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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Kinesio Precuts

$6.49 $6.99

Precut Kinesio Tape applications are made from strips of Kinesio Tex Tape, pre-cut into shapes and sizes for specific body parts. Each convenient 3" x 7" foil packet contains enough tape for 1 or 2 single-use applications, plus application instructions. Each strip has been precut with smooth edges and rounded ends. The backing is perforated for easier application, and also has cutting guides for making size adjustments.

PerformPrep Skin Cleaner

$18.99

PerformPrep Skin Cleaner is used to prepare the skin for the application of kinesiology tape, athletic tape or medical tape. It gently cleans the skin, removing oils, lotions, sweat and residue that could prevent tape from sticking properly. PerformPrep\'s gentle, environmentally friendly formula includes moisturizing ingredients to maintain skin\'s natural pH balance and minimize the chance of irritation.



  • Safe for all ages and skin types

  • hypoallergenic formula uses environmentally-safe ingredients

  • Does not dry skin like alcohol swabs

  • Improves tape adhesion

  • Light, pleasant scent


Directions for Use::
Hold can 3-4 inches from skin and spray entire area to be cleaned. Gently wipe the area with a clean paper or cloth towel. Apply tape when skin is dry.


Warning:
Use only as directed. For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes, open wounds, abrasions and mucous membranes. If swallowed, seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label. Keep out of reach of children. If rash or irritation develops, discontinue use and consult a physician.


For optimum taping results, use the entire PerformTex Taping System:
PerformPrep Skin Cleaner
PerformStik Tape Adherent
PerformLift Adhesive Remover

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Nasara QuickStrips - Precut Y Strips

$11.99 $13.99

Y-strips are used to provide both support and pain relief for injured muscles and joints. The base of the Y is applied at either the top or bottom of the injured muscle or joint, then the two arms are applied around the borders. Select a size large enough to surround at least 80% of the injured area. 


Use the dropdown selectors below to customize your selection to fit your needs:



    1. Select strip length - 6", 8", 10" or 12"


    1. Select quantity - 15-pack or box of 50


    1. Select color - beige, black or light blue



*Not all option combinations are currently available. If you do not see your desired option in any dropdown list, try changing one or more of the previous options.

Availability: Product available with different options
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Nasara QuickStrips - Precut I Strips

$22.50 $0.00

I strips are the most commonly used taping configuration. They can be applied directly over the belly of an injured or overused muscle to assist in recovery or wrapped in a curved pattern around an injured joint. They can be used to provide decompression for pain relief or compression to promote recovery. Available in a variety of lengths for different body parts and situations.

Use the dropdown selectors below to customize your selection to fit your needs:



    1. Select strip length - 6", 8", 10" or 12"

    1. Select quantity - 15-pack or box of 50

    1. Select color - beige, black or light blue



*Not all option combinations are currently available. If you do not see your desired option in any dropdown list, try changing one or more of the previous options.

Availability: Sold Out

RockBalls Infinity Dual-Action Fused Massage Balls

$24.20

Got painful hotspots or trigger points? RockBalls are a great way to perform self myofascial release with pinpoint accuracy. The mesh carrying bag includes a 3.5" spikey ball, a 2.5" smooth ball and an instruction book showing release locations for trigger points plus mobility exercises. The 2 different surfaces give you two different tools to break through tough tissues. Also included with every RockBalls kit is a Movement Manifesto booklet, featuring a multitude of corrective exercises and tissue release techniques.



    • Easy to use - just roll or press on trigger points, hot spots, tight or spasmed muscles to release spasms, tightness, scar tissue

    • Contains 2 PVC rubber myofascial release balls - one 3.5" textured (spiky) ball and one 2.5" smooth ball

    • Includes RockTape Movement Manifesto booklet with corrective exercises and tissue release techniques

    • Convenient and portable - keep one set at home and one in your gym bag

Availability: Sold Out

RockBalls - Myofascial Release Balls

$24.20

Got painful hotspots or trigger points? RockBalls are a great way to perform self myofascial release with pinpoint accuracy. The mesh carrying bag includes a 3.5" spikey ball, a 2.5" smooth ball and an instruction book showing release locations for trigger points plus mobility exercises. The 2 different surfaces give you two different tools to break through tough tissues. Also included with every RockBalls kit is a Movement Manifesto booklet, featuring a multitude of corrective exercises and tissue release techniques.



    • Easy to use - just roll or press on trigger points, hot spots, tight or spasmed muscles to release spasms, tightness, scar tissue

    • Contains 2 PVC rubber myofascial release balls - one 3.5" textured (spiky) ball and one 2.5" smooth ball

    • Includes RockTape Movement Manifesto booklet with corrective exercises and tissue release techniques

    • Convenient and portable - keep one set at home and one in your gym bag

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Nasara QuickStrips - Precut Edema Strips

$12.99 $14.99

Edema Strips are a safe, comfortable way to reduce swelling and bruising. Simply apply this light, elastic tape over any swollen area and it immediately goes to work increasing lymphatic drainage. Also called fan strips because they are applied in a fan pattern over the area of swelling or bruising, many people simply call them magic strips because they work so well and so quickly. Select a size to completely cover the affected area

Customize your selection to fit your needs:



    1. Select strip length - 8" or 10"

    1. Select quantity - 15-pack or box of 50

    1. Select color - beige or black



*Not all option combinations are available. If you do not see your desired option in any dropdown list, try changing one or more of the previous options.

Availability: Product available with different options
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RockGuards Shin Protectors - V3

$27.00 $60.00

RockGuards are durable shin protectors made with cushioned 5mm neoprene on the front and a lightweight mesh on the back. A 2" zipper at the bottom makes them easy on and off. Use them anywhere your shins may take a beating - CrossFit, mountain biking obstacle course racing, trail running, rope climbs, deadlifts, cleans, snatches and box jumps, just to name a few.



    • perforated neoprene on front allows breathability and release of water during OCR

    • 4-way-stretch lycra on back for less bulk and full flexion

    • 2" zipper for easy on and off

    • footstrap to keep them in place no matter what you do

    • RockGuards come as a pair

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Kinesio Taping for Lymphoedema and Chronic Swelling Manual

$65.99

Although focused on Kinesio Taping for lymphedema and severe swelling, this manual also covers basic taping techniques for common injuries. The most recently-published manual, it is beautifully illustrated, with simple, step-by-step, full color instructions.


This manual is recommended for individuals with a good understanding of anatomy and medical terminology or experienced professionals who have been trained in the Kinesio® Taping Method.


8.5" x 11" softcover, spiral bound
172 pages with color photos


Chapter List
1. Understanding Lymphoedema and Chronic Swelling
2. Fundamentals of Kinesio Tex Taping
3. Kinesio Taping for Acute Localized Swelling
4. Kinesio Taping of the Deep Lymphatic Pathways for Chronic Swelling
5. Kinesiio Taping of the Collector Lymphatics for Acute or Chronic Swelling
6. Kinesio Taping of the Superficial Lymphatic Pathways for Chronic Swelling
7. Kinesio Taping for Pitting Oedema, Indurated Tissue, Scar Tissue and Chronic Venous Conditions



Availability: Out of Stock

Kinesio Taping in Pediatrics Manual

$69.99

Developed for pediatric medical practitioners and therapists, this comprehensive manual covers conditions that affect children from infancy to adolescence. Its user-friendly format includes numerous color photos to accurately demonstrate each of the taping techniques.


This manual is recommended for individuals with a good understand of anatomy and medical terminology or professionals who have been trained in the Kinesio® TexTaping Method.


8.5" x 11" Softcover, Spiral Bound
218 pages with color photos

Availability: Last items in stock

Clinical Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method, 3rd Ed

$65.99

Clinical Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method is a detailed, technical manual, written for medical practitioners and individuals with an extensive understanding of anatomy and medical terminology. The 3rd edition, published in 2013, is a significant upgrade with 30 additional pages of KinesioTaping instructions and full color photographs replacing the old black and white images .


This is an official Kinesio Taping Method manual, based on over 30 years of clinical research, application and useage, including nearly 500 studies from more than 25 countries showing positive clinical outcomes.


The most comprehensive and up to date of all the KinesioTaping manuals, Clinical Therapeutic Applications opens by explaining the rationale and methodology for 7 different corrective taping techniques. This is followed by detailed KinesioTaping instructions with step-by-step color photographs for a wide variety of injuries and medical conditions. The table of contents is organized by body part, making it easy to quickly find taping directions for specific injuries or health conditions.


3rd Edition
8.5" x 11" softcover, spiral bound
274 Pages

Availability: Sold Out
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Nasara QuickStrips - Precut X Strips

$8.99 $0.00

X-strips are the quick-relief strips of the kinesiology taping world. Each strip has a lengthwise cut from each end toward a solid center. For fast pain relief, simply apply the center part of the tape directly over any painful spot, then spread the arms and apply over the surrounding area in an X-pattern.

Customize your selection to fit your needs:



    1. Select strip length - 6" or 8"

    1. Select quantity - 15-pack or box of 50

    1. Select color - beige, black or light blue



*Not all option combinations are available. If you do not see your desired option in any dropdown list, try changing one or more of the previous options.

Availability: Product available with different options
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KT Flex Reinforced Knee Support Strips

$14.99 $15.99

KT FLEX is a revolutionary 2-strip system that provides effective support for weak or injured knees without the bulk or restriction of a stabilizing sleeve. It features KT Tape\'s patented FREEFLEX™ technology in the form of a flexible stabilizing bar embedded in the tape for added support and stability.



    • Supports like a sleeve without the restriction

    • Supports while allowing full range of motion

    • Water resistant, lightweight and comfortable 

    • Ideal for use in many athletic activities

    • Can be worn 1-3 days

    • 8 strips/package = 4 applications

Kinesio Taping Perfect Manual

$39.99

If you are a home user wanting to learn how to apply Kinesio Tape, this manual is for you. It was developed for the general population and requires very little knowledge of anatomy or medical terminology. It provides easy-to-follow instructions for taping a variety of common conditions, including low back pain, flat feet, neck pain, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and charley horse.


Includes step-by-step photographs depicting the various stages of taping for each condition.


6"x8" softcover
132 pages



Availability: Sold Out

Illustrated Kinesio Taping Manual

$39.99

This manual covers the essentials of taping for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions. Its step-by-step approach to the Kinesio® Taping Method includes clear, hand-drawn illustrations indicating exactly how and where to apply Kinesio® Tex Tape. Anatomical drawings of the underlying structures help readers understand the intent of each taping. A 7-page introduction explains Kinesio Tape theory and basic techniques.


Illustrated KinesioTaping is directed toward individuals with a basic understanding of anatomy and medical terminology.


4th Edition
8.5" x 11" softcover
Spiral bound, 107 pages



Availability: Sold Out