What is Kinesiology Tape?
Kinesiology tape, a well-known physio tape among sports enthusiasts, is used by Aupcon’s professional physical therapists. Our team utilizes this highly elastic, longitudinally resilient cotton kinesiology tape to treat patients suffering from sports injuries. Our professional expertise, combined with high-quality Aupcon tape, effectively addresses pain and swelling in areas such as the knees, shoulders, back, wrists, and ankles.
Furthermore, our muscle tape can be worn on the skin for several days, typically lasting 2 to 7 days. With its hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive, it is well-tolerated by the skin and is friendly to sensitive skin, making it perfectly suitable for everyday use.
Professional Cutting Shapes for physio tape
Aupcon‘s professional physical therapists remind you that correctly mastering the cutting shape of tape will help you improve your application recovery to a level of 95%. Examples include I-shaped, Y-shaped, X-shaped, claw-shaped, L-shaped, π-shaped, and other patch shapes. So why do various body part tapings rely on these classic pre-cut strip shapes? Read on!
These are the most common styles of single-piece strips. Simply cut a section from a roll of tape. Alternatively, you can purchase pre-cut kinesiology tape rolls of Aupcon. Suitable for most joints, muscle groups, or specific areas of pain.
To make Y-shaped strips, simply cut a piece of type I strips along its center. You'll then have a Y-shaped strip suitable for securing muscles and joints such as the shoulders and knees, which also allows for adjustment of the wrapping angle.
This is called a claw patch, which is made by cutting an I-shaped strip into multiple smaller strips from the middle. Lymphatic fan-shaped strips are a method used to help reduce muscle inflammation and swelling.
Precision-cut by Aupcon, the X-shaped patch is designed for precise, targeted application to muscles, tendons, and acupoints to relieve pain.
Also manufactured by Aupcon, the L-shaped patch is used to protect small joints such as fingers and toes, providing slight fixation and reducing injury.
Again, a newly π-cut shape from Aupcon eliminates the need for tedious cutting for a precise fit to the knee. Special-shaped patches are also available for the shoulders, ankles, and other areas.
Use Kinesiology Tape: Questions and Answers
Depending on your skin type, how active you are, and the weather, you can wear most muscle tapes for 3 to 7 days.
Yes, therapy tape can be worn in the shower because it is water-resistant. After being wet, it is best to gently pat yourself dry.
It might aid with circulation, ease muscle fatigue, and give light support, but the results can vary from person to person.
You shouldn’t put the tape on too tightly. To avoid skin irritation, most treatments employ modest to moderate stretch (30%–75%).
Take off the tape slowly in the direction of hair development. Soaking it in warm water or using oil first can help ease the pain.
How to apply kinesiology tape to the body?
Elastic therapeutic tape is suitable for any part of the body that needs support and relaxation of muscles, joints, or ligaments. Common areas include the shoulders, knees, lower back, ankles, wrists, fingers, elbows, and legs.
With the professional tutorial below on how to apply kinesiology tape, you can effectively provide support for multiple joints, reduce pain and swelling, and improve your quality of life:
How to use kinesiology tape for knee
Elastic therapeutic tape is commonly used to treat problems such as runner’s knee or ACL support. It helps guide proper patellar alignment, reduces joint stress, and provides additional stability without restricting movement.
How to use kinesiology tape for ankle
Elastic sport tape is commonly used by athletes or anyone recovering from an ankle sprain or chronic instability. It helps stabilize the joint, reduce stress and swelling, and promotes recovery without restricting movement.
How to use kinesiology tape for arm
For common elbow conditions such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, the therapy tape can relieve stress on the surrounding muscles and tendons from repetitive swinging or rotating of the elbow joint, helping to control pain and relax muscles.
How to use kinesiology tape for shoulder
For rotator cuff strains, impingement syndrome, or general shoulder instability, taping this area can reduce muscle fatigue, improve joint position, and prevent further injury during overhead movements.
How to use kinesiology tape for lower back
For lower back strains or posture correction, therapy tape can support the spinal muscles, reduce lower back stress, and promote better posture, which is especially helpful for people who sit for long periods or lift heavy objects.
How to use kinesiology tape for hands
For office workers who spend long hours at a desk, frequent typing on the mouse and keyboard can easily lead to carpal tunnel syndrome or mouse hand. Properly applying muscle bandage tape can help treat soreness and discomfort. This method is also suitable for athletes who rely on wrist support for power.
How to use kinesiology tape for legs
For athletes who run long distances or participate in marathons, the muscles and joints in their legs require special attention. Applying muscle pain strips to relax and relieve discomfort and soreness in the thighs and calves is very effective.
Tips Before Using Kinesiology Tape
Proper preparation before using kinesiology tape can not only improve adhesion but also significantly reduce skin irritation and detachment. Here are the key steps to master before application:
Cleanse Skin
Before application, ensure your skin is free of sweat, oil, lotion, sunscreen, dust, or dirt. Cleanliness and dryness will ensure proper adhesion and prevent premature tape detachment.
Trim Body Hair
If the area to be applied has a lot of body hair, we recommend trimming it beforehand to avoid applying directly to dense hair and reduce pain during removal.
Measure and Cut
Use Aupcon professional tape scissors to cut it into the appropriate shape (I-shape, Y-shape, X-shape, etc.) and round the corners to prevent the edges from curling.
Test Skin Sensitivity
For first-time use, it is recommended to apply the patch to a small, inconspicuous area of skin for 24 hours to observe for any redness, swelling, itching, or other adverse reactions.
Use kinesiology tape precautions
1. Avoid using on damaged skin:
Abrasions, dermatitis, or allergic areas.
2. Do not overstretch:
The ends (anchor points) of the strips should be stretched to 0%, while the middle portion can be stretched to 50%–75% as needed to prevent the edges from lifting.
3. Apply in advance:
Use kinesiology tape 30 minutes before exercise to allow the adhesive to fully adhere.
4. Rub gently:
After application, gently rub the patch with your hands to help activate the adhesive.