How to Apply Kinesiology Tape Precut Strips
Unlike traditional athletic tape that is wrapped tightly around an injured area, kinesiology tape is applied in shorter strips that are placed either directly over injured joints and muscles or around their borders. Depending on the type of injury, these strips can be applied in a variety of shapes, sizes and configurations, allowing each application to be customized to the exact needs for each situation. I-Strips, X-Strips, Y-Strips and Edema or Fan Strips are the building blocks of kinesiology taping. With these 4 shapes, you can create an application for almost any injury or medical condition.
The Downside ... and the Solution!
The downside is that the more complicated your kinesiology taping applications are, the more time-consuming it becomes to cut the tape into these different configurations. Fortunately, the kinesiology taping industry recognized this challenge and you can now purchase kinesiology tape precut strips in all 4 strip types. The greatest selection comes from Nasara Kinesiology tape, which offers Nasara QuickStrips, a line of X, Y, I and Edema strips in assorted lengths and colors.
Kinesiology Tape I-Strips
The most basic building block of kinesiology taping, I-Strips are single, solid strips of tape. The length and width can vary, depending on the size of the area being taped. I strips are applied directly over an injured or painful area or along the belly of a muscle. I-Strips can be used for: Structural Support for Injured Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments and Joints A structural support application protects healing tissues and helps prevent harmful ranges of motion. It can also be used to improve posture and/or movement dynamics. To apply an I-Strip, tear the backing paper 2-3" from one end of the tape to create an anchor end. Apply this end first, then contract the muscles in the affected area. Peel the backing from the rest of the strip except for the end you are holding. Apply about a 50% stretch to the tape and smooth it onto the skin. To prevent skin irritation, apply the final 2-3" with zero stretch. Spot Pain Relief For a hot spot or area of localized pain, this decompressive technique can bring rapid relief. Cut a short strip of tape, slightly longer than the area being treated. Fold the strip in half and tear the backing paper across the middle of the tape. Peel the backing paper back towards both ends. Holding each end of the tape, stretch the center portion approximately 75% and lay the tape directly over the painful area. Remove the paper from each end of the strip and lay the ends down with zero stretch. If necessary, you can apply another strip perpendicularly to the first strip.
Buy kinesiology tape precut I-Strips.
Kinesiology Tape Y-Strips
A Y-Strip is an I strip with a longitudnal cut extending from one end and a solid anchor end or base. The separated ends are called tails, and are generally positioned around the borders of a muscle or joint. Dr. Kenzo Kaze, creator of Kinesio Tape, likens it to "taping your hands around the muscle." Y-Strips can be used for:
- relieving pain and inflammation
- activating weak or injured muscles to contract more effectively
- inhibiting an injured or overused muscle to facilitate rest and recovery
- providing structural support around a weak or injured area
Y-Strip Application Technique Put the area being taped into a position of maximal stretch. Remove the backing from the base of the Y and apply it just above or below the belly of the muscle. Remove the backing paper from one tail, then apply the tape in a curved shape around the border of the muscle. Repeat with the other tail along the other border of the muscle. For pain relief the tape should be applied with no stretch, while mechanical correction techniques require a 50-70% stretch.
Buy Kinesiology Tape Precut Y-Strips
Kinesiology Tape X Strips
An X strip is a solid strip of tape with longitudnal cuts extending from both ends toward a solid center area that is generally 2-3" long. This creates tails on both ends of the tape, that when spread and applied, resemble the letter X. The X configuration is used for: Point Pain Applications Tear the backing paper where each tail joins the center, then remove the backing from the center area. holding the ends of the tape, stretch the center 70-80% and apply it directly over the focal point of the painful area. Position the injured area in a position of maximal stretch. One at a time, remove the backing paper from each tail and apply it with zero stretch around the adjoining muscle borders. More Complex Structural Support Because they have tails at both ends, X strips can be applied to muscles that cross 2 joints or for muscles with more than one muscle belly, i.e., rhomboid major and rhomboid minor.
Buy kinesiology tape precut X-Strips
Kinesiology Tape Edema or Fan Strips
Edema strips provide dramatic proof of the power of kinesiology taping, as they have the ability to effectively relieve both swelling and bruising. Designed with a solid anchor end connected to 4 or 5 narrow tails, edema strips are sometimes called fan strips because they are applied in a fan-like pattern over an injured area. The lifting action of the tape allows lymphatic fluid to drain away from a traumatized area, relieving swelling and bruising in a fraction of the typical time. How to Apply Edema Strips With the injured area elevated and in a stretched position, apply the base of one edema strip to one side and slightly above or below the swelling. One at a time, remove the backing from the tails and apply them with a slight stretch in a fan shape over the injured area. Repeat the process with a second edema strip, applying the anchor on the opposite side and criss-crossing the tails over the first application.