The Basics of Applying Kinesiology Tape

How to Apply Kinesiology Tape

Kinesiology tape has many benefits. It can be used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, increase blood flow, promote healing, improve athletic performance and provide functional support of injured joints and muscles. It has the same thickness and elasticity as skin, allowing it to move naturally with the body and interact with the underlying structures. It is believed to work by lifting the skin to allow blood flow to an injured area while also effectively dispersing fluid from areas of swelling.  Once you apply it, it can be worn for up to 5 days. You can shower, run and do your thing and the quality brands of tape will stay in place. The list of applications, therapeutic uses and benefits is amazing. Many times people can't believe it until they use it. When kinesiology tape first came out, its usage was limited to chiropractors, physical therapists and other trained clinical specialists. Over the last few years, there has been a tremendous surge in popularity and we’re seeing the use of kinesiology tape grow rapidly in the pro athlete arena as well as among sports enthusiasts and every day consumers who are looking for a new, effective approach to healing and pain management.

Kinesiology Tape is Not Athletic Tape

 Kinesiology tape application

The thinness and elasticity of kinesiology make it completely different from rigid athletic tape. Whereas athletic tape restricts movement and blood-flow, kinesiology tape encourages normal movement and actually enhances circulation. These differences are what make its application processes unique and important. The keys to applying it correctly include the amount of stretch in both the tape and the injured area, as well as the positioning of the tape on the skin. While traditional athletic tape tends to be wrapped tightly around an injured body part and must be removed immediately after activity, kinesiology tape is applied over and around the borders of muscles and joints, allowing it to be worn safely and comfortably for several days. The amount of stretch in the tape can vary, depending on the purpose of the application. For example, if your goal is pain relief, it is important to stretch the muscles being taped, but have no stretch in the tape itself. Different injuries and conditions also lend themselves to different varieties of tape (i.e., rolls or precut) and what method of application to follow. For an injury that you are taping  for a reduction in swelling, a precut edema tape would be an ideal choice for to encourage lymphatic drainage. Because there are numerous ways the tape can be used and applied, it is a good idea to learn a few basics of kinesiology taping so you can get the maximum benefit from every application. Following are some of our favorite resources:

Kinesiology Taping Instruction Resources

  • Instructional Videos  - For more in-depth instruction, we provide an excellent resource library of Instructional Kinesiology Tape Application Videos from many of the amazing brands we carry. You can find application instructions by brand or body part.

Theratape.com also offers a wide-variety of kinesiology taping instruction manuals and DVDs with comprehensive instructions for readers and kinesiology tape users of all backgrounds. Applying kinesiology tape doesn’t have to be intimidating. You don’t have to be a professional to apply it.  The key is simply to do a bit of homework first and choose the right tape for you. Want to stay up to date with Theratape and learn more about the benefits of kinesiology tape? Add us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube!    

The Basics of Applying Kinesiology Tape

There are 147 products.

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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

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
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Kindmax Precut Elbow Tape

$4.49 $6.99

Easy-to-apply kinesiology tape support for elbow pain. Can be applied to inner, outer or back of elbow. Great for:

  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer\'s elbow
  • Bursitis or arthritis
  • Tendon or ligament injuries
  • Recovery after elbow surgery

Availability: Sold Out
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Kindmax Precut Knee Tape

$4.49 $6.99

Easy-to-apply kinesiology tape support for knee pain and inflammation. Illustrated step by step instructions in every package. Great for:

  • Runner\'s jumper\'s or cyclist\'s knee
  • Arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis
  • Cartilage or meniscus injuries
  • Ligament or tendon injuries
  • Recovery after back surgery
Availability: Sold Out
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Kindmax Precut Lower Back Tape

$4.49 $6.99

Easy-to-apply kinesiology tape support for the lower back. Illustrated step by step instructions in every package. Great for:

  • Lower back pain, stiffness or spasms
  • Strained lower back muscles
  • Back fatigue or weakness
  • Arthritis or disc-related pain
  • Recovery after surgery

Availability: Product available with different options
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Kindmax Precut Neck Tape

$4.49 $6.99

Easy-to-apply kinesiology tape support for pain, spasms or stiffness in the neck, upper back or upper shoulder area. Illustrated step by step instructions in every package. Great for:

  • Neck pain, stiffness or spasms
  • Strained or fatigued neck muscles
  • Cervical disc disease or arthritis
  • Weak or imbalanced neck muscles
  • Recovery after surgery

Availability: Sold Out
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Kindmax Precut Shoulder Tape

$4.49 $6.99

Easy-to-apply kinesiology tape support for shoulder or upper arm pain. Illustrated step by step instructions in every package. Great for:

  • Deltoid strain or overuse
  • Tendinitis in the shoulder or upper arm
  • Arthritis or bursitis
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Recovery after surgery
Availability: Sold Out
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Kindmax Precut Wrist Tape

$4.49 $6.99

Easy-to-apply kinesiology tape support for wrist pain. Can be applied to top or bottom of wrist. Great for::

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Sprained or strained wrist
  • Arthritis in wrist or hand
  • Tendinitis in wrist flexor or extensor muscles
  • Recovery after wrist surgery
Availability: Sold Out
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SpiderTech Precut Ankle, Achilles, Shin Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Ankle Spider is a precut kinesiology tape for the ankle, shin and achilles tendon. It covers the shin, top of the foot, bottom of the foot, heel and Achilles tendon. It can help with:



  • shin splints
  • Achille\'s tendinitis
  • plantar fasciitis
  • tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Achille\'s tendon enthesopathy
  • ankle sprains
  • ankle instability
  • recovery from surgery



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

Availability: Sold Out
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SpiderTech PreCut Elbow Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Elbow Spider is a precut kinesiology tape for the elbow and forearm. It can be worn on either the inside or outside of the elbow. It can help with:



  • tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • golfer\'s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • muscle, ligament or tendon injuries of the elbow or forearm
  • olecranon bursitis
  • arthritis or bursitis of the elbow
  • elbow enthesopathy
  • cubital tunnel syndrome



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

Availability: Sold Out
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RockSauce Fire Skin Prep and Pain Reliever

$43.00 $44.99

Say hello to hot! RockSauce is a topical pain relief cream that works by providing incredibly strong heating sensations that last for hours – with powerful ingredients like menthol and capsaicin that work together to soothe sore joints and muscles. Best of all, it can be used with RockTape – it soaks right through, without compromising stickiness – delivering pain relief in combination with the power of kinesiology tape. Available in 2 sizes:



    • 6% menthol - stronger than other topical analgesics

    • cooling sensation lasts for hours after application

    • store in the fridge for extra-strength relief

    • can be used as skin prep before taping or applied through tape without affecting adhesive

    • 3 oz Roll-On - keeps your hands clean and clear of the powerful active ingredients. Take it anywhere, apply it anytime with no mess and no hassle

    • 32 oz Pump Bottle - ideal for busy clinics, athletic trainers and other high volume users

Availability: Product available with different options

5-Pack Kindmax Precut Foot Tape

$34.95

Easy-to-apply kinesiology tape support for foot and arch pain. Illustrated step by step instructions in every package. Great for:



  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Arch pain, fallen arches

  • Tendinitis or arthritis in the foot

  • Swollen, aching or tired feet

  • Recovery after foot surgery


* Contains 5 packages, each with 2 single-use applications with a wear time of 3-5 days.

Availability: Sold Out

5-Pack Kindmax Precut Shoulder Tape

$34.95

Easy-to-apply kinesiology tape support for shoulder or upper arm pain. Illustrated step by step instructions in every package. Great for:

  • Deltoid strain or overuse
  • Tendinitis in the shoulder or upper arm
  • Arthritis or bursitis
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Recovery after surgery


* Contains 5 packages, each with 1 single-use application with a wear time of 3-5 days.

Availability: Sold Out