Types of Kinesiology Tape

Kinesiology tape comes in a variety of styles and sizes, providing options for all body sizes, skin types and injuries or health conditions. There are products available for every level of expertise, from inexperienced home users to trained health professionals. Both videos and printable application instructions are available for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions, allowing anyone to learn how to apply kinesiology tape effectively. If you are new to kinesiology taping, take a few minutes to read about the different types of kinesiology tape, so you can select the best product for your situation.

	Uncut Rolls Uncut rolls of kinesiology tape come in a variety of lengths and widths. Single rolls (average length 16') are ideal for home users, while bulk rolls (average length 105') provide an economical option for hospitals, therapy clinics, athletic trainers and others who tape a lot. The most economical way to purchase kinesiology tape, uncut rolls are best suited for individuals with some kinesiology taping knowledge or those who don't mind taking the time to look up and follow instructions for cutting and applying the tape for their needs. Uncut rolls are used extensively in health care settings where a greater need exists for specialized applications.
	Precut Strips Precut kinesiology tape strips were designed to reduce the amount of time and cutting necessary to create the most commonly used applications. As their popularity has grown, so has the variety of sizes and configurations available. Some come in serrated rolls, allowing strips to be easily torn off and applied, while others come in packages or boxes of individual strips. Precut strips are now available in X, Y, I and Edema (fan) configurations in lengths from 6" to 12". All that is required is to remove the backing and they can be quickly applied either individually or in a variety of combinations, allowing for significant customization.
	Precut Applications for Specific Body Parts Precut applications are designed for specific parts of the body. They require no cutting, measuring or designing, making them great for those new to kinesiology taping. Kindmax and SpiderTech precut applications are made from single, wide pieces of tape. The backing is serrated and labeled, making it easy to apply the tape one section at a time, according to the enclosed step-by-step instructions. Kinesio Precuts and StrengthTape Taping Kits are collections of precut strips in sizes and quantities for different body parts. These kits come with instructions for several different methods of application. Convenient, portable and requiring no measuring or cutting, they are the handiest items to have on hand for athletic injury emergencies.

Comparison Table - Different Types of Kinesiology Tape

	Uncut Rolls	Precut Strips	Precut Applications
Brands	Ares, Kinesio Tape, PerformTex, RockTape, StrengthTape, SpiderTech	Ares, Kinesioi Tape, Nasara, StrengthTape, SpiderTech	Kindmax, Kinesio Tape, SpiderTech, StrengthTape
Description	Single Rolls - 16' (5m) long x 1", 2", 3" or 4" wideBulk Rolls - 103-115' (31.5 - 33m) long x 2" or 4" wide	16' rolls of 10" strips - 20 strips per rollPackages of X, Y, I and edema strips in assorted lengths	Individually packaged, single use applications precut for specific body parts or specific injuries
Pros	Lowest cost per application - 1 roll of tape can make multiple applicationsApplications can be customized for size, condition or other specific needs	No cutting or measuringCan combine to create custom applications Machine-cut edges and corners fray less	No cutting or measuringConvenient and portable Machine cut edges/corners fray less Quickest application time
Cons	Measuring and cutting tape adds to application timeThose new to taping may need to review videos or printable instructions to create effective applications.	Strip length may not work for all applicationsMay be more expensive per application than uncut rolls	Higher cost per application than rolls or stripsLess customizable
Who Should Use?	Frequent tapers looking for the best value in kinesiology tapeHealth professionals dealing with a wide variety of patients and conditions Those requiring customized applications due to size or special conditions	Those looking for a combination of value and convenienceThose needing to apply tape quickly without time to measure and cut	Those wishing to experience the benefits of kinesiology taping, but have no experience or trainingHealth professionals looking to save time in clinical appointments