How to Apply Kinesiology Tape Without Touching the Adhesive

K Tape Adhesive PatternOne of the things that makes kinesiology tape unique is its acrylic adhesive. As soon as you remove the paper backing and look at the sticky side of the tape, you'll know you've got something special. Instead of covering the entire surface of the tape, the adhesive is applied in a wave-like pattern that allows air and moisture to easily flow through. It is thicker and softer and much easier on the skin than the adhesive on regular athletic or medical tape. While these adhesive features are critical to the wonderful benefits of kinesiology tape, they do make the tape significantly less sticky than most other types of tape. Kinesiology tape is designed to be applied once and worn for several days. Once it has been removed, it isn't sticky enough to be reapplied. Even touching the adhesive side of the tape during application can make it less sticky as skin oils coat the surface of the adhesive. This is why it is recommended to not touch the adhesive while applying kinesiology tape. In principle, this sounds simple, but in practice, it can be a bit of a challenge. Kinesiology tape is very thin and flexible, making it a bit difficult to hold on to once the backing has been removed. Applying it on specific locations in the recommended patterns can be challenging when also attempting to touch only the fabric side of the tape. Take heart though - read the rest of this post and follow the 2 simple techniques we present and you will become an expert at how to apply kinesiology tape without touching the adhesive.

Taping Method #1 - Anchor End Application

The most common way to apply kinesiology tape is to begin at one end and continue laying down the tape until the entire strip has been applied. You may have seen videos suggesting you use your finger to peel the end of the tape off the backing and work from there, but this is impossible to do without touching the sticky side. Here is a foolproof way to do your anchor end application and never contact the adhesive with your fingers.

Step 1 - Tear the Backing Step 1: Fold the tape to create a crease in the backing paper approximately 2 inches from the end. Then, carefully tear the paper all the way across the fold until the backing has been separated into 2 pieces.
Step 2 - Remove Anchor End Backing Step 2: Turn the fabric sides of the tape toward each other so the torn ends of the backing are facing up. Gently stretch the tape until the backing paper begins to pull away, then completely remove the small piece of backing from the short (anchor) end.
Step 3 - Apply Anchor End Step 3: Place the short (anchor) end of the tape over the application area and smooth onto the skin with one hand while the other hand holds the rest of the tape.
Step 4 - Apply Other End Step 4: Holding that end against the skin, stretch the tape again to release the other torn end of the backing paper. When it separates from the tape, grasp the paper with one hand and begin smoothing the tape onto the skin with the other hand.
Step 5 - Complete Application Step 5: Continue peeling the paper away and applying the tape until the entire strip is down. Rub the tape briskly from the center toward the ends to activate the adhesive.

Taping Method #2 - Center Stretch Application

A center stretch application is used directly over pain points or hot spots. To increase the lifting action of the tape, the center portion is stretched before being applied to the skin, then the 2 anchor ends are applied with no stretch. This application is usually done with shorter strips of tape, approximately 6" - 8" long. This might sound complicated, but following the simple steps below will have you applying this tape as easily as peeling a banana!

Fold Tape in Half Step 1: Fold the tape in half with the fabric sides facing in. Press along the fold to create a crease in the backing paper, then carefully tear the paper all the way across the fold until the backing has been completely separated.
Separate the backing Step 2: Turn the fabric sides of the tape toward each other so the torn ends of the backing are facing up. With your fingers on the fabric side and your thumbs on the paper side, gently stretch the tape until the backing paper pops up on both sides.
Peel Backing Away from Center Step 3: Grasp the torn ends of the paper and peel them back to expose the center of the tape. When approximately 2" is left at each end, pull gently to lightly stretch the tape.
Apply Center of Tape Step 4: Maintaining the stretch, apply the exposed part of the tape directly over the most painful area. To prevent skin irritation, be sure to apply the final 2" at each end with zero stretch. Rub the tape briskly from the center toward the ends to activate the adhesive.

 Final Notes

For the longest lasting applications, in addition to applying the tape without touching the adhesive, it is important to prepare the skin properly. Theratape, the Kinesiology Tape Experts have covered that and more in Tips for Applying and Removing Kinesiology Tape. Feel free to print it and keep it on hand so you too will become a "kinesiology taping expert!"

How to Apply Kinesiology Tape Without Touching the Adhesive

There are 147 products.

  • -$0.00

RockSauce Ice Pain Relieving Gel

$39.99 $44.99

The 3 oz size comes in a convenient roll-on applicator that allows you to apply Ice wherever and whenever you need it without getting it on your hands - no more burning eyes after rubbing on a liniment and forgetting to wash your hands! The 32 oz (946 ml) pump bottle is ideal for clinical settings.

And, to top it off, RockSauce Ice can be used as a skin prep before applying kinesiology tape or directly through the tape at any time!



    • 3 oz roll-on applicator Ices the target area, not your hands

    • 32 oz pump bottle is great for clinics and training rooms

    • can also be used as a skin prep - apply to skin then wipe away excess before taping

    • 6% menthol - stronger than other topical analgesics

    • cooling sensation lasts for hours after application

    • store in the fridge for extra-strength relief



Availability: Out of Stock
  • -$0.00

KT Tape Pro Jumbo Uncut Rolls

$76.47 $89.99

If you tape a lot, KT Tape jumbo rolls are the best kinesiology taping value you\'ll find. While bulk rolls from most other brands are 105\' (32m) long, KT Tape jumbo rolls are 125\' (38m) long. That\'s an extra 20 feet, or approximately 15-20 additional applications! Combine that with the fact that KT Tape bulk rolls are also priced lower than the competition and you\'ll see why they\'re the choice of so many health professionals.

KT Tape Pro is made from 100% synthetic microfibers for better performance in wet conditions.



    • Synthetic microfiber fabric is more durable than cotton

    • UltraLite elastic core for enhanced support

    • SecondSkin Adhesive lasts up to 7 days

    • Dispenser box for easy access

Availability: Product available with different options

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

RockSauce 12-Pack Merchandiser

$180.00

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. The 3 oz roll-on keeps hands clean and clear of the powerful active ingredients. Take it anywhere, apply it anytime with no mess and no hassle.


Rock Sauce contains a powerful formulation of 20% methyl salicylate, 10% menthol and .3% capsaicin - the maximum amount allowed in non-prescription products. The first thing you feel after applying Rock Sauce is a cooling sensation, followed by an increasing warmth that penetrates deeply into aching muscles. Its non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, providing rapid relief to painful muscles and joints.


This merchandiser pack includes 12 RockSauce roll-ons in an attractive display unit - ideal for displaying on counters where patients or clients check out. 



  • 3 oz roll-on applicator targets the painful area, not your hands

  • 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

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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

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.

Availability: Out of Stock

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\'.

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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: Sold Out
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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: Backorders Allowed

CureTape Cold Gel Topical Cooling Gel (150ml)

$12.00

CureTape Cold Gel Pain Relieving Gel is an affordable and proven solution for pain from tense or injured muscles. Once applied to any sore or stiff muscles it provides a powerful cooling sensation that promotes circulation and relieves tension for hours. The main active ingredients are menthol and ethanol, but Cold Gel is special because of the Eucalyptus Globulus Oil and Glycerol in the gel. Eucalyptus Globulus is an stimulating, aromatic oil known for its cleansing properties and Glycerol is an organic byproduct of soap-making and has a powerful moisturizing effect.


Eacy tube of Cold Gel has a small opening for precise application that removes the need to apply the gel to your hands, simply apply it to the painful area and allow it to dry!



  • Small applicator tube chills the target area, not your hands

  • Less expensive than most comparable products

  • Active Menthol for long-lasting local pain relief

  • cooling sensation lasts for hours after application

  • Can be stored in the fridge for extra-strength relief

Availability: Sold Out
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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

SpiderTech PowerStrips: Precut Y-Strips

$39.99

SpiderTech\'s Y PowerStripsStrips are 2" x 8" strips of kinesiology tape with one solid end and a longitudnal cut extending from the other end, creating a Y configuration. This taping configuration is usually applied around the borders of a muscle or joint that is injured, inflamed or weak. This size is ideal for taping areas like the arm, thigh, neck, back, ankle or calf. They also work well for many pediatric applications.

The backing is divided into numbered sections for simple, step by step application. Perforations in the backing make it easy to apply the tape, one section at a time.

Y-strips can be used alone or in combination with any of the other SpiderTech PowerStrips or precut kinesiology tape applications. All SpiderTech products are made from premium Nitto Denko SpiderTape, and can be worn 3-5 days.

Availability: Sold Out
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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
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StrengthTape 16' Uncut Rolls

$15.99 $19.99

    • 10% greater elasticity provides additional support for injuries and snap-back for performance enhancement

    • proprietary, AllSport adhesive provides superior sticking power in all conditions, including water

    • when properly applied, most applications will provide pain relief, comfort and support for 3-7 days

    • each 16\' roll contains 20 precut 10" strips - enough tape for 10+ average applications

    • precut strips combine the ease of precut strips with the convenience of a roll. Just open a roll, tear off a strip and you\'re ready to tape - no cutting or measuring required.

Availability: Product available with different options
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SpiderTech PreCut Hip/IT Band Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Hip Spider is a precut kinesiology tape for the hip and IT band. It begins on the outside of the leg above the knee and runs up to surround the hip joint. It can help with:



  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
  • hip pointer injury
  • arthritis in the hip
  • strained gluteal muscles
  • trochanteric bursitis
  • hip enthesopathy/enthesitis
  • recovery after hip replacement surgery



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

Availability: Out of Stock