Kinesiology tape, Kinesio tape, or KT is a thin, elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive originally designed for athletes to help prevent sports injuries. KT is designed to mimic the human skin in elasticity and thickness so that you can use your full range of motion. Kinesiology tape is used primarily for the prevention and treatment of sporting injuries. It is also used to treat pain and disability from various other physical disorders. This therapeutic tape has gained popularity among sportspeople. KT was developed in the late 1970s by a Japanese chiropractor named Dr. Kenzo Kase. He originally developed it to help alleviate pain and promote soft tissue healing.

The tape's medical-grade adhesive is water-resistant and strong enough to stay on for three to five days, even if you sweat heavily or take showers. The tape can stretch up to 140% of its original length. Following application, it recoils back to the normal length creating a pulling force on the skin. This elastic property allows a better range of motion compared to any other tape.

Kinesiology tape is used to support and relieve pain in muscles, ligaments, and joints. It helps reduce swelling, increases mobility, and enhances recovery. KT Tape can be self-applied, or the doctor can apply it for you. If you are new to KT tape for ankle sprain, have a medical professional demonstrate the correct way to apply it before doing it yourself.

Kinesiology Tape is applied on

Back
Elbows
Shoulders
Wrists
Hamstrings
Calves
Knees
Shins

Contraindications of Kinesiology tape

Open wounds
Deep vein thrombosis
Allergic to adhesives
Active cancer
Diabetes
Peripheral neuropathy
Infection
Fragile skin

HPFY brings you a comprehensive selection of KT tape that helps in effectively managing sports injuries and other types of inflammation and pain. They are available in different widths, lengths, and colours, depending on individual needs and goals. MuscleAidTape Elastic Kinesiology Tape stays on for days and helps with muscle pain, fatigue, soreness, and cramping. PerformTex Pre-Cut Back Straps Kinesiology Tape is specially engineered to provide more active, comfortable support for weak or injured knees. TheraBand Kinesiology Tape with Precut Strips is hassle-free and helps eliminate misapplication, even for beginners.

How does Kinesiology Tape work?

Many people, especially athletes, experience musculoskeletal injuries due to the overuse of a specific tissue or muscle. Blood and other fluids build up in the injured area, causing swelling and pain. Due to swelling, lymphatic vessels become compressed, which prevents oxygen and nutrients from being delivered to healing tissues.

When kinesiology tape is applied, the elasticity in the tape gently lifts the skin from the underlying layers of fascia, bands, or connective tissue. The gentle lifting of the skin from the fascia creates a space resulting in a greater movement of blood and lymphatic fluid, which ultimately helps to alleviate pressure and reduce swelling.

Once normal blood flow is restored, oxygen and other nutrients are able to reach damaged tissues to aid in healing. The tape helps to improve circulation, support muscles, prevents over-stretching or over-contraction of muscle, and help prevent further muscle injury while allowing full range of motion.

Benefits of KT Tape

Pain relief
Improved circulation and decreased inflammation
Reduction in bruises and contusions
Improved posture and muscle support
Reduced muscle spasm and cramping
Prevents fatigue

How does Kinesiology Tape help in pregnancy?

KT can be applied during pregnancy directly on the belly to support the growing baby. It is a safe, inexpensive, drug-free, non-invasive intervention that significantly improves pregnant women’s comfort and movement capability. The tape can be used in conjunction with other supportive garments. Benefits of KT are:

Reduces lower abdominal pain, pressure, or discomfort.
Decreases back or SI joint pain.
Relief from shortness of breath.
Reduce heaviness of the belly.
Alleviates pain resulting from symphysis pubis dysfunction.
Decrease pressure on the pelvic floor.
Swelling in the hands or feet.
Decrease edema or swelling by promoting lymphatic drainage.

How to apply KT tape?

Before application, wash the area to remove dirt, oil, creams, or lotions.
Do not apply tape on damaged skin or on wounds.
Remove hair from the application area.
Apply the tape at least 60 minutes before exercise or shower.
If you are using a roll of tape, measure it and cut carefully.
Round the edges of the tape to prevent premature peeling.
Do not touch the adhesive side of the tape, as this may decrease the adhesive strength.
Do not overstretch tape.
After applying, rub the tape toward each end to create heat which activates adhesive.

Where to buy Kinesiology Tape online?

We at HPFY offer a huge range of safe, high-grade cotton, breathable KT, which are extremely helpful in treating musculoskeletal and sports injuries. All these products are from top manufacturers like KT Health, Performtex, Medline Industries, Spidertech, and many more. Buy today to have a pain-free lifestyle.