You’ve probably seen athletes wearing colorful tapes on various body parts, like the back and knees, and wondered what they were. They are called kinesiology tapes or KT tapes. These therapeutic tapes are placed strategically on certain body parts to offer support, reduce swelling, and improve performance. They can also be used to remodel collagen tissues, particularly in scar tissue management. Rocktape is a type of kinesiology tape you can use to enjoy the benefits of this product. But you also need to apply it well on the skin for it to be effective. Here is what you need to know about this tape.
How Does This Tape Work?
These flexible and stretchy strips are applied on a body part injured because of overuse or impact. When injured, the lymphatic fluid will build up, leading to inflammation and pressure on the muscle and fascia. That’s why you feel pain and discomfort in the injured area. When you apply the tape properly, the strip will lift the skin, decompressing layers of fascia. This allows the lymphatic fluid to move freely, thus reducing pain and pressure on the injured area. The tape can also prevent the muscles from over-contracting or overextending, reducing the possibility of muscle strain.
It’s important to understand that Kinesiology Tape works differently than athletic taps. The latter is stiff, and it’s used to limit movement around certain joints. Kinesiology tapes are elastic. They support the muscles and joints but don’t limit your range of motion. You can also incorporate essential oils such as CBD to further treat muscle pains and help you recover quickly and perform better. You can learn more about CBD and its benefits at CBD Clinicals.
The Should of RockTape
Here are some of the things you need to remember when applying this tape:
- Before applying the tape, clean the skin with a hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol, or a pre-taping skin cleaner.
- Ensure the skin is completely dry after cleaning it. Any moisture will affect the tape’s adhesion, making it ineffective.
- Round the corners of the strip before applying it to the skin. This will prevent it from lifting prematurely around the corners.
- Shave or clip excessive hair on the area you want to apply the tape. Small amounts of hair don’t affect adhesion, but too much hair will prevent the tape from sticking to the skin.
- Rub the tape quickly from the middle towards the ends once applied. This will activate the adhesive.
- You can swim, bathe or shower while wearing the tape. But once you’re done, pat it gently with a towel.
- If, at some point, the ends start peeling, trim them using scissors to prevent more peeling from occurring.
- Always remove the tape in the direction your hair is growing. This makes the removal process less painful.
The Shouldn’t of RockTape
Here is what you shouldn’t do with a Kinesiology Tape:
- Don’t apply it immediately before or after showering or exercising. Give yourself 30 to 60 minutes, allowing the skin to dry completely.
- Never apply tape on irritated or damaged skin. This includes rashes, cuts, burns, or sunburns.
- When applying, never touch the adhesive part of the tape, as that can affect its stickiness, causing it to peel prematurely.
- When removing the tape, don’t rip it. Instead, peel it gently. You can also apply vegetable or baby oil 5 to 10 minutes prior, to loosen the tape.
The Benefits of Kinesiology Tapes
Take a look at some of the benefits of using this tape
Relief Pain
Applying the tape after delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) can reduce pain significantly and improve range of motion. Also, the tape can offer relief the same way ice or heat pads help after an injury.
Reduced Swelling
Combining RockTape and physical therapy can reduce swelling in an injured part faster than using PT only. Also, using tape to reduce swelling causes edema to be reduced quickly.
Improved Blood Flow
RockTape increases blood flow to the skin it’s applied to.
Reduces the Risk of Falling in Older Adults
When the tape is applied on the lower leg of people with a history of falling, it improves dynamic balance, reducing the risk of falling.
Supports Weak Zones
The tape offers extra support to joints and muscles that need it. For instance, this tape might be for you if you have IT band friction syndrome, patellofemoral stress syndrome or Achilles tendonitis.
The few tips mentioned above will ensure you use RockTape well to enjoy the benefits it offers. If you need assistance, you can check online tutorials or ask a friend for help. Visit RockTape’s page to browse various kinesiology tape options!
