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:
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:
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.
The newest player on the kinesiology tape scene is PerformTex Tape. Marketed as a low cost, high quality alternative to the leading brands, PerformTex has been unrolled in 3 colors – Speed Green, Titanium Grey and Jet Black. PerformTex is currently available to consumers online only, at Theratape.com, a specialty kinesiology tape retailer. At only $8 for a 16′ roll, it is less than 2/3 the price of the other major kinesiology tape brands.
John Jarvis, Marketing Director for Perform Tex, was recently interviewed by Physical Therapy Products, an online resource for physical therapists. Following is the transcript of the interview:
Physical Therapy Products: How does PerformTex Tape differ from other therapeutic tapes?
John Jarvis: Most tapes have a single wave-like adhesive pattern. PerformTex Tape has its patented twin-groove pattern for increased performance and results. Add in our aggressive marketing and pricing strategy, and you not only have what many consider the next generation of kinesiology tapes, but, just as important, a more accessible product.
PTP: What makes the taping technique so effective?
JJ: Truthfully, the effectiveness of the technique belongs to the ingenuity of the practitioners who have taken the “theory” of kinesiology taping and evolved it to their needs and the needs of their patients. Therapists who are willing to challenge themselves have made this modality as popular as it is today.
PTP: What is the benefit of the twin-groove technology in PerformTex Tape?
JJ: Our patented, twin-groove technology is setting the new standard in elastic therapeutic taping with improved breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities that increase wear time, overall comfort, and ability to prevent adhesive breakdown incurred from moisture entrapment. This, coupled with our grasping “pressure diamond” pattern, encourages deeper fascial penetration for increased rehabilitative results.
PTP: Which patients are good candidates for PerformTex Tape?
JJ: I have been in the elastic therapeutic taping game for almost a decade and have personally observed a wide range of candidates, from those looking to improve performance to others who need treatment for acute and chronic conditions. Those affected by orthopedic to neurological conditions also benefit immensely from the use of a product such as PerformTex Tape.
PTP: Before patients use PerformTex Tape, what do they need to know about how long the tape should stay on, and how it’s affected by sweat, shower water, or soap?
JJ: PerformTex Tape stays on for up to 5 days and is not affected by sweat, shower, etc. This is why the tape is so beneficial to use within a clinical setting, it allows you to use other modalities such as hydrotherapy and topical agents, then allows you to reinforce your therapy with PerformTex Tape.
PTP: What has supported the boom in popularity of PerformTex Tape?
JJ: It’s our business philosophy that has brought on so many of the world’s leaders in kinesiology taping to join our ranks. We always believe that it’s important to have the input of the consumers we look to serve, as we not only intend to act decisively to improve and advance this revolutionary tape and technique, but to ensure its placement in the lives of each individual who has a need for its almost miraculous abilities.
PTP: Are there any trends you see affecting the future of your company and the expansion of your product lines?
JJ: I will never forget and will always thank the many contributors that have made elastic therapeutic taping what it is today. We will continue to innovate and expand with the support and feedback of the same community of professionals, always remembering that no one person is bigger than the movement we ALL created, or what we look to create from this point forward.