Achilles tendon pain: Also known as Achilles tendinitis, this pain is common in runners when the tissue connecting your calf and heel bone becomes strained from intense overuse, explains Yu. This will help boost circulation and blood flow to the tissue while simultaneously offloading the joint to relieve some pressure. If you have sensitive skin, finding a brand of kinesiology tape that will not irritate it just got easier thanks to Theraband Kinesiology Tape's non-irritating, allergy-tested, and non-latex material. Made with 98-percent cotton and two-percent spandex, this tape uses a high-quality acrylic adhesive to provide clinically tested pain relief for up to five days without causing skin irritation. Users appreciate how comfortable it feels on the skin and its non-synthetic support.

KT Tape Pro – The Best Kinesiology Tape RockTape vs KT Tape Pro – The Best Kinesiology Tape

Cut the tape to the proper length depending on the injury or surface area, and trim the corners so the tape is rounded at each end. This will help prevent the edges from prematurely lifting and snagging on clothes.Kinesiology tape is often worn during workouts, so you want it to hold up to a little wear and tear—and a lot of sweat. Thankfully, most kinesiology tape options are designed to be water-resistant, though some options are crafted with additional water resistance for swimming or underwater sports. Your knee is going to be one of the more difficult joints to tape! But I followed their instructions and did alright. And once the tape was on, it was wonderful! Depending on the application, KT tape has a wide variety of uses for discomfort and swelling, says Yu. “It can help pain, decrease swelling or edema, and improve quality of life," she says. "If you have less pain and more mobility, then you’re able to perform the recreational activities you enjoy.” I’m a huge fan of kinesiology tape, and this KT Tape is no exception. The original cotton tape is inferior to the good synthetic stuff, but if you’re not going to get in the pool, the actual results are pretty darn close. There are even techniques for using the tape to help drain lymphatic fluid from an area to decrease bruising and swelling.

KT TAPE PRO, Pre-cut, 20 Strip, Synthetic, Winner Green KT TAPE PRO, Pre-cut, 20 Strip, Synthetic, Winner Green

Taping a flat surface in a straight line was fairly simple, but harder than I expected it to be, actually. In most cases, a piece of tape should last for a few days, up to a week. Most of these tapes are water-resistant so you will be able to shower after a run while wearing your tape, but it will likely weaken the adhesive. However, roll tape is the clear winner when it comes to cost and versatility. With rolls of kinesiology tape, it is possible to cut any length or shape. Essentially, pre-cut and strip tape allows for minimal customization. For those who are either very small or very large, having the ability to cut the tape to any length or shape is beneficial. Kinesiology tape is also cheaper than pre-cut or strips. Apply the tape over the affected area with the muscles in a stretched position. “The tape is applied from one end of the muscle to the other with very little to no stretch on the tape itself,” says Yu.

FAQs About Kinesiology Tape

In addition, the tape may cause irritation on sensitive skin, adds Campbell. While there are “sensitive-skin” brands available, if you have any irritation or skin discomfort, remove the tape immediately and wash the affected area with soap and water.