Add Kinesiology Taping to your Repertoire

Add Kinesiology Taping to your RepertoireAdd kinesiology taping to your repertoire. Stick to It By Caitlin Lukacs American Chiropractic Association News Think back to the Summer 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Remember Kerri Walsh, who won a gold medal in women’s beach volleyball? Remember the tape on her shoulder? That was kinesiology tape, and before the 2008 Olympics, the tape could have been considered a secret weapon of the sports medicine field. Now it’s much more well-known. Kinesiology tape isn’t just for athletes, though, says Greg Doerr, DC, CCSP, who practices in Cliffside Park, N.J. “The tape was made famous by high-profile Olympic athletes like Kerri Walsh, but it’s just as effective on the general population,” he adds. Darren Hancock, DC, CCSP, who practices in Chicago, also credits athletes for the spike in the popularity of kinesiology tape. “This particular kind of tape is utilized a lot in athletics, but about 85 percent of its use is non-athletic,” he explains. What Is Kinesiology Tape? Developed by Kenzo Kase, DC, kinesiology taping is a therapeutic taping method that utilizes a latex-free elastic tape. Dr. Kase’s brand is called Kinesio Tex® Tape, but especially since the Olympics, several other kinesiology tape companies have sprung up, including Rocktape, SpiderTech Tape and KT Tape. Whereas most athletic tape is stiff and is used to hold muscles or joints in one position, kinesiology tape is stretchy—to serve as a gentle reminder to your body to hold your shoulder in a certain way or to keep a kneecap in line while biking or running, explains Dr. Doerr. According to John Hanks, DC, CCSP, DABCO, who practices in Denver, Colo., there are four main functions of the tape:
  1. Correcting muscle function. Kinesiology tape supports muscles during movement, and research has shown that it can provide a bit more stamina than the muscle alone.1
  2. Improving circulation of blood and lymph. Studies show that the tape increases the flow of both blood and lymph, which can help in the treatment of lymphedema, mastectomy recovery and swelling, to name a few.2
  3. Correcting joint movement. The tape can be used to keep a joint, such as a knee, gliding and tracking smoothly while in use.
  4. Relieving pain. The tape has an analgesic effect, similar to what has been described as the “mother’s hand effect.”
Because of its many functions, kinesiology tape can be worn both during and after activity. Kerri Walsh, for example, wore the tape during her volleyball matches, and Lance Armstrong wore kinesiology tape on his knee during the Tour de France. Kinesiology tape also can come with different properties. Rocktape, for example, is designed to stretch and stick to skin better than the original kinesiology tape, which was developed more than 20 years ago. According to Greg Van den Dries, creator of Rocktape, and Steve Capobianco, DC, CCSP, who leads Rocktape training seminars, the company is currently working with researchers at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom to test the effect of the product on muscle and body fatigue, proprioception and performance enhancement, as well as exploring the use of Rocktape for everyday office ergonomics. Using Kinesiology Tape Tape worn during competition is applied in the same way as tape used during everyday activities. Additionally, kinesiology tape can be left on for several days at a time and can even be worn in the water as it’s water resistant. “Tape should stay on for about one day for pediatric and geriatric patients, and it can stay on for four to five days for the middle-age groups because you don’t have to worry so much about skin irritation with them,” explains Dr. Doerr. While kinesiology tape is very effective, it shouldn’t be relied on permanently. Experts agree that the tape isn’t a cure. Ted Forcum, DC, DACBSP, CSCS, president of ACA’s Council on Sport Injuries and Physical Fitness, who practices in Beaverton, Ore., says that the tape should be seen as a component of the rehabilitation process; it is not meant to replace a brace or a cast. As with any intervention, the use and duration of kinesiology tape is particular to each person’s individual needs. Some companies sell kinesiology tape in a roll and others offer pre-cut selections to fit on the shoulder, the knee or the back. The most common pre-cuts are “I” strips and “Y” strips, named for their resemblance to those letters. Oftentimes, the strips will be sold in kits designed to fit on a certain body part or for a specific injury. Training in Taping While it is possible to purchase the tape at any time, experts agree that DCs should not just buy kinesiology tape and begin using it on patients. There are courses and seminars offered through the tape companies that teach the principles behind the tape as well as the different taping techniques. You don’t need to be involved in the sports medicine field to take a seminar. “To really understand the full use of the tape, there is a seminar consisting of three weekends of courses,” says Dr. Hanks. “Most people who start using kinesiology tape decide to participate in this training.” The seminar, offered by the Kinesio® Taping Association, a select group of medical and administrative professionals dedicated to advancing the art and science of the Kinesio® Taping Method through education, clinical practice, research and community activities, is presented throughout the United States and Canada and taught by certified taping instructors (www.kinesiotaping.com). If you’re just getting started with kinesiology tape and don’t want to sign up for three weekends of training just yet, Dr. Doerr suggests taking an eight-hour class on pre-cut taping as a first step. All pre-cuts come with very precise directions, particularly when they are in a kit for a specific body part or injury, but the courses will give you the science behind the tape and help you to understand how and why it works, he explains. Dr. Doerr suggests chiropractor Kevin Jardine’s training sessions and videos (available at www.nucapmedical.com/training.html) because they give “wonderful explanations of how the tape works and why we apply it the way we do.” KTTape.com also features more than 20 step-by-step color instructions for different taping applications—from shin splints to carpal tunnel—as well as injury-specific how-to videos and tips for applying the tape for best performance. For those looking for hands-on training, the company offers two-day workshops that focus on clinical and therapeutic strategies, preparing the clinician to apply the tape systemically. (Visit www.kttape.com/education for more information or to register.) Rocktape offers one-day seminars that teach DCs a new functional taping method—one that covers rehab, performance enhancement and pregnancy applications. (http://rocktape.com/how-to-use). Rocktape is also working on incorporating its tape into the on-site clinics on all three Palmer College of Chiropractic campuses. In addition to the courses run by the kinesiology tape companies, Dr. Forcum is offering an online training course available at www.sportmedics.com/kinesiologytaping. Accessible to all health care providers, this 12-hour program features written text and video and covers the most common types of tape applications as well as the principles behind those applications. A future program will focus on the clinical perks and application of pre-cut kinesiology tape. Teaching Patients to Tape Because kinesiology tape is multifunctional—and relatively easy to apply, according to experts—DCs can teach their patients how to tape themselves, says Dr. Hanks. “If there is no problem, but a patient has a permanent injury, such as an arthritic knee, and that knee feels better with the tape on, I’ll certainly show him or her how to apply it,” says Dr. Doerr. “Or if an athletic patient competes four times a week, I will show her how to apply the tape, so that I don’t need to see her every time she has a game,” he continues. References 1. Yoshida A, Kahanov L. The effect of kinesio taping on lower trunk range of motions. Res Sports Med 2007;15(2):103-12. 2. Bialoszewski D, Wozniak W, Zarek S. Clinical efficacy of kinesiology taping in reducing edema of the lower limbs in patients treated with the ilizarov method—preliminary report. Ortop Traumatol Rehabil 2009;11(1):46-54.

Add Kinesiology Taping to your Repertoire

There are 147 products.

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Kinesio Tex Performance+ 2" Single Rolls

$17.99 $19.99

Kinesio Tex Performance+ is an exciting new twist on Kinesio\'s tried and true line of kinesiology tapes. Performance Plus Tape combines the best features of Kinesio Tex Classic and Kinesio Tex Gold FP to create the perfect kinesiology tape for everyday use. While Gold FP targets surface tissue and Kinesio Tex Classic targets deeper muscles, Kinesio Tex Performance+ meets in the middle to provide support and pressure relief for the fascia and muscles between these two layers. Using a unique 50/50 cotton/polyester blend, a snowflake style, and Kinesio\'s patented wave adhesive pattern, Performance+ tape provides the deep muscle support you need and the shallow muscle/skin decompression your muscles with thank you for! 

Each roll comes pre-wound on a sturdy plastic dispensing spool that protects your tape wherever you take it and the side port lets you unwind and rewind it without ever having to take the tape out! Each  2" x 16.4\' roll provides an average of 8-12 applications.

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KT Tape Original Cotton Uncut Rolls

$10.97 $12.99

KT Tape original cotton products are made with a light adhesive suitable for individuals participating in light exercise or exercise therapy. Those participating in heavy exercise should consider KT Tape Pro, which has a stronger adhesive.



    • 2" x 16\' (5cm x 5m) roll - enough for 8-12 applications

    • ultra-soft cotton for added comfort

    • light-weight adhesive lasts up to 3 days

    • dispenser box for easy access

    • includes Quick Start Guide with step-by-step instructions for common injuries

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SpiderTech PowerStrips: Precut Y-Strips

$39.99

SpiderTech\'s Y PowerStripsStrips are 2" x 8" strips of kinesiology tape with one solid end and a longitudnal cut extending from the other end, creating a Y configuration. This taping configuration is usually applied around the borders of a muscle or joint that is injured, inflamed or weak. This size is ideal for taping areas like the arm, thigh, neck, back, ankle or calf. They also work well for many pediatric applications.

The backing is divided into numbered sections for simple, step by step application. Perforations in the backing make it easy to apply the tape, one section at a time.

Y-strips can be used alone or in combination with any of the other SpiderTech PowerStrips or precut kinesiology tape applications. All SpiderTech products are made from premium Nitto Denko SpiderTape, and can be worn 3-5 days.

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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.

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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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KT Tape Cotton Jumbo Uncut Rolls

$64.99 $65.00

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 Classic is made from 100% cotton fibers for optimal comfort and breathability.



    • 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

Availability: Sold Out
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KT Tape Cotton Jumbo Rolls - 150 Precut Strips

$64.99 $69.99

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 original cotton products are made with a light adhesive suitable for individuals participating in light exercise or exercise therapy. Those participating in heavy exercise should consider KT Tape Pro, which has a stronger adhesive.



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

    • dispenser box for easy access

    • ultra-soft cotton for added comfort

    • light-weight adhesive lasts up to 3 days

Availability: Sold Out
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KT Tape Original Cotton - 20 Precut Strips

$11.97 $12.99

KT Tape Original Cotton is designed for use during light exercise or for non-exercisers wearing kinesiology tape for therapeutic purposes. It\'s lighter adhesive is easier on the skin and contains no latex. It provides targeted pain relief and will stay in place for up to 3 days, through daily showers, humidity, cold, even in the pool.

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 synthetic kinesiology tape and includes a Quick Start Guide with step-by-step instructions for common injuries.

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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

Availability: Out of Stock
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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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SpiderTech Precut Full Knee Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Full Knee Spider relieves pain and inflammation from a wide variety of knee conditions. It provides full coverage above and below the knee to support the most serious injuries. It can help with:



  • Runner\'s, Jumper\'s, Cyclist\'s Knee
  • Patellar tendinitis
  • Arthritis or bursitis of the knee
  • Kneecap pain
  • Degenerated or torn cartilage/meniscus
  • Strained knee ligaments
  • Recovery after knee surgery



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

Availability: Sold Out
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RockSauce Ice Pain Relieving Gel

$39.99 $44.99

The 3 oz size comes in a convenient roll-on applicator that allows you to apply Ice wherever and whenever you need it without getting it on your hands - no more burning eyes after rubbing on a liniment and forgetting to wash your hands! The 32 oz (946 ml) pump bottle is ideal for clinical settings.

And, to top it off, RockSauce Ice can be used as a skin prep before applying kinesiology tape or directly through the tape at any time!



    • 3 oz roll-on applicator Ices the target area, not your hands

    • 32 oz pump bottle is great for clinics and training rooms

    • can also be used as a skin prep - apply to skin then wipe away excess before taping

    • 6% menthol - stronger than other topical analgesics

    • cooling sensation lasts for hours after application

    • store in the fridge for extra-strength relief



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KT Tape Pro Extreme Single Roll - 20 Precut Strips

$22.99

KT Tape Pro Extreme is the toughest, stickiest kinesiology tape in the entire KT Tape product line. Pro Extreme\'s extra-strength adhesive was formulated to deal with kinesiology taping\'s worst enemies - high heat, high humidity, wet conditions, oily skin, or any combination thereof.



    • 100% synthetic microfiber tape with reflective pattern

    • ultra-strong adhesive lasts up to 7 days

    • hard plastic carrying case protects your tape

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

    • latex and zinc-free



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

Availability: Product available with different options
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KT Tape Pro Extreme Jumbo Roll - 150 Precut Strips

$79.99 $95.99

KT Tape Pro Extreme is the toughest, stickiest kinesiology tape in the entire KT Tape product line. Pro Extreme\'s extra-strength adhesive was formulated to deal with kinesiology taping\'s worst enemies - high heat, high humidity, wet conditions, oily skin, or any combination thereof.



    • 100% synthetic microfiber tape with reflective pattern

    • ultra-strong adhesive lasts up to 7 days

    • extra large jumbo roll with 150 precut 10" strips

    • no scissors needed - just tear off strips and apply

    • latex and zinc-free



Each roll contains 150 precut 10" strips of KT Tape Pro Extreme kinesiology tape and includes a Quick Start Guide with step-by-step instructions for common injuries.

Availability: Product available with different options

PerformTex Kinesiology Tape Scissors

$30.00

PerformTex Kinesiology Tape Scissors are super sleek and super sharp - the ideal combination for kinesiology taping. Constructed from premium grade stainless steel with florin-resin coating on the blades, these scissors will allow you to cut the narrowest strips and perfectly rounded corners without fraying or raveling.


Light weight and perfectly balanced, these are the scissors of choice of skilled kinesiology taping practitioners.



  • premium grade stainless steel construction with razor sharp blades

  • florin resin coated blades to prevent adhesive build up

  • perfectly balanced for precision cutting

  • protective carrying case included

Availability: Sold Out
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Kindmax Precut Calf & Achilles Tape

$4.49 $6.99

Easy-to-apply kinesiology tape support for calf or achilles tendon pain. Illustrated step by step instructions in every package. Great for:

  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Strained or fatigued calf muscles
  • Calf cramps or spasms
  • Ruptured or torn plantaris
  • Recovery after surgery
Availability: Sold Out