How to Apply Kinesiology Tape Without Touching the Adhesive

K Tape Adhesive PatternOne of the things that makes kinesiology tape unique is its acrylic adhesive. As soon as you remove the paper backing and look at the sticky side of the tape, you'll know you've got something special. Instead of covering the entire surface of the tape, the adhesive is applied in a wave-like pattern that allows air and moisture to easily flow through. It is thicker and softer and much easier on the skin than the adhesive on regular athletic or medical tape. While these adhesive features are critical to the wonderful benefits of kinesiology tape, they do make the tape significantly less sticky than most other types of tape. Kinesiology tape is designed to be applied once and worn for several days. Once it has been removed, it isn't sticky enough to be reapplied. Even touching the adhesive side of the tape during application can make it less sticky as skin oils coat the surface of the adhesive. This is why it is recommended to not touch the adhesive while applying kinesiology tape. In principle, this sounds simple, but in practice, it can be a bit of a challenge. Kinesiology tape is very thin and flexible, making it a bit difficult to hold on to once the backing has been removed. Applying it on specific locations in the recommended patterns can be challenging when also attempting to touch only the fabric side of the tape. Take heart though - read the rest of this post and follow the 2 simple techniques we present and you will become an expert at how to apply kinesiology tape without touching the adhesive.

Taping Method #1 - Anchor End Application

The most common way to apply kinesiology tape is to begin at one end and continue laying down the tape until the entire strip has been applied. You may have seen videos suggesting you use your finger to peel the end of the tape off the backing and work from there, but this is impossible to do without touching the sticky side. Here is a foolproof way to do your anchor end application and never contact the adhesive with your fingers.

Step 1 - Tear the Backing Step 1: Fold the tape to create a crease in the backing paper approximately 2 inches from the end. Then, carefully tear the paper all the way across the fold until the backing has been separated into 2 pieces.
Step 2 - Remove Anchor End Backing Step 2: Turn the fabric sides of the tape toward each other so the torn ends of the backing are facing up. Gently stretch the tape until the backing paper begins to pull away, then completely remove the small piece of backing from the short (anchor) end.
Step 3 - Apply Anchor End Step 3: Place the short (anchor) end of the tape over the application area and smooth onto the skin with one hand while the other hand holds the rest of the tape.
Step 4 - Apply Other End Step 4: Holding that end against the skin, stretch the tape again to release the other torn end of the backing paper. When it separates from the tape, grasp the paper with one hand and begin smoothing the tape onto the skin with the other hand.
Step 5 - Complete Application Step 5: Continue peeling the paper away and applying the tape until the entire strip is down. Rub the tape briskly from the center toward the ends to activate the adhesive.

Taping Method #2 - Center Stretch Application

A center stretch application is used directly over pain points or hot spots. To increase the lifting action of the tape, the center portion is stretched before being applied to the skin, then the 2 anchor ends are applied with no stretch. This application is usually done with shorter strips of tape, approximately 6" - 8" long. This might sound complicated, but following the simple steps below will have you applying this tape as easily as peeling a banana!

Fold Tape in Half Step 1: Fold the tape in half with the fabric sides facing in. Press along the fold to create a crease in the backing paper, then carefully tear the paper all the way across the fold until the backing has been completely separated.
Separate the backing Step 2: Turn the fabric sides of the tape toward each other so the torn ends of the backing are facing up. With your fingers on the fabric side and your thumbs on the paper side, gently stretch the tape until the backing paper pops up on both sides.
Peel Backing Away from Center Step 3: Grasp the torn ends of the paper and peel them back to expose the center of the tape. When approximately 2" is left at each end, pull gently to lightly stretch the tape.
Apply Center of Tape Step 4: Maintaining the stretch, apply the exposed part of the tape directly over the most painful area. To prevent skin irritation, be sure to apply the final 2" at each end with zero stretch. Rub the tape briskly from the center toward the ends to activate the adhesive.

 Final Notes

For the longest lasting applications, in addition to applying the tape without touching the adhesive, it is important to prepare the skin properly. Theratape, the Kinesiology Tape Experts have covered that and more in Tips for Applying and Removing Kinesiology Tape. Feel free to print it and keep it on hand so you too will become a "kinesiology taping expert!"

How to Apply Kinesiology Tape Without Touching the Adhesive

There are 147 products.

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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
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RockTape 1" Rolls (2-Pack)

$24.20 $25.99

Sorry, OUT OF STOCK and Discontinued by RockTape. Check out Vetkin or KinesioTex Gold FP for other 1" Wide options!

RockTape\'s 1" wide kinesiology tape is an integral part of any taping kit. Also referred to as finger tape, it is ideal for taping small areas like the hands, fingers, feet and toes. It can also be used to create X and Y configurations without the need to cut 2" tape down the middle. This means less fraying and longer-lasting applications, since all of the edges are machine-cut. This narrow width tape is also ideal for taping infants and children without having to cut regular tape into smaller strips.

RockTape 1" is used extensively by bowlers, volleyball players and other athletes whose hands and fingers take a beating. It\'s equally effective for conditions such as arthritis in the fingers, hands, feet and toes.

* Each pack contains 2 rolls of 1" x 16.4\' (2.5cm x 5m) kinesiology tape

Availability: Sold Out
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RockTape 4" Single Rolls

$51.00 $45.00

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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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
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RockTape 2" Single Rolls

$25.99 $26.99

ROCKTAPE has a tighter weave, greater elasticity and stronger adhesive than other kinesiology tapes. It stays on longer and provides enhanced support, even under the toughest conditions. This makes it a top choice of high performance athletes and those competing in extreme sports.

Single rolls of RockTape are perfect for sport bags, travel kits and home use. Each 2" x 16.4\' roll has enough tape for 8-12 applications. And with a huge assortment of colors and patterns from basic beige to flying skulls, you can make a fashion statement as you blow by the competition! Each single roll of RockTape comes in its own dispenser box and includes a full-color, 2-sided poster showing a variety of therapeutic and performance-enhancing applications.

Availability: Product available with different options
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RockTape Precut Strips - 20 Strip Rolls

$24.20 $22.00

Best selling RockTape is now available in rolls of precut strips. No need for scissors or cutting - just tear off one or more strips and apply.

  • 2" x 10" strips are the ideal size for many applications
  • Each 16\' (5m) roll includes 20 strips in its own dispenser box
  • Each roll comes a full-color poster with instructions for a variety of applications

ROCKTAPE has a tighter weave, greater elasticity and stronger adhesive than other kinesiology tapes. It stays on longer and provides enhanced support, even under the toughest conditions. It can be used to apply either compression to promote recovery, or decompression to relieve pain and swelling. This makes it a multipurpose tape for both therapeutic use and for performance enhancement. 

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CureTape 3" X 16' Roll - Beige

$18.99 $21.99

CureTape is the number one professional tape in Europe, and is widely used by professionals worldwide. Developed with the aid of health professionals specially for use in the Medical Taping Concept style of taping, CureTape is backed by nearly 20 years of intensive research, practice, and development. This thorough process has lead to the development of a high quality cotton tape with an excellent adhesive that is perfect for therapeutic taping applications. 


CureTape is comprised of breathable, quick-drying premium grade cotton in a specialized weave that provides a stretch identical to human skin which makes it comfortable for the entire time it\'s worn. The heat-activated acryllic adhesive is gentle on the skin, but powerful enough to stay attached continuously for 3-5 days without peeling off. CureTape 3" wide single rolls are 3 inches wide and 16.5 feet long, enough tape for 10-12 average applications.

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CureTape 2" X 16" Single Rolls

$13.50 $14.99

CureTape is the number one professional tape in Europe, and is widely used by professionals worldwide. Developed with the aid of health professionals specially for use in the Medical Taping Concept style of taping, CureTape is backed by nearly 20 years of intensive research, practice, and development. This thorough process has lead to the development of a high quality cotton tape with an excellent adhesive that is perfect for therapeutic taping applications. 


CureTape is comprised of breathable, quick-drying premium grade cotton in a specialized weave that provides a stretch identical to human skin which makes it comfortable for the entire time it\'s worn. The heat-activated acryllic adhesive is gentle on the skin, but powerful enough to stay attached continuously for 3-5 days without peeling off. CureTape single rolls are 2 inches wide and 16.5 feet long, enough tape for 10-12 average applications.

Availability: Out of Stock
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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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CrossLinq Small, Medium, OR Large Acupressure Tape Patches

$17.99 $18.50

This box Contains 20 Pages of Patches - Varies by per sheet.

CrossLinq Patches are easy peel-and-apply kinesiology tape precuts specially designed for use in relieving pressure in areas with bruising, lymph edema, and chronic pain or on acupuncture, acupressure, and trigger points. When applied to these areas, the grid pattern of the patches helps to lift and separate the skin and fascia and allow better drainage and flow of fluid to reduce pain and swelling.

CrossLinq patches come from the CureTape family of products, and are made up of the same fine, premium quality cotton backed with gentle and hypoallergenic but durable and waterproof medical adhesive that allows them to stay on comfortably for up to 7 days.

RockTape 4" Bulk Rolls

$292.00

RockTape "Big Daddy" is unique in the kinesiology taping industry - a supersized roll that is 4" wide and 105\' long. Big Daddy is perfect for larger areas like the thigh, lower back or IT band, allowing custom applications without cutting multiple strips.If you tape a lot and prefer to cut your own applications, you\'ll love this "widebody" roll that allows for complete customization for every situation. One Rock Tape 4" roll can accommodate 80-100 applications for individuals of all sizes.

Availability: Sold Out

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
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CureTape Giant Kinesiology Tape Rolls - Asst Colors

$79.99 $88.99

CureTape is the number one professional tape in Europe, and is widely used by professionals worldwide. Developed with the aid of health professionals specially for use in the Medical Taping Concept style of taping, CureTape is backed by nearly 20 years of intensive research, practice, and development. This thorough process has lead to the development of a high quality cotton tape with an excellent adhesive that is perfect for therapeutic taping applications. 

CureTape is comprised of breathable, quick-drying premium grade cotton in a specialized weave that provides a stretch identical to human skin which makes it comfortable for the entire time it\'s worn. The heat-activated acryllic adhesive is gentle on the skin, but powerful enough to stay attached continuously for 3-5 days without peeling off. CureTape Giant Rolls are 2 inches wide and 103 feet (5cm x 31.5m) long, enough tape for nearly 70 standard applications.

Availability: Sold Out

Equi-Tape Advantage 2" Equine Kinesiology Tape Roll

$16.95

Helps to decrease swelling and relieve pain

Relieves tight, sore muscles associated with training and work

Supports ligaments, tendons, and joints to help prevent injuries

Helps Increase suppleness, flexibility and strength

Improves training potential and athletic performance by helping horses train more efficiently and recover quicker

Extends the effects of other treatment modalities such as chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage

Availability: Sold Out