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 What is Kinesiology Tape?
Kinesiology tape is a thin, stretchy therapeutic tape that has approximately the same thickness, weight and elasticity as human skin. These unique properties make it very comfortable to wear, as it stretches and moves with the body. It is made from 100% high-grade cotton with a hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive. The adhesive is applied in a wave pattern that allows both air and moisture to flow easily through the tape, This allows it to be worn through sweating, showering or swimming without losing its adhesive properties or irritating the skin. Kinesiology tape comes in a variety of colors and is available in either rolls or precut applications for different parts of the body. Once applied, it is typically worn for 3-5 days, providing therapeutic benefits around the clock for the entire time it is worn.
What is Kinesiology Tape Used For?
While kinesiology tape is best known for its applications as an athletic tape or sports tape, it is also widely used in the medical community as a therapeutic tape or medical tape for numerous medical conditions. Among these uses are reduction of swelling associated with lymphedema, recovery from surgery, and structural support for infants with hypotonia and other neurological or muscular disorders. Kinesiology tape can be used to treat injuries, inflammatory conditions, neurological conditions, degenerative joint conditions, and post-surgical recovery. Following are a number of conditions that have responded positively to kinesiology taping.
| Joint Pain........................................ |
Arthritis, Bursitis, Lupus, Degenerative Joints, Poorly Aligned Joints, Joint Instability |
| Muscle Pain or Spasms................... |
Torn Muscles, Pulled/Strained Muscles, Tight Muscles, Fibromyalgia, Muscle Spasms, Muscle Cramps, Calf Strain, Pulled Hamstring, Groin Pulls, Strained Gluteals, Abdominal Strain, |
| Soft Tissue Injuries.......................... |
Tendonitis, Strained Tendons, Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis), Golfers Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis), Patellar Tendonitis, Achilles Tendonitis, Whiplash, Back Strain, Neck Strain, Rotator Cuff Injuries, Iliotibial Band Syndrome |
| Joint Injuries................................... |
Joint Sprains, Dislocated Joints, Sprained Ankle, Sprained Knee, Sprained Wrist, Sprained Elbow, Degenerated Meniscus, Knee Cartilage Injuries, Unstable Joints, Joint Hypermobility |
| Overuse Injuries.............................. |
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Repetitive Stress Syndrome, Shin Splints, Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Tension Headaches, Tennis Elbow, Golfer's Elbow
|
| Swelling and Edema....................... |
Lymphodema, Joint Swelling, Edema, Lymphatic Congestion, Chronic Joint or Muscle Inflammation |
| Postural Problems....
....................... |
Poor Posture, Round Shoulders, Weak Muscles, Muscle Imbalance, Poor Muscle Tone, Hypotonia |
| Rehabilitation after Surgery............ |
Athletic Injury Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery, Joint Replacement, Meniscus Repair, Ligament Surgery, Tendon Surgery |
| Bruising........................................... |
Bruising following Injuries or Surgery, Contusions |
| Foot Pain......................................... |
Plantar Fascitis, Fallen Arches |
♦ CLICK HERE for detailed Benefits of Kinesiology Taping
♦ CLICK HERE for explanation of How Kinesiology Tape Works
Who Makes Kinesiology Tape?
The best known and most reputable brand names are Kinesio™ Tex Tape (Kinesio Tape) and SpiderTech Tape. An exciting newcomer to the field is Rocktape. Beware of imitation products that do no possess the quality of materials or therapeutic benefits of these established market leaders.
What Forms Does Kinesiology Tape Come In?
Kinesiology tape comes in rolls or precut applications for specific body parts. Rolls are available from both Kinesio Tex Tape and SpiderTech Tape. Pre-cut kinesiology tape applications are only available from SpiderTech Tape.
Which Type Should I Use - Rolls or Precut?
 Until recently, kinesiology tape only came in rolls. Working with rolls of tape allows applications to be custom designed, cut and applied for each individual's specific needs. Because applications can be complex, this approach is most commonly used in chiropractic offices, therapy clinics and other healthcare settings where specialists have been trained in kinesiology taping techniques. Cutting individual applications from rolls of either Kinesio® Tex Tape or SpiderTape™ allows practitioners to make adjustments for body size or other specific needs. Purchasing kinesiology tape by the roll is the most economical option. Rolls are 16.4' long x 2" wide, allowing several applications from each roll of tape. Discounts are available for purchasing quantities of 6 or more.
It is important to know how to apply Kinesio Tape, SpiderTape and RockTape, if you purchase any of these in the roll format. A selection of training manuals and a DVD are available that provide detailed information on designing and applying applications for a wide variety of injuries and health conditions. It is highly recommended to purchase at least one manual if you are purchasing tape by the roll and do not have any training in proper kinesio taping techniques.
SpiderTech Pre-Cut Kinesiology Tape eliminates many of the difficulties associated with using rolls of kinesiology tape. SpiderTech products are individually packaged and ready to apply, already precut for different body parts. Applications are suitable for a range of body sizes, from adolescent to large adult. Step-by-step application instructions are included in each package. In addition, both printable instructions and instructional videos are available on this website. If you have no training or knowledge in how to apply kinesiology tape, this is the best option to start with.
The following table compares the pros and cons of rolls vs. precut kinesiology tape.
|
Product Details |
Pro's |
Con's |
Best For |
| Rolls |
- 2" wide x 16.4' long
- available in 4 colors
|
More cost effective (can usually make several applications from 1 roll of tape) |
Requires specialized training or knowledge to create and apply applications |
Health professionals or those with kinesiology taping training |
| Pre-Cut |
- individually packaged
- one size fits most
- available in 4 colors |
Simple instructions in product packaging and on website allow anyone to apply tape without specialized training |
Slightly more expensive per application compared to cutting applications from rolls of tape |
Professional or home users |
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