Everything you need to know about Kinesiology Tape

What is it?

Kinesiology Tape was developed in by the Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase® to replace the stiff medical tape he was using in his practice. Through developing Kinesiology Tape he was successfully able to meet his end goal which was to mimic the elasticity of skin. This therapeutic tape made headlines during the Olympics when it was seen worldwide being used by talented Olympians. Since this time, its popularity has continued to grow and is now used by anyone looking for some muscle or joint support. Kinesiology Tape is most well-known amongst athletes, athletes trainers, and physical therapists.

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Benefits of Kinesiology Tape? 

Kinesiology Tape offers a variety of benefits to a variety of users, we most commonly see Kinesiology Tape being used by athletes, though its benefits can be enjoyed by anyone. The following are just a few of the benefits that Kinesiology Tape can provide the user:

• Pain Relief
• Muscle support
• Injury prevention
• Help with Muscle sprains
• Help with Arthritis
• Help with Lupus
• Help with Fibromyalgia
• Increase blood flow
• Reduce swelling
• Decrease inflammation
• Reduce falling risks in elders
• Rehabilitation
• Help with tendinopathies
• Improved athletic performance
• Fascial support
• Help with poor posture
• Help with growing pains

Risks of Kinesiology Tape

Kinesiology Tape is relatively risk free, with very few reports of mild side effects. In situational cases the following risks apply

• Allergic reaction: Kinesiology Tape poses a risk to those that have a history of allergic reaction to adhesives. Kinesiology Tape is generally applied to the skin for multiple hours to days at a time and this long exposure period could cause some skin irritation or allergic reactions. 
• Deep Vein Thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in the veins of the arm or the leg. When Kinesiology Tape is applied on or near this clot it could cause it to move and be a concern for risk of a pulmonary embolism. 
• Open Wounds: Kinesiology Tape should not be used on or near open wounds. Kinesiology Tape when placed on an open wound or cut can create a situation where bacteria can be introduced. 
• Cancer: Kinesiology Tape is a risk to use if the individual is going through treatment for cancer. Cancer may cause skin to break more easily.   In addition, Kinesiology tape can increase circulation and might cause increased blood flow to a cancerous lesion.

If any of these risks apply to you, please consult a doctor prior to using Kinesiology Tape. 

How does it work?

Kinesiology Tape works best when it is breathable and elastic.  The elasticity of Kinesiology Tape mimics that of the skin allowing for the skin to be slightly lifted off from the tissues below it.  This lift, helps reduce pressure in the area and creates a pathway for increased blood flow and lymphatic flow.

How to apply?

Kinesiology Tape can be applied by the individual themselves, or by a medical or holistic practitioner. When taking on the task yourself it is beneficial to have a practitioner or doctor do a demonstration,  or to follow a video on the proper techniques and locations to apply. The most common techniques used are as follows:

• Neutral Technique: The neutral technique refers to when the goal of the tape is to stretch the muscle. This technique should be used for situations when the muscle is strained or injured, or to help activate a muscle for performance. In this technique, the tape is not stretched or pulled hard. This ensures that the individual is comfortable at all times of wear. 
• Stretch technique: The stretch technique refers to when the goal of the tape is to create lift. This technique should be used on specific trigger points where pain is occurring. The lift from this technique will reduce the pressure and increase the circulation to the area.

Step by step application guide: 

1. Prepare the skin through cleaning and drying the application area. If the application area has excess hair the application will work best if the hair can be trimmed  or removed through shaving or waxing it off. 
2. Cut the appropriate length of tape for the area in question. Ensure your pieces have rounded edges. 
3. Remove the backing from the Kinesiology Tape.
4. Apply one end to the skin, this will be the anchor. Rub the anchor end to activate the adhesive. 
5. Apply the tape to the area in question. Depending on the specific needs, apply with as little or as much pressure as needed. 
6. Once the tape has been applied, rub the tape to activate the adhesive to ensure it stays in place. 

Different kinesiology tape cuts?

• I-Cut: The I-Cut is used for muscle facilitation and inhibition, and is the building block for the other variations of Kinesiology Tape cuts. To make an I-Cut, use pre-cut strips or cut off the amount needed. Once you have the desired length round the edges using scissors to avoid it being easily removed by clothes.
• Y-Cut: The Y-Cut is used to help avoid taping over sensitive areas such as the back of the knee or the front of the elbow. The Y-Cut is made by  using pre-cut strips or cutting an I-Cut strip, and then cutting lengthwise down to about half way.
• X-Cut: The X-Cut is used for large area coverage across multiple joints. This cut can help avoid taping over sensitive areas such as the back of the knees, the front of the elbows, and can be applied over large muscles like the hamstrings.  The X cut is made by using pre-cut strips or by cutting an I-Cut strip and then cutting lengthwise on either end leaving a 2” uncut center
• Fan Cut: The Fan Cut is used to control the swelling of the leg or the arm most. The fan cut is made by cutting an I-Cut strip, and then making 3 cuts lengthwise.
• Lift Cut: The Lift Cut is used to lift the skin and tissues off sore muscles and areas to relieve pressure. The Lit Cut is made by cutting a small sized I-Cut and stretched to 75-100%. 

Now that you know everything that you need to know about Kinesiology Tape it’s time to test it for yourself. Purchase directly from our website and try the Heali Difference where you get all the benefits of Kinesiology Tape with the added bonus of infused natural ingredients.  Heali Tape Pro has a strong focus on style and is infused with Menthol and Magnesium to help with Pain Relief and Faster Recovery.

How does kinesiology tape work?

The elasticity of kinesiology tape has been designed to mirror the elasticity of the skin. Applied correctly, kinesiotape mimics the elasticity of the skin therefore influencing various subcutaneous structures. In the hands of a trained skillful therapist differing techniques can be used to correct and adapt physiological structures, such as microcirculation, neuroreceptors, lymph vessels and the fascia.

How to use and apply kinesiology tape?

Because kinesiology tape can be applied in a number of ways and due the fact that a variety of physiological structures can be influenced, the Medical Taping Concept has numerous fields of application. Once the clinician has assessed whether the deficit in the muscles ability is length or strength related, specific muscular taping can be used to normalize muscle function. Joint function can be corrected or stabilized by using techniques that work more on connective tissue. Specific lymph taping can stimulate lymphatic function to reduce oedema and haematomas. Through a segmental approach taping can be used to influence internal organs and both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

How to apply kinesiotape and what is it used for?

Multiple taping techniques combined simutaniously in a therapists daily practice frequenty bear the best results in normalizing a patients biomechanics.
Other possible indications for taping would include: complaints due to overload, deviations in posture, sports injuries, menstruation problems, growing pains and bone contusions to name a few.

Why is kinesiology tape made in different colours?

Within a range of CureTape®, for example CureTape® Punch, the base of the kinesiotape is identical but only a different dye bath is used to create the various colours of kinesiotape. The hypoallergenic adhesive properties used in CureTape® Sports enable this tape to endure longer but the base tape is the same. Originally, the colours were chosen on the principles of ‘Colour therapy’. When applying coloured kinesiology tape, an aesthetic choice is often made in practice. Sometimes a therapist may use a certain colour for structural taping to support a joint and then a different colour to strap a muscle or simply you may use a ‘beige’ colour to tape with more discretely.

Are there pharmaceutical elements within kinesiology tape?

No pharmaceutical properties have been embedded in kinesiology tape. The positive effects achieved by using kinesiology tape are largely the result of Thysols R & D testing and the skillfull application of kinesiology tape to the patient.

Can kinesiotape get wet (swimming and shower)?

Yes, kinesiology tape can get wet. CureTape® kinesiotape has been designed to be water-resistant so showering, swimming and bathing can continue as normal. The cotton in kinesiology tape does absorb some water so after showering or swimming it is advisable to ‘dab’ dry kinesiology tape with a towel.
The way kinesiology tape adheres to the skin happens as body heat stimulates the adhesive hypoallergenic material in kinesiology tape to become tacky and affix to the skin. Therefore it is not recommended to use a heater or hair dryer to dry kinesiology tape as this may cause a skin reaction. Sunbaking or using a sunbed with kinesiology tape are also better avoided.

What precautions do I take when using kinesiology tape?

Kinesiology tape does not adhere well to greasy or oily substances such as body creams, lotions or massage oil. The use of cream rinse can also reduce the adhesive strength of kinesiology tape in shoulder or neck applications. Generally for best application the skin must be cleaned and degreased before taping.
Good practice would direct the therapist to place a small test patch of tape on the inner forearm to test for reactions to sensitive skin although reactions are rare.
Another option for very sensitive or thin skin is to use 3M’s Cavilon spray beforehand. This spray creates a protective film on the skin, preventing skin reactions. This film layer is slightly sticky, so that kinesiology tape will stick even better.

Are you interested in learning more about Wholesale Kinesiology Tape? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Is it possible to apply kinesiology tape over hair growth?

For best effects kinesiology tape should adhere directly to the skin. If there is too much hair, kinesiology tape will lie on the hair which can hinder or limit potential results. Removal of kinesiology tape from hairy bodies also obviously can generate some discomfort. If the patient or therapist can shave or trim the area to be treated prior to application would prove sensible. In some cases care would be taken not to remove too much hair to avoid folliculitis or wounds. In this case a trimmer would be recommended.

Is it possible to use kinesiotape over open wounds or damaged skin?

Kinesiology tape is not sterile and therefore cannot be applied over damaged skin. It is highly recommended to tape adjacent to the wound to accelerate and promote wound healing.
You can only tape scars after the wound is closed and able to take the load of tensioned tape.
Post radiotherapy sufficient time must have elapsed for the skin to recover before applying tape. According to the protocol, the first six weeks after the end of the radiation taping should not occur. Each patients healing rates will differ so clinical discretion must be used to determine when it is safe to apply tape.

Is CureTape® hypoallergenic kinesiology tape?

Yes, CureTape® Classic (medical tape) and associated Thysol kinesiology tapes (CureTape® Sports, CureTape® Punch and CureTape® Art) are made of hypoallergenic material. CureTape® is made of high quality cotton, through which latex-free elastic fibers are woven. A 100% acrylic adhesive layer is used, which is also well tolerated by people with a allergies to elastic plasters. The adhesive layer is woven in a wave pattern, so that the skin can breathe and body fluid can pass through kinesiology tape.
Occasionally skin irritations and allergies can occur in practice and are often due too:

• Technique errors, such as too much stretch on kinesiology tape or skin folds stuck to kinesiology tape;
• Sometimes due to the patients medications e.g., blood thinners;
• The incorrect removal of tape
• Sometimes we perceive there is a problem when there is not. E.g., kinesiology tape has a normalizing effect on the blood flow so if a reddening of the skin is observed it may not be due to irritation.
  Occasionally a sympathetic overreaction of the body can occur;
• In all cases if there is any doubt please remove kinesiology tape!

How to remove kinesiotape?

Kinesiology tape should be removed calmly and carefully, to prevent skin irritations or skin damage, kinesiology tape is not a band aid.

Effective removing kinesiotape:

• Determine the direction the hair is growing. Soak kinesiology tape well with a food grade cooking oil before removal process. Support /pin the skin adjacent to where you wish to start removing tape. Pull slowly but firmly in the direction of hair growth (away from the area of skin you are supporting/pinning and parallel to the skin (you will need to reposition your support/pin hand as tape is removed).
• For more vulnerable skin or children: rub kinesiology tape with (baby) oil, let the oil drain well. This will easily release kinesiology tape.
• Another useful tool is Sterilium. Let it soak in for a short time so that the adhesive layer has a chance to soften or dissolve before removing kinesiology tape.
  Use of irritants is not recommended if there is a lymph problem.

Can I apply kinesiology tape myself?

For a positive result, it is necessary fully understand your condition and the technique of kinesiology taping that best applies to the condition.
Improper use can cause a counterproductive effect or even create a new problem! We recommend that you only tape yourself after a thorough explanation and good instructions from a therapist with sufficient taping experience.

If in doubt you should always contact a physician who has sufficient knowledge of the Kinesiology Taping Concept.

How long can kinesiology tape be worn?

Kinesiology tape may remain in place as long as it adheres. On average, a tape will last for 4 to 6 days. Applications with a hand or foot may release more rapidly which is also the case for oily skinned patients.

Kinesiology tape absorbs the skin heat and adheres optimally after about half an hour. Dressing for the first time must therefore be done carefully to prevent the ends from coming loose. Once kinesiology tape has reached skin temperature, the vulnerability when dressing or undressing declines.

Tip: after applying kinesiotape, rub kinesiology tape with talcum powder. The talcum powder adheres to the edges of the kinesiotape so that kinesiology tape does not stick to the clothes.

Can kinesiology tape be used during pregnancy?

Some kinesiotaping techniques, as with massages, are highly beneficial during pregnancy, yet also some techniques may stimulate body function. So it is always recommended during pregnancy to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice prior to pregnancy kinesiology taping.

If I have more specific questions where can I go?

Please send any questions you have via to our help desk at [ protected] and your question will be answered by one of our experts and experienced instructors.

Medical Taping conditions

As one of the foundation companies THYSOL introduced kinesiology taping to the medical market in Europe. CureTape® kinesiology tape is produced in our own factory in Korea and meets the highest quality standards. CureTape® can be used for various conditions, injuries and complaints.

• TGA, FDA, ISO & TUV-certified wholesaler
• High-end R&D and manufacturing facilities
• US based partner

Further reading:

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