How To Use Kinesiology Tape?

When using kinesiology tape, it is important that the tape works by bonding closely to the skin and affecting the fascia and soft tissues underneath.Therefore, the cleaning of the kinesiology tape, the adhesion of the gel to the skin and the control of the tension are all important factors that affect the action of the tape.

1. Cleaning the skin

Before applying the Kinesio Tape, clean the area of application and remove sebum and dander, which can affect the adhesion of the gel and cause allergies.

Clean skin is the only way to bond with kinesio tape, prolonging its adhesion and reducing the risk of allergies. Use soap or water to wash and dry the skin, or use alcohol wipes, mineral water spray etc. instead.

2. Don't touch your hands repeatedly

When using kinesio tape, always take care to keep the gel clean and reduce unnecessary contact during the process.

Before applying the tape, peel off the backing paper and remove the backing paper from the base of the athletic tape to reveal the base of the athletic tape, avoiding touching the gel with your hands to avoid contamination, then apply the base of the tape to the body part, taking care to control the direction of the tape.

3. Fitting to the skin

The Kinesiology tape must be fully adhered to the skin before it can function.

Gently smooth the tape with your hand. If there is a gap between the kinesio tape folds and the skin, it will not be able to pull on the skin, which in turn will affect the underlying fascia, and it will not be effective.

4. Do not over-stretch

Care should be taken to ensure an even distribution of tension on the kinesio tape, which can be checked by looking at the grain.

5. Tear off

To remove the tape, press the skin with one hand and carefully peel off the athletic tape with the other hand in the direction of the length of the tape.

For skin types that are more prone to allergies or sensitive areas, pat the skin to reduce sensitivity when removing. It is also recommended to apply lotion to protect the skin after removing the tape as it may damage the cuticle.

6. Body position

Generally speaking, an extended position is preferred for relaxation and a central position for correction. However, the individual's soft tissue tone, postural control and motor function should be taken into account to adjust the position of the patch. The correct position has a key influence on the effectiveness of the ligature.

7. Scissors

Dull scissors can cause hairiness at the edges of the tape, which can affect the adhesion of the kinesio tape to the skin and its maintenance time. After a period of use, there will be residual glue on the blade surface.

Wipe with alcohol wool to remove the residue.

Frequently asked questions on use

1. How long do I need to replace the tape? What should I do if I get wet or sweaty?

After 24-36 hours of use, the tape should be replaced with a new one. Even if the athletic tape does not come off, the elasticity of the athletic tape will gradually weaken over time and the tape's effectiveness will be reduced. Most of the athletic tapes available on the market today are water resistant, so a towel can be used to absorb any moisture that gets wet. If you sweat a lot, it is advisable to remove the tape and apply a new one after cleaning the skin.

2. Can I reapply kinesio tape?

No, it is not possible. Under normal circumstances, kinesiology tape does not peel off naturally, but once it is removed, its adhesion is greatly reduced and it cannot be reapplied.

3. Do I need to remove the athletic tape when taking a shower?

No, it is not necessary. You can flush and use soap normally even if you have kinesio tape on.

Showering will also help to clean any sweat or sebum left in the athletic tape.

The tape will lose its elasticity and effectiveness over time. For the best results with Kinesiology Tape, or for those with allergic skin, remove the tape before showering and leave it on until the skin is clean.

Remove the tape before bathing and then apply a new one after cleaning the skin.

4. Can I take a bath or spa while wearing Kinesiology Tape?

It is not recommended to take a bath or a hot spring while using kinesio tape as the high temperature will cause the gel to degenerate, which will destroy the function of the kinesio tape and cause allergies. A normal bath is not a problem because the water temperature is low and the duration is short.

5. Can it be used on allergic skin?

The Kinesio Tape is non-medicated and therefore has a very low allergenic potential and can be used safely on normal skin types. For allergy sufferers, it is recommended that a small piece of Kinesiology Tape is applied to the inside of the upper arm for a test. If an allergy does occur, the kinesio tape should be used under medical supervision and close monitoring.

6. Can I continue with physiotherapy or exercise after applying kinesiology tape?

No. The kinesio tape will interfere with the conductivity of the electrical current.

The kinesio tape affects the conductivity of the current, therefore the electrodes should be placed on the untaped area of the skin. Heat therapy increases the body surface temperature and causes sweating, which may alter the physical properties of the kinesio tape gel.

The physical properties of the kinesio tape gel may be altered and should therefore be avoided. As for exercise, the efficacy of the patch can be improved by professional assessment and standardised appropriate exercise.

The efficacy of the tape can be better facilitated by professional assessment and standardised exercise.

7. What should I do if the kinesio tape has been partially lifted?

If the end of the kinesio tape is lifted, the lifted part can be cut off. If the fixed end of the kinesio tape is lifted, the kinesio tape loses its academic fixation point, the academic effect is destroyed and the effectiveness is changed.

8. What conditions can affect the effectiveness of the tape?

Generally speaking, skin temperature and humidity, skin cleanliness, skin allergy resistance, keratinised skin, thickness of subcutaneous fat, etc. are all factors that directly affect the outcome of ligation. Accurate assessment and application of the lancing technique will give the best results.

Contact: lulu Email:lulu@yhtape.com