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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StrengthTape Taping Kits

$7.99 $8.99

StrengthTape Precut Taping Kits provide the ultimate in kinesiology taping convenience. Each kit is designed for 1 or 2 body parts and contains enough StrengthTape precut strips for 2+ complete applications. Included with the tape is a full-color instruction card with step-by-step instructions for a variety of conditions affecting those body parts.

StrengthTape comes with an extra kick - it is infused with charged minerals that generate negative ions, charged molecules that relieve stress and boost energy. Negative ions multiply the benefits of kinesiology taping by increasing antioxidants, which protect cells from free radical damage associated with overuse or injury. The most noticeable benefits are enhanced pain relief and more rapid reduction of swelling and inflammation. 

PerformTex Pediatric Kinesiology Tape

$12.99

OUT OF STOCK - RESTOCK DATE UNKNOWN 

PerformTex Pediatric Kinesiology Tape is the first tape developed specifically for children and infants. It features a gentle "easy off" adhesive that removes easily and won\'t irritate sensitive skin, yet is strong enough to handle the wear and tear of active little people. With it\'s soft cotton fabric covered with monkeys and flowers, "Monkey Tape" will quickly become a favorite with all small patients. Perform Tex Pediatric Tape can also be used by young-at-heart individuals or monkey lovers with sensitive skin!

Great for abdominal support, toe clawing, supination/pronation issues, improvement of oral motor skills, swallowing and feeding disorders, scoliosis, postural support and cerebral palsy conditions, just to name a few. The only limit is your imagination.

  • 100% cotton, with no medications and no latex
  • gentle, "easy off" adhesive for no-ouch removal
  • stays on through bathing, swimming and playing
Availability: Sold Out
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StrengthTape Uncut Bulk Rolls

$79.99 $99.99

StrengthTape Uncut Bulk Rolls set a new standard for quality and value:

    • 115\' long - 10\' longer than industry standard

    • ion technology enhances pain relief and accelerates recovery

    • 10% greater elasticity provides extra support for injured or working muscles

    • extra strength adhesive lasts 5-7 days, through the toughest conditions

    • bulk roll savings of 25% over equivalent number of single rolls

Availability: Product available with different options
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Vetkin Veterinary Tape 4" X 16' Uncut Roll

$25.49 $27.99

Unlike many other tapes who simply increase the amount of adhesive or package it differently, the creators of Vetkin worked cooperatively with veterinary institutes, olympic teams, ISELP, and the Equine and Canine Institutes to develop a tape specifically for veterinary applications. While it uses the same high quality cotton material base as CureTape, it undergoes a specialized drying process when combined with the adhesive to create a tape that has 35% stronger adhesion, but is easier to remove from the coat than traditional CureTape. This version is a 4 inch (10cm) wide and 16.4 foot long roll which means you get 100% more tape per roll than a traditional 2 inch (5cm) wide roll for approximately 12 applications per roll.

Availability: Sold Out
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Vetkin Veterinary Tape 1.2" X 16' Uncut Roll

$17.99 $18.50

Unlike many other tapes who simply increase the amount of adhesive or package it differently, the creators of Vetkin worked cooperatively with veterinary institutes, olympic teams, ISELP, and the Equine and Canine Institutes to develop a tape specifically for veterinary applications. While it uses the same high quality cotton material base as CureTape, it undergoes a specialized drying process when combined with the adhesive to create a tape that has 35% stronger adhesion, but is easier to remove from the coat than traditional CureTape. It comes in two 1.2 inch (3cm) wide and 16.5 foot long roll which means you get 20% more tape per roll than a traditional 2 inch (5cm) wide roll for about 12 applications per roll.

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StrengthTape Precut Strips

$15.99 $19.99

Supercharge your kinesiology taping with negative ions for greater pain relief and faster recovery. Pair that with the strongest adhesive in the industry and you\'ve got a tape that won\'t quit, even if you do! Each 16\' roll contains 20 tear-off 10 inch strips with 5-7 day wear time.

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SpiderTech Tape Bulk Rolls

$79.99 $89.99

SpiderTech Bulk Rolls are 103 feet (31.5m) long, the equivalent of 6+ single rolls, and are available in both regular and gentle adhesive. Regular adhesive is available in beige, black, blue and pink. Gentle comes in a soft beige shade only.

SpiderTech Tape is made from the original Nitto Denko tape with a 30+ year history. It contains no latex or medications, just soft, breathable cotton with a hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive. Moisture flows easily from the tape, allowing it to stay on 3-5 days, even through swimming or showering.

Availability: Sold Out
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Vetkin Veterinary Tape 2.4" X 16' Uncut Roll

$16.99 $17.50

Unlike many other tapes who simply increase the amount of adhesive or package it differently, the creators of Vetkin worked cooperatively with veterinary institutes, olympic teams, ISELP, and the Equine and Canine Institutes to develop a tape specifically for veterinary applications. While it uses the same high quality cotton material base as CureTape, it undergoes a specialized drying process when combined with the adhesive to create a tape that has 35% stronger adhesion, but is easier to remove from the coat than traditional CureTape. It comes in a 2.4 inch (6cm) wide and 16.5 foot long roll which means you get 20% more tape per roll than a traditional 2 inch (5cm) wide roll for about 12 applications per roll.

Availability: Product available with different options
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Genesis K-Motion Kinesiology Tape Uncut Rolls

$17.50 $22.00

K-Motion with Copper Infuzion™ is the only kinesiology tape with copper infused into the fabric for enhanced comfort and therapeutic benefits. Copper bracelets have been worn for centuries to relieve joint pain. Now with K-Motion kinesiology tape, you can have the benefits of copper anywhere you need it! Copper also has strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which reduces skin irritation and helps K-Motion tape remain odor-free, even when worn for several days. Applied correctly, it provides pain relief, increased support and added stability for injured or weakened muscles, delays fatigue and can ease joint soreness. All without sacrificing your comfort or freedom of movement.



  • 2" x 16.4\' roll provides enough tape for 8-12 average applications

  • Hybrid cotton/synthetic fabric stands up to any environment without breaking down

  • Proprietary, low-residue adhesive provides maximum adhesion with no mess

  • Provides up to 5 days of continuous support and drug free pain relief

Availability: Sold Out

StrengthTape Taping Kit - Wrist/Elbow

$8.99

The StrengthTape Elbow/Wrist Taping Kit can be used for a variety of wrist, forearm or elbow issues, including:



  • Tennis elbow (medial epicondylitis)

  • Golfer\'s elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

  • Strained or sprained wrist

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Strained forearm muscles

  • Biceps, triceps or wrist tendinitis

  • Olecranon bursitis


Includes enough StrengthTape Precut Strips for 2 complete applications to the wrist, forearm or elbow, plus a full-color instruction card with step-by-step instructions for a variety of injuries.

Availability: Sold Out

SpiderTech Tape Single Rolls

$14.99

SpiderTech Tape is the only kinesiology tape that comes with either regular or gentle adhesive. It contains no latex or medications, just soft, breathable cotton with a hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive. Moisture flows easily from the tape, allowing it to stay on 3-5 days, even through swimming or showering.

Single rolls of SpiderTape are perfect for sport bags, travel kits and home use. Each 16.4\' (5m) roll has enough tape for numerous applications. Regular adhesive is available in beige, black, blue and pink. Gentle comes in beige only.

Availability: Last items in stock

SpiderTech Tape - Gentle

$14.99

SpiderTech Tape is the only kinesiology tape that comes with either regular or gentle adhesive. It contains no latex or medications, just soft, breathable cotton with a hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive. Moisture flows easily from the tape, allowing it to stay on 3-5 days, even through swimming or showering.

Single rolls of SpiderTape are perfect for sport bags, travel kits and home use. Each 16.4\' (5m) roll has enough tape for numerous applications. Gentle adhesive is available only in beige.

Availability: Out of Stock
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CureTape Sports 2" X 16" Single Rolls

$13.50 $14.99

CureTape Sports is a kinesiolgy tape specially designed for use on patients who are undergoing intensive physical therapy which also makes it excellent for everyday athletes. Instead of traditional cotton, CureTape Sports is comprised of viscose, a hypoallergenic semi-synthetic fiber with a natural base that allows for 160% stretch to provide increased snapback and muscle activation. The makeup also makes this tape fast-drying and gives the surface a reflective sheen.  The adhesive backing is approximately 30% stronger than traditional tapes, which increases the bond strength and allows for 4-7 day wear time of the tape even in water and extreme conditions. CureTape Sports also includes TUV Certification and undergoes intensive in-house quality assurance. Each roll is 2 inches wide and 16.5 feet long, enough tape for 10-12 average applications.

RockTape Edge - 20 Strip Roll and RockSauce

$28.00
  • RockTape IS THE WORLD\'S BEST KINESIOLOGY TAPE - Use to treat sports & non-sports injuries: Ankle Sprain, Groin Pull, Hamstring Strain, Knee Injury, Shin Splints, Plantar Fasciitis, Runner’s Knee, Back Pain and various Muscle & Joint pain
  • 180% Elasticity - Stretching is Good. Kinesiology Tape with 180% elasticity allows athletes fuller and better range of motion. Our competitors only offer a 130-150% stretch
  • Easy To Use 10" Pre-Cut Strips: Water Resistant + Ultra-Strong and Sticky Hypoallergenic Adhesive, Latex & Zinc Free - For Harsh & Wet Conditions use H2O adhesive.
  • RockTape Edge is kinesiology tape perfected. Features our strongest adhesive combined with moisture management technology for pain relief that just won\'t quit
  • Step-By-Step Instructions on RockTape\'s YouTube Channel provides instructions on taping body pain points, and relieving pressure off injuries

RockTape Edge contains the world\'s best kinesiology tape, designed stretchier and stickier than competitive tapes.

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RockTape Rx Gentle Adhesive Bulk Rolls

$108.00 $112.00

RockTape Rx is a gentle adhesive version of RockTape, designed for individuals who are less active or those with sensitive skin. It possesses all of RockTape\'s premium features, but less adhesive makes it gentler on the skin and easier to remove. It can be used to treat sports injuries as well as non-sport related medical conditions. RockTape Rx is an ideal tape for special patient populations such as pediatrics, geriatrics, neurological disorders and pregnancy.

Available in 5 colors - beige, black, light blue, pink and red. Bulk roll sizes only.

  • gentle, hypoallergenic adhesive for sensitive skin
  • latex and zinc-free
  • 97% cotton, 3% nylon
  • water resistant - safe for swimming and showering
  • 30-60 applications per 105\' bulk roll
  • comes with full-color application instruction poster
Availability: Out of Stock - Backorders Allowed
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RockTape Rx Gentle Adhesive Single Rolls

$23.20 $24.99

RockTape Rx is a gentle adhesive version of RockTape, designed for individuals who are less active or those with sensitive skin. It possesses all of RockTape\'s premium features, but less adhesive makes it gentler on the skin and easier to remove. It can be used to treat sports injuries as well as non-sport related medical conditions. RockTape Rx is an ideal tape for special patient populations such as pediatrics, geriatrics, neurological disorders and pregnancy.

Available in 5 colors - beige, black, light blue, pink and red. Bulk roll sizes only.

  • gentle, hypoallergenic adhesive for sensitive skin
  • latex and zinc-free
  • 97% cotton, 3% nylon
  • water resistant - safe for swimming and showering
  • comes with full-color application instruction poster
Availability: Product available with different options