General information about Kinesiology Tape
How does kinesiology tape work?
Kinesiology tape is a highly elastic cotton plaster that originated in the 1970s by Kenzo Kase. The stretchability of 130-140% on average is modelled on the stretchability of human skin. Kinesiology tape is designed to give stability to muscles, ligaments and joints in case of inflammation or injury without restricting movement. This is based on the theory that healing is faster if the affected area is not completely immobilised. In addition, by lifting the skin while relieving pressure through the so-called convolutions, self-healing and lymphatic flow are supposed to be promoted.
What can kinesiology tapes help with?
Kinesiology tapes are often used for muscle and joint pain due to injury or inflammation, such as the following applications:
- Torn muscle fibres or muscle injuries
- Strains
- Overuse, such as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow
- Swellings
- Lymph congestion
- Tension
When should kinesiology tape not be applied?
Kinesiology tape should not be applied to open and unhealed wounds. It should also not be applied if you have a known acrylic allergy. Kinesiology tape should also not be applied to pre-existing skin irritations. These points are not intended to be exhaustive.
What are the risks of kinesiology tape / Can I break something during application?
In general, treatment with kinesiology tape is considered to be free of side effects, when applied correctly. However, skin irritations such as itching or reddening can occur in case of allergies. Therefore, if you have a known allergy, it is best to test a small strip of tape on any area and wait to see if a reaction occurs.
Can kinesiology tape relieve pain?
Yes, but this subjective statement can only be made on the basis of numerous experiences of our customers. There have not yet been any conclusive clinical studies that prove this effect.
What is the significance of the colour of the kinesiology tape?
The colours of the tape are said by some to have special properties, which are based on the kinesiological colour theory. However, there is no medical evidence for this. The choice of colour can therefore be made according to the patient's personal preference. In the area of the face and neck, an inconspicuous shade, such as beige, can be used. If your application requires taping in several layers, different colours are suitable for better differentiation.
Can I apply kinesiology tape myself?
Yes, you can apply kinesiology tape yourself at home. However, you should have sufficient knowledge about the taping technique or be instructed by a doctor or therapist in order to achieve a positive result.
Application of Kinesiology Tape
How long does kinesiology tape stay on the skin?
The tape can be left on the skin as long as it sticks. On average, the tapes stick for several days.
Is kinesiology tape waterproof?
Yes, our tape is waterproof. You can therefore shower and swim with it without any problems. However, you should wait 1-2 hours after applying the tape before showering or swimming until the adhesive has bonded well with the skin.
How often should kinesiology tape therapy be applied?
As the use of Kinesiology Tape is free of side effects, when used correctly, there is no set limit. However, as a precaution, you should give each area 1-2 days recovery time after application.
What is the difference between kinesiology tape and conventional tape?
In contrast to conventional sports tape (which is used to bandage the fists of boxers, for example), kinesiology tape is stretchable, usually by 130-140%. This makes them similar to the elasticity of human skin and is intended to increase freedom of movement. Conventional sports tape is rigid and is supposed to fix the affected area. The application therefore differs from the type of treatment.
How do you remove kinesiology tape?
Kinesiology tape has a strong adhesive force due to the acrylic glue used, so removal can be painful in some circumstances. To make this as painless as possible, you should always pull the tape off in the direction of hair growth. Peel the tape off in small sections at a time and use your free hand to press down on the skin near the tape. If you have sensitive skin, the tape can also be moistened or rubbed with a greasy lotion before removal.
How do I prepare my skin for taping?
You can improve the adhesive properties of the kinesiology tape by thoroughly cleaning your skin and removing any grease before application. It is also helpful for the adhesion of the adhesive to shave the area to be treated before taping. This also makes it less painful to remove the tape.
Can I reuse the tape?
If the tape has already been used, it should not be used again. The adhesive strength could be greatly reduced, which would not contribute to a positive result in the end.
