Kinesiology tape is one of the most popular non-invasive treatments for minor muscle injuries. If you are planning to try it out, you won’t be disappointed. With the right knowledge and proper application, you will be able to gain the benefits from kinesiology taping.
Kinesiology tape can help reduce muscle pain and muscle soreness. At the same time, you will gain more body awareness. However, before applying kinesiology tape for the first time yourself, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with proper application techniques.
Here, we have provided answers to your most frequently asked questions about kinesiology tape application.
When applying kinesiology tape, do not apply to broken or damaged skin. If you have sensitive skin and it is your first time using kinesiology tape, perform a 24 hour skin test by first only applying a small patch of tape to the area you would like to treat. If any skin irritation occurs, remove the tape right away.
Remove kinesiology tape if you were to notice any:
We do not recommend using kinesiology tape if you have any of the following medical conditions:
Kinesiology tape directly interacts with the skin and its underlying structures. Kinesiology tape also influences similar systems your skin does, such as the neurosensory system, which is responsible for carrying pain signals to the brain. Therefore, as you apply the tape, it will act as an extension of the skin.
Here is a quick step-by-step guide to preparing the area of skin where you will be using the kinesiology tape:
If you are using a kinesiology tape roll, you need to round every corner when cutting the tape so that the edges will not peel prematurely due to rubbing on clothing or other materials.
Make sure to avoid touching the adhesive side of the tape when you remove the backing. Note, that if you are also able to purchase pre cut rolls of kinesiology tape which simplifies the process. However, not all precut kinesiology strips will be the right length for all applications. You may require longer pieces or shorter pieces for certain body parts. If shorter pieces are needed you can cut precut strips to the desired length or shape.
Kinesiology tape can be applied in various shapes:
The shape will vary based on the size of the affected muscle and the result that you want to achieve.
When applying your kinesiology tape, below are some additional tips you may find useful:
You can apply kinesiology tape on your own. However, if you are unsure about how to tape a certain body part or have questions regarding a specific injury, you can always consult a specialist such as a sports medicine doctor, physiotherapist, or chiropractor.
You do not have to worry about getting your tape wet. Kinesiology tape is water-resistant therefore, you can shower, bathe, or even swim whilst wearing the tape. After activities that cause the tape to get wet, you can dry it by gently patting the tape down with a towel. Best to allow the tape to dry for at least 20-30 minutes before doing any other activities.
Keep in mind not to use a hairdryer to dry kinesiology tape, as this may cause the adhesive to melt. Should the tape start to peel or rollback, you can trim the loose side with a pair of scissors.
While many brands will stress that kinesiology tape can be worn for several days at a time, we recommend wearing kinesio tape for no longer than three days, with one day break in-between wears. This allows your skin some time to breathe.
When it is time to take off your tape, you do not need to rush to your therapist’s office to have it removed—you can easily do it on your own. Here are some tips:
Remember to peel the skin from the tape, and not the other way around.
When removing the kinesiology tape from your skin, always remember to take your time.
There is a proper application to kinesiology tape. As mentioned above, various shapes have specific purposes. So, what happens to the affected area when the tape is misapplied?
The common misconception is when the tape is applied incorrectly, it will cause pain or do more harm than good. This is not the case. The worst that could happen is that you will not get the relief that you need when kinesio tape is applied incorrectly. Therefore, it is crucial to get informed on proper application techniques, prior to applying kinesiology tape.
We hope this article answers your questions about kinesiology tape application. Applying kinesiology tape is easy. All of the tips mentioned in this article will help you get the most out of kinesiology taping.
There are many resources that can be easily accessed online to show the proper procedure for taping specific areas of the body. Consulting a specialist is also a great way of gaining knowledge on how to tape areas you need to treat the most.
Nevertheless, you can apply kinesiology tape on your own. All you need is to follow the right tips and do your research well. Kinesiology tape will provide you with the relief you deserve to continue your active lifestyle.
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