How to Get Kinesiology Tape to Stick - The 6 P's of Kinesiology Taping

K Tape Beach Volleyball

One of the great things about kinesiology tape is that it can be worn for several days through all kinds of wet, muddy or sandy conditions - provided it is applied properly in the first place. When it isn't applied properly, however, even the greatest-looking applications can fall off much sooner than expected, sometimes in a matter of minutes or hours. When you're in a hurry to get your tape on so you can get on with your workout, it helps to keep in mind the 6 P's of kinesiology taping - Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Premature Peeling. Let's break these tips down into 3 phases:

Phase 1: Skin Preparation

1. Skin Must be Completely Dry Before Applying Tape If you just had a shower, don't apply your tape the instant you hang up your towel - wait until all of the surface moisture is gone. If it was a really hot shower, you might need to cool down a bit first. Ditto if you just finished working out. Wait until you have completely stopped sweating - even if you towel off, if you're still producing even a little bit of sweat, your tape will not stick.

RockSauce Liniment and Skin Prep

2. It Also Needs to be Clean And now to the cleanliness issue ... in all likelihood what you think of as clean and what your k-tape adhesive thinks of as clean are 2 different things. It doesn't matter if it has been 8 hours since you used your favorite body lotion, body spray or sunscreen - even a little bit of oil residue can be the kiss of death for k-tape adhesive. Ditto for perspiration and even natural body oils that build up over time. Take a minute to clean the entire application area right before you apply the tape. You can use an astringent, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol or our favorite, RockSauce. RockSauce is an awesome topical liniment that also happens to be a great skin prep. Rub it in, wait a few seconds, then wipe it off with a paper towel. In addition to having the perfect skin surface for your tape, your injury will love the icy hot tingle that it produces.

Phase 2: Tape Preparation and Application

StrengthTape Precut Strips - Royal Blue

1. Use Good Quality Tape Always start with a good quality tape. Saving a couple of dollars per roll doesn't pay off it you get only half the application time per application. For athletes training and competing in extreme conditions, our favorites are StrengthTape and RockTape H2O, which both have extra-strong adhesives. For those wearing the tape under less rigorous conditions, any of the quality brands we carry on our website should work fine. 2. Round the Corners If you're cutting strips from a roll of tape, take a couple seconds to round the corners. Rounded corners are a lot less likely to catch on things or begin to curl or roll up after time. The quickest way to do this is to fold your strip in half and cut two corners at once. 3. Don't Touch the Adhesive This might seem easier said than done, but there are a couple of tricks that make it easy to keep your fingers off the sticky side of the tape. In fact, we just published a post that describes these tricks in excruciating detail. You can read it here.

How to Apply K Tape

4. Go Easy on the Stretch K-tape is so nice and stretchy, it is tempting to give it a good stretch during application, thinking that it will provide better support, For most conditions, however, the best results come when the muscles are stretched and the tape is not stretched. So, overstretching the tape may actually make it less effective in addition to making it more likely to come off. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that 2 inches at each end of the strip are applied with zero stretch.

5. All Strips Must End on Skin Kinesiology tape is designed to stick to skin, not to other pieces of kinesiology tape. It is OK to cross pieces over each other, but all strips should end on skin.

How to Apply Kinesiology Tape

6. Activate the Adhesive The acrylic adhesive on k-tape is heat-activated and friction is a great way to produce just the right amount of heat. After applying your tape, rub it briskly from the center towards the ends for a few seconds to get that adhesive warmed up. If you rub from the ends toward the center, you run the risk of catching an end and lifting it from the skin. (If this happens, cut the loose piece as close to the skin as possible with scissors and carry on.)

Phase 3: Wearing the Tape

1. Avoid Contact at the Ends Even if you follow all of the advice above and get a perfect-application in place, if the ends end up rubbed by pads, equipment or human contact, they will likely lift. If you know that this is likely, you can apply a pre-taping adhesive spray under the ends of the tape in high risk areas. If you don't have any, even a little bit of hairspray can help. If ends do lift, just snip them close to the skin with scissors to prevent the lifting from continuing down the entire strip. So now you know the 6 P's of Kinesiology Taping and in the process have learned exactly how to get kinesiology tape to stick. Be sure to share this with your friends and fellow tapers so they too can avoid the dreaded "premature peeling" phenomenon and get the most value from every application.

How to Get Kinesiology Tape to Stick - The 6 P's of Kinesiology Taping

There are 147 products.

  • -$0.00

SpiderTech Precut Full Knee Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Full Knee Spider relieves pain and inflammation from a wide variety of knee conditions. It provides full coverage above and below the knee to support the most serious injuries. It can help with:



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



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

Availability: Sold Out

KT Tape Pro Extreme Single Roll - 20 Precut Strips

$22.99

KT Tape Pro Extreme is the toughest, stickiest kinesiology tape in the entire KT Tape product line. Pro Extreme\'s extra-strength adhesive was formulated to deal with kinesiology taping\'s worst enemies - high heat, high humidity, wet conditions, oily skin, or any combination thereof.



    • 100% synthetic microfiber tape with reflective pattern

    • ultra-strong adhesive lasts up to 7 days

    • hard plastic carrying case protects your tape

    • convenient, precut "I" strips - no scissors needed

    • latex and zinc-free



Each roll contains 20 precut 10" strips of KT Tape Pro Extreme kinesiology tape and includes a Quick Start Guide with step-by-step instructions for common injuries.

Availability: Product available with different options
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KT Tape Pro Extreme Jumbo Roll - 150 Precut Strips

$79.99 $95.99

KT Tape Pro Extreme is the toughest, stickiest kinesiology tape in the entire KT Tape product line. Pro Extreme\'s extra-strength adhesive was formulated to deal with kinesiology taping\'s worst enemies - high heat, high humidity, wet conditions, oily skin, or any combination thereof.



    • 100% synthetic microfiber tape with reflective pattern

    • ultra-strong adhesive lasts up to 7 days

    • extra large jumbo roll with 150 precut 10" strips

    • no scissors needed - just tear off strips and apply

    • latex and zinc-free



Each roll contains 150 precut 10" strips of KT Tape Pro Extreme kinesiology tape and includes a Quick Start Guide with step-by-step instructions for common injuries.

Availability: Product available with different options

PerformTex Kinesiology Tape Scissors

$30.00

PerformTex Kinesiology Tape Scissors are super sleek and super sharp - the ideal combination for kinesiology taping. Constructed from premium grade stainless steel with florin-resin coating on the blades, these scissors will allow you to cut the narrowest strips and perfectly rounded corners without fraying or raveling.


Light weight and perfectly balanced, these are the scissors of choice of skilled kinesiology taping practitioners.



  • premium grade stainless steel construction with razor sharp blades

  • florin resin coated blades to prevent adhesive build up

  • perfectly balanced for precision cutting

  • protective carrying case included

Availability: Sold Out
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Kindmax Precut Calf & Achilles Tape

$4.49 $6.99

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
Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

Kindmax Precut Elbow Tape

$4.49 $6.99

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

Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

Kindmax Precut Knee Tape

$4.49 $6.99

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
Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

Kindmax Precut Lower Back Tape

$4.49 $6.99

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

Availability: Product available with different options
  • -$0.00

Kindmax Precut Neck Tape

$4.49 $6.99

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

Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

Kindmax Precut Shoulder Tape

$4.49 $6.99

Easy-to-apply kinesiology tape support for shoulder or upper arm pain. Illustrated step by step instructions in every package. Great for:

  • Deltoid strain or overuse
  • Tendinitis in the shoulder or upper arm
  • Arthritis or bursitis
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Recovery after surgery
Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

Kindmax Precut Wrist Tape

$4.49 $6.99

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
Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

SpiderTech Precut Ankle, Achilles, Shin Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Ankle Spider is a precut kinesiology tape for the ankle, shin and achilles tendon. It covers the shin, top of the foot, bottom of the foot, heel and Achilles tendon. It can help with:



  • shin splints
  • Achille\'s tendinitis
  • plantar fasciitis
  • tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Achille\'s tendon enthesopathy
  • ankle sprains
  • ankle instability
  • recovery from surgery



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

Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

SpiderTech PreCut Elbow Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Elbow Spider is a precut kinesiology tape for the elbow and forearm. It can be worn on either the inside or outside of the elbow. It can help with:



  • tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • golfer\'s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • muscle, ligament or tendon injuries of the elbow or forearm
  • olecranon bursitis
  • arthritis or bursitis of the elbow
  • elbow enthesopathy
  • cubital tunnel syndrome



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

Availability: Sold Out
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RockSauce Fire Skin Prep and Pain Reliever

$43.00 $44.99

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. Available in 2 sizes:



    • 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

    • 3 oz Roll-On - keeps your hands clean and clear of the powerful active ingredients. Take it anywhere, apply it anytime with no mess and no hassle

    • 32 oz Pump Bottle - ideal for busy clinics, athletic trainers and other high volume users

Availability: Product available with different options

5-Pack Kindmax Precut Foot Tape

$34.95

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


* Contains 5 packages, each with 2 single-use applications with a wear time of 3-5 days.

Availability: Sold Out

5-Pack Kindmax Precut Shoulder Tape

$34.95

Easy-to-apply kinesiology tape support for shoulder or upper arm pain. Illustrated step by step instructions in every package. Great for:

  • Deltoid strain or overuse
  • Tendinitis in the shoulder or upper arm
  • Arthritis or bursitis
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Recovery after surgery


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

Availability: Sold Out