Athletic Tape Info Center
Taping for Rehabilitation & Sports Performance
Archive for the ‘KT Tape (Brand)’ Category
Getting Your KT Tape to Stick – Part 2
posted by Tape Expert @ 10:07 AM
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The video below, features physical therapist, Chris Harper, explaining everything a beginning taper needs to know about applying KT Tape Precut Strips. Some of the highlights:
- KT Tape is specially designed for consumer use. No special training is required to apply it effectively.
- The tape can be used for a wide variety of conditions, including strained or overused muscles and joints.
- KT Tape differs from conventional taping, wrapping, and bracing products in that it provides support without interfering with movement.
- Kinesiology tape decreases pain and can also reduce inflammation and swelling.
- While conventional kinesiology tapes require measuring and cutting, KT Tape comes in convenient pre-cut strips, that make the application process much simpler.
- The rounded corners on KT Tape Precut Strips are designed to minimize curling and fraying, while perforations down the length of the tape allow it to be quickly modified for a variety of configurations.
- Pre-cut strips can be used in two configurations: “I” strips and “Y” strips. “I” strips may be used “as is” right off the roll. “Y” strips require folding the strip lengthwise and tearing it along the perforation to separate the two halves and create the “arms” of the “Y.”
In addition to the application tips listed in “Getting Your KT Tape to Stick – Part 1,” the video also offers a few additional helpful hints:
- Rather than removing all of the backing at once, remove only the backing of each section as you apply it. Begin by tearing the backing two inches from the end to create an anchor point for the strip. Then apply the rest of the tape as either an I or Y strip.
- If using multiple strips of tape, be sure that the tape ends are applied to bare skin and don’t end on another piece of tape.
add comment | (0 Comments)
KT Tape could be called the most consumer-friendly brand of kinesiology tape. It comes neatly packaged in rolls of tear-off precut strips, eliminating the need for scissors and cutting for most applications. In addition, the company has created a vast library of both printable application instructions and instructional videos for a wide variety of injuries.
This makes KT Tape Precut Strips the ideal kinesiology tape for those who don’t have access to trainers or therapists to apply their tape. Although taping yourself may seem daunting at first, an important piece of advice the company offers is not to be afraid to “jump in and just go for it.” Although there is a bit of a learning curve, the KT Tape advisors say that after three or four tries, most beginners will be taping just like the pros.
The KT experts give six general rules for getting your KT Tape to stick:
1. Before starting, ensure that the skin is clean and dry. For best results, clean the skin with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to give the adhesive a good contact. Clip excessive body hair close to the skin.
2. Rounded corners help prevent tape ends from curling or lifting away from the skin. KT Tape Precut Strips come with rounded corners, but if you do any cutting yourself, be sure to round every corner.
2. For taping over joints such as knees and elbows, place the joint in its maximum bent position before applying tape. By putting the body part in a position of maximum stretch, this prevents the tape from overstretching later and loosening the adhesive.
3. Make sure the final inch at both ends of the tape are applied with absolutely no stretch so the ends won’t lift up or curl.
4. Briskly rub the KT Tape after application to activate the adhesive and make sure all edges adhere to the skin.
Want to see the rules in action? Tune into “Getting Your KT Tape to Stick – Part 2” for a great video that shows everything you need to know.
KT Tape was featured on the popular Tennis Channel program, Fit to Hit, during the summer. The show featured the lead physical therapist and athletic trainer for the ATP, Clay Sniteman. Sniteman uses KT Tape on tennis pros to relieve pain, reduce swelling and accelerate healing from their injuries. Tennis pros love it because it allows them to continue training and competing as they recover from such injuries as tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, wrist strain, knee pain and more. The elastic properties of kinesiology tape allow it to provide support for an injured or overused area without restricting movement, a critical feature for tennis players who need to access their full arsenal of moves during tournament play.
I wrote a detailed post back in May about the Airrosti (Applied Integration for the Rapid Recovery of Soft Tissue Injuries) method for treating soft tissue injuries and their use of kinesiology tape. At the time I noted that my Airrosti provider had a supply of three of the four major brands of kinesiology tape. I’m now pleased to announce that they have added the highly-respected KT Tape (Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape) to their arsenal – in fact, they recently contracted with KT Tape to produce a private-label tape with the Airrosti logo on it. Since I’m currently undergoing Airrosti treatment again (this time for a high hamstring strain), I thought this would be a good time to revisit the topic of fascial manipulation and why kinesiology taping is such a complementary modality.
Airrosti is a form of “manual therapy” that involves hands-on manipulation of the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and connects all body tissues. Fascia can become tightened, twisted or distorted as a result of trauma or overuse, leading to pain and loss of mobility. The only way to correct these fascial issues is through direct manipulation. If that sounds like it might be painful, you’re right. The only way to reach and affect fascia is through deep (and I mean DEEP) manipulation of those tissues. Airrosti therapists do this by pressing deep into the constricted tissue with their thumbs.
In my most recent injury, Dr. Schmedding, my Airrosti provider, performed this procedure along the entire length of my hamstrings as well as some of my adductors, beginning at the knee and ending on the ischeal tuberosity (sitting bone). Although it was extremely uncomfortable at times, past experience taught me that this was a“good” kind of pain, associated with the release of tissues to a healthier state. I could actually feel the change in resistance in my tissues as Dr. Schmedding “released” one area after another. And, despite the discomfort I endured during the session, I walked out virtually pain-free, a major improvement over my condition only an hour earlier.
I also walked out with several colorful strips of KT Tape extending from my gluteal area all the way down to my calf. (The image shows my earlier IT Band taping.) KT Tape is an ideal companion to Airrosti because of its ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and reduce bruising. It also provides structural support without restricting range of motion, an important feature for injured athletes. I’m pleased to say the reduction of pain and inflammation was evident immediately in my painful hamstring. The prevention of bruising was not quite as complete, but what the heck, the KT Tape covered most of it anyway!
Theratape Introduces New KT Tape Team Colors
posted by Tape Expert @ 12:13 PM
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Just in time for holiday gift giving, KT Tape is launching a new line in their Kinesiology Tape Precut Strips category. Aptly named KT Tape Team Colors, the 9 new colors can be combined to match the colors for most professional, amateur and school sports teams. As Theratape.com says, “Now you can support your muscles AND your team at the same time!”
KT Tape is conveniently packaged in rolls of 20 precut strips. Simply tear off a strip, remove the backing and apply according to the instructions included in every package. Because most applications use two strips, it’s easy to create your team colors by using one strip of each color.
The new colors include burgundy, forest green, gold, grey, light blue, navy, orange, purple, white and a completely off-the-wall camo pattern (not sure which team wears camo, but I don’t think I’d like to compete against them!) KT Tape is also available in the more traditional kinesiology tape colors of beige, black, green, red, pink and royal blue. In addition to the single rolls of precut strips, KT Tape also comes in classic uncut rolls in both single and bulk sizes.
Kinesio by any other name … A Kinesiology Taping Glossary
posted by Tape Expert @ 5:52 PM
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Running a website that sells kinesiology tape and writing a kinesiology taping blog keeps me up to date on taping terminology. With all of the brand names, generic terms and even mis- spellings, it can be difficult to keep all of today’s “kinesio” terms straight. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned kinesiology taping professional, you should find the following kinesio glossary useful.
Kinesiology Tape
Kinesiology Tape is a generic term for a thin, stretchy therapeutic tape that comes in assorted sizes, colors and configurations. Best known as an athletic tape or sports injury tape, it is also widely used in medical and rehabilitation settings such as physical therapy clinics, chiropractic practices and hospitals.
Kinesiology Tape Brands
There are currently 4 major manufacturers offering quality kinesiology taping products both domestically and internationally. They are Kinesio® Tape , KT Tape™, RockTape and SpiderTech™ Tape.
Kinesiology Tape Rolls
Rolls of kinesiology tape come in assorted lengths and widths. The most common size is the 2″ x 16′ single roll, which all of the major kinesiology tape brands offer. Several manufacturers also offer bulk rolls rolls that are 2″ wide and 105′ (Kinesio Tape, RockTape) or 125′ long (KT Tape).RockTape also offers 4″ wide rolls in both single and bulk roll sizes.
.
Precut Kinesiology Tape Strips
KT Tape offers rolls of tear-off, precut strips in 5″, 10″ and 18″ strip lengths. The 5″ and 10″ strips are perforated longitudinally, allowing them to be applied in either “I” or a “Y” formations – the two most common application techniques. Precut strips eliminate most of the cutting that is required to apply kinesiology tape from rolls.
More recently, SpiderTech introduced SpiderTech PowerStrips, precut X, Y and I strips in convenient accordion-packs. The X and Y strips are 2″ wide by 8″ long, and the I strips are 1″ wide by 6″ long.
.Precut Kinesiology Tape Applications
SpiderTech is the only brand that offers individually packaged applications, already precut for different parts of the body. The step by step instructions included in each package allow even those with no kinesiology taping experience to apply the 16 different “Spiders.”
.
Kinesio® Tape
Although Kinesio® Tape and Kinesio Tex® Tape are both trademarked brand names, these terms have become to kinesiology taping what Xerox is to photocopying. Many people now use the term Kinesio Tape to refer to kinesiology tape in general, which isn’t a bad thing at all for Kinesio® sales! Common misspellings I have seen in search terms include kinesiotape, kinisiotape, and so on.
Where to Buy Kinesiology Tape
Each of the manufacturers and many medical supply companies now sell kinesiology tape. Many sites, however, sell only to licensed health professionals. Theratape.com is the only website specializing in kinesiology tape and carrying a complete line of products from all 4 major brands. Theratape also provides a comprehensive Education Center with detailed information on each of the brands, plus instructional videos and printable application instructions. No registration is required to purchase from Theratape, and all educational resources are available free of charge.
Volleyball and basketball seasons go hand in hand (pun intended) with jammed fingers. A finger jam occurs when a ball makes contact directly on the tip of the finger. The force is transmitted through the fingertip to the knuckles. Although the initial pain is felt in the fingertip, it is usually one of the knuckles that is more seriously injured. Depending on the severity of the sprain, the knuckle may end up bruised, swollen and excruciatingly painful.
Athletes who want to continue playing with a finger jam injury need to provide support to the injured area. Restrictive taping, however, can interfere with touch and the ability to control the ball. This is the type of situation where kinesiology tape can provide the perfect balance between mobility and support. The elasticity of kinesiology tape allows it to provide support to joints or muscles without restricting range of motion as traditional athletic tape does.
KT Tape is a major kinesiology tape brand in the US and internationally. Following are some very simple instructions for applying KT Tape quickly and effectively to a jammed finger.
Step 1: Cut a strip of KT Tape that is 1/2″ to 1″ wide and 6″ to 8″ long, depending on the size of the finger. Tear the backing in the middle of the tape and peel it back toward the ends. With the finger straight, anchor the middle of the tape on the pad of the injured finger and run one end of the tape along the inside of the finger.
Step 2: With the finger bent as much as possible. apply the other end of the tape along the top of the finger, ending on the top of the hand above the last knuckle. Do not stretch the tape as it is applied. When finished, rub the taped area gently to activate the adhesive. The finger will feel as though it is being gently pulled into an extended position.
The tape should be applied at least an hour before exercise or showering.
If you’d like to learn more about kinesiology taping for tennis injuries, be sure to tune into the Tennis Channel Mon. Aug 16th at 7:30 pm. Tennis Channel’s “Fit to Hit”
Fit to Hit features “secrets” that can help tennis players stay healthy and get a winning edge. KT Tape’s segment will feature Clay Sniteman, the lead physical therapist and athletic trainer for the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Sniteman recently became a new member of the KT Tape Medical Advisory Board,
KT Tape is a leading kinesiology tape manufacturer, with an extensive line of kinesiology taping products for both consumer and professional use. KT is best known for it’s precut kinesiology tape strips that come conveniently packaged in single or bulk rolls. Simply tear a 10″ strip from the roll, remove the backing and apply – no measuring or cutting required.
More recently, KT Tape introduced the KT Tape Pro line of kinesiology taping products. Engineered with an adhesive that is 25% stronger than industry standard, KT Tape Pro is designed for those who require the ultimate durability and performance from their kinesiology tape. KT Tape Pro is available in precut strips or classic uncut rolls, in both single and bulk sizes.
Sniteman owns Sundance Performance Therapy in Ogden, UT. He is an expert on human biomechanics and has created customized training and workout programs for numerous elite athletes. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Weber State University.
As a member of KT Tape’s Medical Advisory Board, Sniteman and other qualified health professionals advise KT Tape on how to provide the best rehabilitation and pain management advice to consumers. Sniteman will participate in on-site and online clinics and be a key resource for taping techniques and information.
Professional tennis players maintain a brutal schedule of training and tournament play. With major events scheduled throughout the year, there is no “off season” for touring tennis pros. Maintaining such a high level of activity week after week and month after month takes a toll on the body. Tour players are continually dealing with a host of aches and pains, ranging from annoying overuse syndromes to major traumatic injuries.
Kinesiology tape provides athletes with a solution for working through minor injuries and recovering faster from major injuries. In addition, it can enhance endurance and performance during training sessions and matches, as well as accelerate recovery after intense exercise.
Unlike traditional athletic tape that is tight and restrictive, kinesiotape provides support without limiting range of motion. It is water resistant and breathable, and can be worn for up to 5 days, even through intense exercise, showering or swimming.
No wonder we’re seeing players sporting colorful configurations of kinesiology tape at all of the major tournaments!
Exciting, New Kinesiology Tape Website Launched
posted by Tape Expert @ 9:46 AM
Thursday, August 12, 2010
If you want to learn about kinesiology tape, buy kinesiology tape, watch kinesiology taping videos or keep up with the latest kinesiology taping news, be sure to check out the new, improved Theratape.com. For over a year, Theratape has steadily grown to become the online authority for all things related to kinesiology tape. Not content to rest on its laurels, a new, vastly improved Theratape.com was launched just last week.
Here are some of the new and exciting features:
- KT Tape (Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape) Precut Strips are now available and on sale. KT Tape is the only brand that offers rolls of pre-cut strips of kinesiology tape. Each 10″ strip can be easily torn from the roll, ready to apply. Each strip is also serrated down the middle, allowing it to be applied as a “Y” strip with no additional cutting.
- KT Tape Pro. Theratape also carries the new KT Tape Pro line. KT Tape Pro is a premium kinesiology tape with an advanced adhesive that is 25% stronger than most other kinesiology tapes. KT Tape Pro is available in single uncut rolls and bulk uncut rolls, and is extremely well-priced, with 20% more tape than competitive brands.
- The Theratape Education Center is a companion site to Theratape.com, and can be accessed directly from the top navigation bar. The Education Center contains the internet’s largest collection of kinesiology taping information, and is growing daily. Here you can download over 90 different printable application instructions for a wide variety of injuries or for athletic performance enhancement. If you prefer to watch, you can view the same number of videos, featuring professionals showing how to apply kinesiology tape. You can also access testimonials, news posts and detailed product specifications and information in the Theratape Education Center.
- Quick Order Pages for customers in a hurry. For those with a list of items to order, Theratape now offers Quick Order pages for each of the four major kinesiology tape brands – Kinesio Tape, KT Tape, RockTape and SpiderTech Tape. Each Quick Order page contains the entire product listing for that brand. Simply enter the quantities you wish to order beside each product and click Add to Cart, and you’re ready to check out. (And, of course, Theratape still provides its unsurpassed Same Day Shipping service for all orders placed by 2 pm central time.)
In addition to the newly added KT Tape, Theratape also offers products from these leading kinesiology tape manufacturers:
- Kinesio Tape – the brand that ignited the kinesiology taping explosion at the Beijing Olympics. Kinesio Tex Tape is available in single rolls (2″ x 16.4′) and bulk rolls (2″ x 105′).
- RockTape – a premium kinesiology tape designed to enhance athletic performance. RockTape is available in 16 different colors and patterns (including camo, cow and biohazard), and comes in single rolls (2″ x 16.4′) and bulk rolls (2″ x 105′).
- SpiderTech Tape – the only company that offers precut kinesiology tape for specific parts of the body. SpiderTech’s pre-cut kinesiology tape comes in individually packaged applications for the ankle/foot/shin, calf/achilles, knee, groin, hamstring, hip, lower back, upper back, neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist. There are also 3 sizes of lymphatic applications designed to reduce severe swelling, edema and lymphodema. SpiderTech recently introduced SpiderTech Gentle, with a special gel-like adhesive developed especially for sensitive or fragile skin.
This is only the tip of the iceberg for what you can find at Theratape.com. Check it out yourself – we know you’ll be impressed!
