SO HOW DOES KT TAPE WORK?

Used to treat muscle and joint injuries, kinesiology tape is intended to alleviate pain and facilitate lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. The taped portion forms convolutions in the skin, increasing interstitial space (tissue space). The result is that pressure and irritation are taken off the neural and sensory receptors, alleviating pain. Pressure is gradually taken off the lymphatic system, allowing it to channel more freely.

WHAT’S WITH THE DIFFERENT COLORS OF KINESIOLOGY TAPE?

Nope. Colors are just fashion. But sometimes two colors are used so you can see the taping

CAN I WEAR IT IN THE HOT TUB?

Yes. If you’ve activated the glue with a good rub and given it a couple of minutes, that should be fine.

WILL IT RESTRICT MOVEMENT LIKE OTHER ATHLETIC TAPE?

Kinesio tape is designed to offer 'functional support'.  The elasticity is the same elasticity as the skin. So it is not intended to restrict your movement. If it does, you've bound yourself too tight.

SHOULD I PUT IT ON BEFORE ACTIVITY?

If you have a known condition or if you need a little extra stability & support it’s always best to tape up before exercise as a preventive measure.

HOW LONG WILL KT TAPE STAY ON?

KT Tape will stay on for about 3-5 days. If you’ve used lotion or self tanner, it won’t stick well to begin with. Do not wear it for more than 5 days and the length of time it lasts depends on where the tape is applied. For example, when applying to a knee or foot (ie Achilles), which is naturally a harsh environment for tape, the tape will generally stay on for 2-3 days. For applications such as shoulders or back the tape will last much longer.

WILL A 10" STRIP WORK FOR EVERY APPLICATION?

10 inch strips are used in approximately 90% of clinical applications. Most healthcare professionals rarely use longer lengths. Occasionally a shorter strip is needed. Cutting a 1 0inch strip in half meets these needs nicely.

CAN I HURT MYSELF IF I APPLY IT INCORRECTLY?

Unlike other sports injury related products such as medications, it is hard to screw yourself up with KT Tape. Chances are the worst you will do by miss applying the product is it won’t help or harm.

DOES KT TAPE HELP WITH STRESS FRACTURES?

Not a good solution for stress fractures. Seek medical attention if the tape does not provide immediate relief, as it may be an indication of something serious like a fracture.

DO I NEED TO SHAVE BEFORE APPLYING THE TAPE?

In most cases you don’t have to shave before applying KT Tape. In fact in many instances some short hair actually can help with the adhesion as well as effectiveness of the product. If needed, we recommend trimming the hair to about 1/8? rather than shaving it.

CAN I APPLY KT TAPE BY MYSELF?

You bet. Healthcare professionals have been teaching patients how to apply the tape themselves for years. It’s easy for many applications and generally only takes a couple tries to get comfortable taping yourself. Any of the lower extremity applications (knees, shins, Achilles tendonitis, plantar, ITBS) can be applied by yourself easily. You will need someone to help apply the neck, back, and shoulder apps.

HOW DO I REMOVE THE TAPE?

Pull the tape off in the same direction as the hair; applying baby oil will help dissolve the adhesive for easy removal.

HOW DO I APPLY KT TAPE FOR ACHES/PAINS NOT LISTED ON INSTRUCTIONS PAGE?

Here are a few simple “rules of thumb” on how to apply KT Tape that will help in applying regardless of where the pain/injury is located:

- Body position: the tissue or body should almost always be stretched before applying the tape.
- Tape placement: KT Tape is always applied directly over the area of pain.
– Stretch of tape: Apply the tape without any stretching when you want to lift the skin from the tissue (muscle pain relief, prevent cramping, and prevent muscle fatigue applications). The more you stretch the tape the more it will support. If you need extra stability or support for a muscle, joint, tendon (for example shin splints) then increase the amount you stretch the tape.

CAN I WEAR KT TAPE UNDER COMPRESSION SOCKS OR SHORTS?

You bet

CAN I WEAR KT TAPE UNDER A BRACE?

You bet

ARE THERE ANY AREAS THAT I SHOULDN’T TAPE?

Scalene triangle, back of the knee, ulnar or inside elbow, do not apply on the abdomen of a pregnant woman, or on cancer patients. If you feel an prominent tingly feeling, you might want to remove and reapply.

CAN I USE THIS ON KIDS?

Yes. But like anything else, test it on a spot to make sure.

WHY IS IT THE ONE QUESTION I HAVE NEVER ANSWERED IN FAQ?

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