ice/heat where you need it, so you can move freely during ice or heat therapy. The velcro fasteners allow you to apply as little or as much compression as you want, while the insulated pocket maintains optimal temperatures longer, allowing for more effective treatment.

Availability: Sold Out
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RockTape Rx Gentle Adhesive Single Rolls

$23.20 $24.99

RockTape Rx is a gentle adhesive version of RockTape, designed for individuals who are less active or those with sensitive skin. It possesses all of RockTape\'s premium features, but less adhesive makes it gentler on the skin and easier to remove. It can be used to treat sports injuries as well as non-sport related medical conditions. RockTape Rx is an ideal tape for special patient populations such as pediatrics, geriatrics, neurological disorders and pregnancy.

Available in 5 colors - beige, black, light blue, pink and red. Bulk roll sizes only.

  • gentle, hypoallergenic adhesive for sensitive skin
  • latex and zinc-free
  • 97% cotton, 3% nylon
  • water resistant - safe for swimming and showering
  • comes with full-color application instruction poster
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KT Tape Gentle - 20 Precut Strips - Beige

$13.99 $14.99

KT Tape Gentle is designed for anyone with sensitive skin. Its lighter latex-free adhesive makes it less irritating to skin and easier to remove. It was created for use during light exercise or for non-exercisers wearing kinesiology tape for therapeutic purposes. It provides targeted pain relief and will stay in place for 1-3 days.

Precut strips are easy-to-apply and require no cutting. If you\'re new to taping, precut strips are a great way to start.

Each roll contains 20 precut 10" strips of natural cotton kinesiology tape and includes a Quick Start Guide with step-by-step instructions for common injuries.

Availability: Sold Out

KT Tape Cotton Grip Tape For Abrasion Control

$13.99

KT Tape Original Cotton Grip Tape for abrasion control is KT Tape\'s solution for the sores and blisters that come with using the *Hookgrip lifting technique. Each roll has been precut into 40 strips, each of which is 5 inches long and 2 inches wide (12.7 cm X 5 cm). This unique size is specially designed to wrap around fingers and thumbs to add a layer of protection where you need it most, and the strong adhesive will make sure that your tape stays on through blood, sweat, and tears!



    • Strong adhesive designed to withstand intense workouts

    • Protects thumbs from blistering and abrasion

    • Enhances grip during heavy barbell, kettlebell, crossfit, and Olympic lifting

    • Approved for competetive lifting (unless fingertips are covered)

    • Highest available strip count (40 Strips per roll).

    • 2" (5cm) width works for all thumbs

    • Strips are precut and tear off to save you time and effort

    • Latex-Free 

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CureTape Punch 2" X 16" Single Rolls

$13.50 $14.99

CureTape Punch comes in standard size 2 inch X 16.5 foot rolls. While it uses the same premium quality cotton and gentle but powerful adhesive as Classic CureTape, CureTape Punch has alternating rows of 2 and 3 holes punched into the tape, which gives it some qualities that are unique among kinesiology tapes.


The punches allow the tape to stretch along the height and the width, and allows the tape to apply pressure 3-dimensionally. This means that the tape provides increased stimulus and stretches skin and fascia due to the variations in pressure and stretch created by the openings, which has an increased effect on neurolymphatic and endorphine analgesic systems in the areas where it is applied. The openings also allow for greater ventilation of the skin, and allows the tape to dry more quickly after getting wet. 

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KT Tape Pro Uncut Single Roll

$16.99 $19.99

For those who prefer to cut their own kinesiology tape applications, KT Tape Pro is now available in uncut rolls. Each 16\' (5m)standard  roll can make 8-12 typical applications.With its hard plastic carrying case, it\'s the perfect item to keep in a gym bag or first aid kit.

KT TAPE PRO is the world\'s only 100% synthetic kinesiology tape, and was recently re-engineered with a stronger adhesive, to allow it to work in wet conditions and/or intense exercise.



    • Synthetic microfiber fabric for durability and comfort

    • UltraLite elastic core for enhanced support

    • Latex-free for sensitive skin

    • SecondSkin Adhesive lasts up to 7 days

    • Comes with protective travel case, sticker and quick start guide

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KT Tape Pro Wide - 10 Precut Strips - Jet Black

$19.99 $22.99

Need support that will endure your toughest workout? KT TAPE PRO is just what the trainer ordered. It will keep you pain free and supported exactly where you need it. KT TAPE PRO will stay in place through multiple demanding workouts for up to seven days. KT TAPE PRO will stick with you in the harshest conditions including daily showers, humidity, cold, even in the pool. Wide is perfect for larger application areas, like the lower back, thighs, shoulders, or calves.



    • 100% synthetic microfiber tape with reflective pattern

    • ultra-strong SecondSkin adhesive lasts up to 7 days

    • hard plastic carrying case with twist on lid

    • convenient, precut "I" strips - no scissors needed

    • latex and zinc-free

    • 10 brilliant colors to mix and match



Each roll contains 10 precut 10" strips of synthetic kinesiology tape and includes a Quick Start Guide with step-by-step instructions for common injuries.

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StrengthTape 16' Uncut Rolls

$15.99 $19.99

    • 10% greater elasticity provides additional support for injuries and snap-back for performance enhancement

    • proprietary, AllSport adhesive provides superior sticking power in all conditions, including water

    • when properly applied, most applications will provide pain relief, comfort and support for 3-7 days

    • each 16\' roll contains 20 precut 10" strips - enough tape for 10+ average applications

    • precut strips combine the ease of precut strips with the convenience of a roll. Just open a roll, tear off a strip and you\'re ready to tape - no cutting or measuring required.

Availability: Product available with different options
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RockTape H2O Single Rolls

$25.20 $26.99

RockTape H2O is the ultimate kinesiology tape for water sports. Designed to work in harsh environments to enhance performance and recovery, H2O has undergone rigorous testing in the wild waters of the Pacific and come out with flying... or should we say, swimming colors.

H2O is a great tape for surfers, swimmers, water polo players, triathletes, and other water sports. Because of the extra-sticky adhesive, it\'s not recommended for infants, geriatric use or individuals with sensitive or fragile skin. RockTape has a tighter weave and greater elasticity than other kinesiology tapes, allowing it to provide enhanced support for injured or working muscles. 

Each 16\' roll provides enough tape for 8-12 average applications, with a wear-time of 3-7 days. Every box includes a full-color, 2-sided poster showing instructions for a variety of therapeutic and performance-enhancing applications.

Availability: Out of Stock

RockTape 4" Single Rolls

$56.00

RockTape makes the only 4" wide kinesiology tape in the industry. If you prefer to cut your own kinesiology taping applications, you\'ll love this widebody roll that allows for complete customization for every situation. Mini Big Daddy is perfect for taping larger areas like the thigh and lower back, allowing quick creation of custom applications without cutting multiple strips. For areas with large bruises or significant swelling, use this 4" tape to create a custom fan taping with multiple "fingers" to enhance lymphatic drainage.

  • Each 4" x 16\' (10cm x 5m) roll has enough tape for 10-12 average applications
  • Each roll comes in its own dispenser box
  • Includes a full-color, 2-sided poster showing a variety of therapeutic and performance-enhancing applications
  • RockTape has a tighter weave and greater elasticity than other tapes for greater support of working or injured muscles
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