About KT Tape
KT Tape at a Glance
Formats
Precut Strips
Single Rolls - 2" x 16.5' (20 strips) & 2" x 20' (24 strips)
Jumbo (Bulk) Rolls* - 2" x 125' *(144 precut strips)
Classic Uncut Rolls
KT Tape Pro Classic Uncut Single Rolls* - 2" x 20'
KT Tape Pro Classic Jumbo (Bulk) Rolls* --2" x 125'*
*KT Tape Pro's 20' single rolls and 125' jumbo rolls are 20% longer than industry standard
Colors & Patterns
Beige, Black, Green, Pink, Red, Royal Blue
Materials
100% Cotton woven to create 140% longitudinal stretch (identical to that of human skin)
Hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive in a patented wave pattern to channel water and sweat more effectively
Wearability
Patented "Second Skin" adhesive stays on during intense, swimming, showering or bathing
Most applications can be worn up to 5 days
The KT Tape Story
KT Tape could be called the "user friendly" product line in the kinesiology taping field. Developed especially for consumer use, it is the only kinesiology tape available in rolls of tear-off, precut strips. Each 16' roll consists of 20 individual strips (each 10" long) that can be applied in two different configurations. The most common configuration is the "I" strip, which only requires removing the backing and applying the tape. The I strip is usually placed directly over an injured muscle or joint. Each strip is also perforated longitudinally, from one end almost to the other end. When the tape is separated at this perforation, it can be applied as a "Y" strip, which is typically placed around the boundaries of an injured muscle or joint. These two configurations are used for 80% of all kinesiology taping applications, making KT Tape precut strips both convenient and easy to use.
In addition to it's user-friendly design features, KT Tape goes above and beyond to provide consumer-level education in the form of 50+ printable instruction pages and instructional videos for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions.
KT Tape is officially endorsed by Olympic gold-medalist beach volleyball player, Kerri Walsh.
"Kinesiology tape allows me to compete at my peak, even when I'm injured. I switched to KT Tape because it is hands-down the highest quality, most durable and comfortable kinesiology tape that I've ever found. I wouldn't play without it!"
How Does KT Tape Work?
KT Tape is applied directly over and around muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints to provide a lightweight, yet trong, support that helps prevent injury and speed recovery. Depending on how it is applied, KT Tape can support, enable, or restrict soft tissue and its movement. As it stretches and recoils like a rubber band, KT Tape augments tissue function and distributes loads away from inflamed or damaged muscles, tendons, ligaments or joints, protecting them from further injury.
By applying KT Tape over affected areas, athletes gain an external support that helps to prevent further injury and allows the body’s damaged tissue to rest and heal naturally, even with continued activity. KT Tape also reduces inflammation and increases circulation which prevents muscle cramping and lactic acid buildup.
Depending on the method of application, KT Tape can have different effects on different injuries. When applied structurally (with stretch in the tape), it can correct improper movement patterns and provide structural support. For example, when applied around the patella, it can lift and support the knee cap, helping to alleviate Runner’s Knee. KT Tape can also support weak muscles along the arch of the foot, relieving the pain of Plantar Fasciitis. Applied along the anterior calf muscles it can even reduce the pain from shin splints, a very difficult condition to treat.
KT Tape FAQ's
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COLORS?
There is NO difference between the colors- they are purely cosmetic. We use more than one color in the instructions to show the placement of multiple strips of tape more clearly.
HOW LONG WILL KT TAPE STAY ON?
When properly applied, KT Tape will stay on for several days. Average wear time varies somewhat, depending on where the tape is applied and the amount of contact it is subjected to. Applications on areas such as the foot or hand which perspire a lot generally stay on for 2-3 days. Similar wear times can be expected in areas that experience significant rubbing from equipment or bodily contact. On more protected areas like the shoulder or back, the tape will last much longer. The maximum recommended wear time for KT Tape is 5 days.
WILL A 10" STRIP WORK FOR EVERY APPLICATION?
10″ strips are used in approximately 90% of all clinical applications. Even health care professionals seldom use longer lengths. When a shorter strip is necessary, a 10" strip can be easily cut in half.
CAN I APPLY KT TAPE BY MYSELF?
You sure can--as long as you can reach the area that needs to be taped. The basic principles of taping are very simple, and it generally only takes a couple of tries to get comfortable taping yourself. Any of the lower extremity applications (knees, shins, Achilles tendonitis, plantar, ITBS) can be easily applied with no assistance. Unless you're a contortionist, however, you'll probably need someone to help apply tape to your neck, back or shoulder.
CAN I HURT MYSELF IF I APPLY THE TAPE INCORRECTLY?
KT Tape is one of the safest forms of self-applied treatment, even for those with no kinesiology taping experience. Poorly applied tape may not lead to the hoped-for benefits, but it would be pretty difficult to injure yourself with it. And, since every roll comes with a comprehensive instruction sheet, the odds of not applying it properly are pretty slim!
SHOULD I APPLY KT TAPE BEFORE MY RACE OR EXERCISE?
Before exercise, during exercise, after exercise ... it's all good. Each application can be worn up to 5 days, so why not maximize your benefits?
DO I NEED TO SHAVE BEFORE APPLYING THE TAPE?
In most cases it's not necessary to shave the skin before applying KT Tape. In fact, some short hair can actually improve both the adhesion and the effectiveness of the product. If large amounts of hair are present, it is generally better to trim it to about 1/8″ rather than shaving it (to avoid irritating freshly shaved skin).
CAN I WEAR KT TAPE UNDER COMPRESSION SOCKS?
Sure can.
CAN I WEAR KT TAPE UNDER A BRACE?
Sure can.
HOW DO I REMOVE THE TAPE?
Press down on the skin near the end of the tape and pull the tape back in the same direction as the hair. If the tape is really stuck on, apply some baby oil or olive oil a few minutes before removing it. The oil will help dissolve the adhesive for easy removal.
HOW DO I APPLY KT TAPE FOR INJURIES NOT LISTED IN THE INSTRUCTIONS?
The following simple “rules of thumb” can help you figure out how to create a KT Tape application for virtually any injury on any part of the body.
Body Position: the tissue or body should almost always be stretched before applying the tape.
Tape Placement: KT Tape is always applied directly over the area of pain.
Amount of Stretch: Apply the tape without any additional stretch when you want to lift the skin from the tissue (muscle pain relief, prevent cramping, and prevent muscle fatigue applications). The more you stretch the tape the more it will support. If you need extra stability or support for a muscle, joint or tendon, increase the amount you stretch the tape.
DOES KT TAPE HELP WITH STRESS FRACTURES?
KT Tape is not a good solution for stress fractures. Seek medical attention if the tape does not provide immediate relief as it may be an indication of something serious like a fracture.