How Does Kinesiology Tape Work?

How does kinesiology tape workHow does kinesiology tape work? It contains no medications or topical ingredients. It is so light and flexible, it is barely noticeable when worn. It is non-restrictive and allows normal movement. A roll of tape costs less than $20 and anyone can learn how to apply it. So, how can something so simple and inexpensive be so effective at relieving pain, inflammation and swelling? All of the wonderful benefits of kinesiology taping are related to three things: 1. How the tape interacts with the skin and the underlying fascia 2. How the tape interacts with the nerves under the skin 3. How the tape interacts with the circulatory system under the skin Following is a simplified explanation of the major mechanisms of action:  
Injured Muscle Without Kinesiology Tape

Injured Area Without Kinesiology Tape

Trauma to a muscle or joint causes blood and other fluids to collect in the area, resulting in bruising and swelling. As these fluids build up, they exert pressure on pain receptors (sensory nerves) under the skin, causing pain. This combination of pain and inflammation is beneficial immediately after an injury, when rest and immobilization are necessary. Following this acute phase, the fluid should begin to drain away through the lymphatic drainage vessels in the area, allowing the swelling to recede. Sometimes, however,  the inflammation can compress these drainage vessels to the point that they can't do their job and swelling persists. The blood vessels in the area are also compressed, which reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients for healing. The longer the cycle of pain and inflammation continues, the more delayed the healing response will be.
Injured Muscle With Kinesiology Tape

Injured Area With Kinesiology Tape

When kinesiology tape is applied correctly to the skin over an injured area, the elasticity in the tape gently lifts the skin, creating small convolutions or wrinkles on its surface, which can sometimes be seen in the tape as well (see image at top of page.) These convolutions create a microscopic space between the skin and the tissues below, with alternating areas of negative and positive pressure. In the negative pressure areas, the lymphatic vessels can dilate (open), allowing drainage of excess fluid away from the area, further reducing the pressure on the blood vessels and pain receptors. As blood flow improves, the enhanced delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissues accelerates the healing process.
 

How Kinesiology Tape Helps Bruises Heal Faster

One of the most dramatic examples of this phenomenon occurs when fan or edema strips are applied over large contusions, as shown below. The drainage of blood and fluid under the strips creates the distinctive fan pattern shown on the surface of these bruises. How kinesiology tape reduces bruising

Video - How Does Kinesiology Tape Work?

How Does Kinesiology Tape Work?

There are 147 products.

KT Tape Recovery Patches for Swelling & Inflammation

$9.99

DISCONTINUED BY KT TAPE

The KT Tape Recovery+ Patch is a groundbreaking product for the treatment of swelling, inflammation and bruising. The unique one-piece design makes it possible to apply an effective edema application in less than a minute. Simply remove the backing from the center part of the application and apply over the affected area. Then remove the backing strip from the outer edge and smooth the tape down. Compare this to the tedious process of cutting and applying hand-cut fan strips and you\'ll understand why this is a game changer!



    • Can be used on any part of the body

    • Effective for acute or chronic conditions

    • No measuring or cutting required

    • Simple 2-step process for fast and easy application

    • No training necessary to apply effectively

    • Provides 24/7 therapy up to 3 days

Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

Genesis Excel Performance Tape - Fitting & Protection Tape for Bowlers

$12.99 $14.99

Excel Performance Tape is a multi-use kinesiology tape developed to assist bowlers with ball fitting, release speed and skin protection. Rather than being applied inside the holes of the bowling ball, Excel Performance Tape is applied directly to the thumb and fingers. The highly elastic synthetic fabric stretches and moves with your skin and the patented adhesive leaves no sticky residue. The 2.75" x 1" (7cm x .5cm) size is perfect for wrapping around fingers and thumbs, but is also great for toes, heels and other small areas of the body that need some extra protection.

Excel Performance Tapes provide you with superior protection against blisters, cuts and abrasions, and is available in five distinct styles. Ranging in texture, thickness and elasticity, these tapes give you a multitude of options to fine tune release speed, plus the ability to layer pieces for the perfect fit with less waste, and the power of kinesiology to increase blood flow and control swelling.

Availability: Product available with different options
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Kindmax Precut Foot Tape

$4.49 $6.99

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

Availability: Sold Out

Kinesio Tex Classic Single Rolls

$12.99

The original Kinesio Tex Tape has been given a facelift! New packaging, a new color (white) and a new roll size (13\') make Kinesio Tex Classic the ideal tape for personal use, family first aid kits, sports bags and travel kits. Kinesio Tape Classic uses the famous traditional wave design that has stood the test of time for over 30 years.

This is the original Kinesio Taping product developed in Japan by Dr. Kenzo Kase, and used in the official KinesioTaping Method of therapeutic taping.

Each 2" x 13\' roll provides an average of 7-10 applications. Available in beige, black, blue, pink, and now white - there\'s no therapeutic difference between the colors, but you can use them to make a great fashion statement! Each single roll of Kinesio comes in a handy dispenser box that allows you to cut just the amount you need.

Availability: Out of Stock
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KT Tape Pro-X Patches

$15.99 $19.99

KT TAPE PRO X Patches are small 4" x 4" kinesiology tape X-strips designed to provide spot-relief for painful muscles, tendons and joints. Developed for active consumers who doesn\'t want to be slowed down by pain or complex taping applications, KT TAPE PRO X will stay in place through multiple demanding workouts for 3-5 days.

Each box comes with 15 precut X-patches in a hard plastic carrying case that will keep them in good shape no matter where you go. A Quick Start Guide with step-by-step instructions on the most common injuries is included with every purchase.



    • X marks the spot - apply directly over painful areas anywhere on the body

    • Bi-directional stretch for increased feedback

    • Made from synthetic microfiber for enhanced comfort and durability

    • Apply alone for pain relief or combine with KT Tape strips for additional support

    • Protective travel case keeps strips like new until used

Availability: Sold Out

Genesis Excel Performance Tape Sample Pack

$8.99

Professional Bowlers Association Registered Product



Excel Performance Tape is a multi-use kinesiology tape developed to assist bowlers with ball fitting, release speed and

skin protection. Rather than being applied inside the holes of the bowling ball like insert tape, Excel Performance Tape is applied directly to the thumb and fingers for a more customized application. The highly elastic synthetic fabric stretches and moves with your skin and the patented adhesive leaves no sticky residue. The 2.75" x 1" (7cm x .5cm) size is perfect for wrapping around fingers and thumbs, but is also great for toes, heels and other small areas of the body that need some extra protection.

If you\'re not sure which Excel product will be best for you, this sample pack is a great item to start with. It contains 2 strips each of Excel 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 so you can test them all to determine which gives you the perfect fit.

Availability: Sold Out

5-Pack Kindmax Precut Calf & Achilles Support

$34.95

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


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

Availability: Sold Out

Kinesio Tex Gold FP 3" Single Rolls

$19.99

Kinesio Tex Gold FP is the next generation of Kinesio Tape with state-of-the-art features, including major advances in quality, comfort, grip, stimulation and adhesion. FP stands for FingerPrint Technology, a patented adhesive pattern that resembles the swirls on our fingertips. Combined with a higher quality cotton and upgraded weave process, this advanced KinesioTape offers greater comfort, longer wear and enhanced therapeutic benefits.


Kinesio Tape FP 3" Single Rolls are 3 inches wide (50% wider than standard 2" tape) and 16 feet long. They are a great solution for larger patients and/or larger body areas such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, IT band and lower back. . This extra wide KinesioTape can also be used to create heavy duty X,Y and I cuts or more complex fan or web cuts.

Kinesio Tex Gold FP 1" Rolls (2-Pack)

$14.99

Kinesio Tex Gold FP provides major advances in quality, comfort, grip, stimulation and adhesion. FP stands for FingerPrint Technology, the new, patented adhesive pattern that resembles the swirls on our fingertips. Combined with a higher quality cotton and upgraded weave process, this advanced KinesioTape offers greater comfort, longer wear and enhanced therapeutic benefits.

These narrower 1" wide rolls are ideal for infants and children or smaller body part such as the hand, foot, fingers, toes and face. Made from the new Kinesio Tex Gold FP Tape these rolls are 1 inch wide (half the width of standard 2" tape) and 16.4 feet long. This narrow width can be used to create lymphatic fan or web patterns with less cutting than regular tape, It can also be used for support or corrective applications on the hands, feet or face.

* Each box contains two rolls, 1" x 16.4\'.

Availability: Last items in stock

KT Tape Cotton Grip Tape For Abrasion Control

$13.99

KT Tape Original Cotton Grip Tape for abrasion control is KT Tape\'s solution for the sores and blisters that come with using the *Hookgrip lifting technique. Each roll has been precut into 40 strips, each of which is 5 inches long and 2 inches wide (12.7 cm X 5 cm). This unique size is specially designed to wrap around fingers and thumbs to add a layer of protection where you need it most, and the strong adhesive will make sure that your tape stays on through blood, sweat, and tears!



    • Strong adhesive designed to withstand intense workouts

    • Protects thumbs from blistering and abrasion

    • Enhances grip during heavy barbell, kettlebell, crossfit, and Olympic lifting

    • Approved for competetive lifting (unless fingertips are covered)

    • Highest available strip count (40 Strips per roll).

    • 2" (5cm) width works for all thumbs

    • Strips are precut and tear off to save you time and effort

    • Latex-Free 

Availability: Last items in stock
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Kinesio Classic Fan Cuts - Pack of 12

$14.49 $15.49

Fan taping is a simple and effective way to reduce swelling, bruising, and even the severe swelling associated with lymphedema. Applying the tails of the fan tape over the affected area lifts the skin microscopically, enhancing lymphatic drainage. This allows accumulated fluid to drain away, dramtically reducing both edema and the appearance of bruising.  The use of Kinesio Taping is so effective that it has become a standard treatment in lymphedema treatment plans. While it used to be tedious work to cut strips of KinesioTape into the thin "tails" required for lymphatic drainage, the introduction of precut Kinesio Fan Strips has made lymphatic taping quick and easy.

* Package contains twelve 2" x 12" fan strips - 3 beige, 3 black, 3 blue and 3 pink.

Availability: Sold Out
  • -$15.00

Kinesiology Taping Fundamentals DVD

$30.00 $45.00

90 Minutes of Practical Kinesiology Taping Training!

The Kinesiology Taping Fundamentals DVD is a must for anyone involved with kinesiology taping. British physiotherapist, Paul Coker, explains the theory of kinesiology taping in clear, understandable terms, then demonstrates taping techniques for over 50 conditions.

The DVD is separated into 8 chapters. Each chapter has its own menu with selectable sub-titles for each individual taping technique. This makes it easy to quickly find and view instructions for any condition without having to search through the entire DVD.

Chapters

  1. Introduction
  2. Tape & Technique
  3. Clinical Rules of Thumb
  4. Taping Common Clinical Conditions
  5. Fan Taping to Reduce Swelling
  6. Lift Taping to Reduce Pain
  7. Muscle Taping to Improve Function
  8. Support Taping to Stabilize and Support
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Kinesio Tex Classic Bulk Rolls

$71.99 $73.99

After almost 40 years as the world\'s leading kinesiology tape brand, the original Kinesio Tex Tape has stood the test of time. Now called Kinesio Tex Classic, the tape has the traditional wave design and the original cotton fabric content. 



    • 2" wide x 105\' long - equivalent to 8 single rolls of Kinesio Tape Classic

    • Hypoallergenic, latex-free adhesive

    • Water resistant, with a wear-time of 3-5 days

    • Available to both consumers and health care professionals



This is the original Kinesio Taping product developed in Japan by Dr. Kenzo Kase, and used in the official KinesioTaping Method of therapeutic taping.

Availability: Backorders Allowed

Kinesio Tex Gold FP 2" Single Rolls

$14.99

Kinesio Tex Gold FP is the next generation of Kinesio Tape with state-of-the-art features, including major advances in quality, comfort, grip, stimulation and adhesion. FP stands for FingerPrint Technology, a patented adhesive pattern that resembles the swirls on our fingertips. Combined with a higher quality cotton and upgraded weave process, this advanced KinesioTape offers greater comfort, longer wear and enhanced therapeutic benefits.



    • Patented FingerPrint adhesive pattern for nano-touch stimulation

    • Micro-grip deep set adhesive provides improved grip and adhesion

    • Higher grade cotton is more breathable for increased comfort and faster drying

    • Improved weave process enhances durability and support

    • Hypoallergenic, latex-free adhesive mimics gentle human touch, with a more effective hold



Kinesio Tex Gold FP single rolls are 2" wide x 16 feet long, enough for 10-12 applications.

Availability: In Stock
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Kinesio Tex Performance+ 2" Single Rolls

$17.99 $19.99

Kinesio Tex Performance+ is an exciting new twist on Kinesio\'s tried and true line of kinesiology tapes. Performance Plus Tape combines the best features of Kinesio Tex Classic and Kinesio Tex Gold FP to create the perfect kinesiology tape for everyday use. While Gold FP targets surface tissue and Kinesio Tex Classic targets deeper muscles, Kinesio Tex Performance+ meets in the middle to provide support and pressure relief for the fascia and muscles between these two layers. Using a unique 50/50 cotton/polyester blend, a snowflake style, and Kinesio\'s patented wave adhesive pattern, Performance+ tape provides the deep muscle support you need and the shallow muscle/skin decompression your muscles with thank you for! 

Each roll comes pre-wound on a sturdy plastic dispensing spool that protects your tape wherever you take it and the side port lets you unwind and rewind it without ever having to take the tape out! Each  2" x 16.4\' roll provides an average of 8-12 applications.

Availability: Product available with different options
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Kinesio Tex Gold FP Bulk Rolls

$74.99 $79.99

Kinesio Tex Gold FP is the next generation of Kinesio Tape with state-of-the-art features, including major advances in quality, comfort, grip, stimulation and adhesion. FP stands for FingerPrint Technology, a patented adhesive pattern that resembles the swirls on our fingertips. Combined with a higher quality cotton and upgraded weave process, this advanced KinesioTape offers greater comfort, longer wear and enhanced therapeutic benefits.



    • Patented FingerPrint adhesive pattern for nano-touch stimulation

    • Micro-grip deep set adhesive provides improved grip and adhesion

    • Higher grade cotton is more breathable for increased comfort and faster drying

    • Improved weave process enhances durability and support

    • Hypoallergenic, latex-free adhesive mimics gentle human touch, with a more effective hold



Kinesio Tex Gold FP bulk rolls are 105\' (31.5m) long, enough tape for 80-100 average applications.

Availability: Product available with different options