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 Groin Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Groin Spider relieves pain and inflammation in the adductor muscles of the inner thigh. It is thin and flexible, allowing it to provide pain relief and support without limiting range of motion. It can help with:



  • groin strain/adductor strain
  • pulled groin muscles
  • adductor tendinitis
  • weak, imbalanced adductors
  • torn adductors
  • bruises and contusions on the inner thigh
  • adductor enthesopathy



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

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SpiderTech PreCut Hamstring Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Hamstring Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms in the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh. It has a wide base that is applied just below the gluteal area and extends down the thigh almost to the knee. It can help with:



  • Strained or \'pulled\' hamstrings
  • hamstring tendinitis
  • torn or ruptured hamstrings
  • weak or imbalanced hamstrings
  • hamstring cramps or spasms
  • hamstring pain or stiffness from overuse
  • recovery after hamstring surgery



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

Availability: Sold Out
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SpiderTech PreCut Upper Back Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Upper Back/Postural Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms between the shoulder blades. It can also be used for scapular instability and to reduce "round shouldered" posture. The Upper Back Spider is often combined with the Shoulder Spider for certain types of shoulder injuries.>It can help with:



  • Upper back pain and inflammation
  • Poor posture, rounded shoulders
  • Stiffness, spasms or pain related to overuse or prolonged poor posture
  • Weak upper back muscles
  • Scapular stabilization



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

Availability: Sold Out
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SpiderTech PreCut Upper Knee Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Upper Knee Spider relieves pain, inflammation and swelling from a wide variety of knee conditions. It provides support for the patella and the thigh muscles that can affect knee function. It can help with:



  • Runner\'s, Jumper\'s or Cyclist\'s Knee
  • Chondromalacia
  • Arthritis or bursitis of the knee
  • Patellar tendinitis
  • Kneecap pain
  • Degenerated knee cartilage
  • Recovery after knee surgery



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

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SpiderTech PreCut Shoulder Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Shoulder Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms in the shoulder and rotator cuff area. This full coverage application provides support for the upper arm, A/C joint, and muscles of the rotator cuff.  The Shoulder Spider is often combined with the Upper Back/Postural Spider for certain types of shoulder injuries or postural issues. It can help with:



  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Deltoid injuries
  • Arthritis, tendinitis or bursitis of the shoulder
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Adhesive Capsulitis
  • Shoulder enthesopathy
  • Recovery after shoulder surgery



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

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SpiderTech PreCut Neck Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Neck Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms in the neck and upper shoulder area. It covers both sides of the neck beginning below the hair line, and extends out along the top of the trapezius muscle. It can help with:



  • Strained neck muscles
  • Neck spasms
  • Stiffness or pain from overuse
  • Arthritis, bursitis or tendinitis in the neck area
  • Torticollis (twisted or tilted neck)
  • Weakness or lack of tone in neck muscles
  • Cervical disc disease
  • Recovery after neck surgery



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

Availability: Sold Out
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SpiderTech PreCut Wrist Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Wrist Spider relieves pain and inflammation in the joints and muscles of the wrist, hand and forearm. It can relieve pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist sprains and other wrist injuries. It can be applied to the top or the bottom of the writs. It can help with:



  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Sprained or strained wrist
  • Tendinitis in the wrist, hand or forearm
  • Arthritis or bursitis
  • Wrist weakness or instability
  • Hypermobility of the wrist
  • Wrist enthesopathy



* Contains 2 single-use applications with 3-5 day wear time.

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SpiderTech PreCut Lower Back Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Lower Back Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms in the lower back. It is applied at the base of the lower back, extending up to cover both the erector and oblique muscles on both sides of the spine. It can help with:



  • Lower back strains, pain and inflammation
  • Sciatica
  • Muscle spasms in the lower back or gluteal area
  • Weak or poorly toned lower back muscles
  • Stiff, sore back from overuse
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal enthesopathy



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

Availability: Product available with different options
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SpiderTech PreCut Calf, Arch, Achilles Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Ankle Spider is a precut kinesiology tape for the calf, Achilles tendon and sole of the foot. It begins on the back of the leg below the knee and extends over the Achilles tendon, heel and sole of the foot. It can help with:



  • strained or pulled calf muscles
  • cramps/spasms in the calf or foot
  • Achille\'s tendinitis
  • plantar fasciitis, fallen arches, foot pain
  • plantaris tear or rupture
  • Achille\'s tendon enthesopathy
  • posterior shin splints
  • muscle, ligament or tendon injuries to the calf or foot
  • recovery from surgery



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

Availability: Sold Out
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SpiderTech Precut Medium Fan Tape

$7.99 $8.99

SpiderTech\'s Medium Fan Lymphatic Tape is a precut kinesiology tape specially designed to reduce swelling, bruising and pain. It can be applied to many areas of the body, including the arm, neck, chest, calf or ankle. It can help with:



    • swelling or bruising from acute injuries or after surgery

    • chronic joint swelling

    • lymphedema

    • bruises and contusions

    • varicose veins

    • lymphatic congestion



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

5-Pack Kindmax Precut Knee Tape

$34.95

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


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

Availability: Sold Out

5-Pack Kindmax Precut Elbow Tape

$34.95

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


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

Availability: Sold Out

5-Pack Kindmax Precut Lower Back Tape

$34.95

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


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

Availability: Sold Out

5-Pack Kindmax Precut Neck Tape

$34.95

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


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

Availability: Sold Out

5-Pack Kindmax Precut Wrist Tape

$34.95

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

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

Availability: Sold Out

KT Tape Edema Strips - 83 Strip Jumbo Rolls

$61.99

Edema strips are designed to decrease swelling and bruising by increasing lymphatic drainage. They can be used to relieve edema from:



    • acute injuries such as sprains, strains and contusions

    • post-surgical swelling and bruising

    • residual swelling from chronic injuries, arthritis, bursitis, etc.

    • lymphedema



Unlike compression wraps or garments that are restrictive and uncomfortable to wear, KT Tape Edema Strips are thin, stretchy and allow full range of movement. Instead of compressing tissue to squeeze out fluids, kinesiology tape gently lifts the skin, enhancing drainage through the lymphatic system. Made from KT Tape cotton with a light adhesive, applications can be worn for several days, providing therapeutic benefits the entire time they are worn.

KT Tape Edema Strips are 2" wide by 18" long - the longest edema strips available. Each strip has a 2" anchor (the end with the KT Tape logo) and five 16" tails.

Availability: Sold Out