Kinesiology tapes are a wonderful way to improve your body’s natural healing process. These tapes are designed to stimulate the skin and muscles and improve circulation. The tapes can be used to help a variety of injuries, including muscle strains, ligament sprains, joint pain, shin splints, and provide support.
Kinesiology tapes are often used in sports medicine and physical therapy but they are also available for purchase and can be applied at home as well.
Tapes come in various shapes, sizes, and even colors. There are also different types of tapes, depending on the desired outcome.
Choosing the best kinesiology tape can be difficult because there are so many different types of tapes on the market. Some tapes are designed for specific conditions and some are designed for general use.
Some tapes are made from cotton or cotton-blend materials while others are made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. And finally, some tapes have a sticky adhesive while others have a non-sticky adhesive.
There is no one right answer when it comes to choosing the best kinesiology tape because it really depends on what you need it for but in this guide, we will help you choose the most effective one for you based on your sport, problem, and skin.
The most popular types of tapes are Kinesio Tex Tape, Rock Tape, and Spider Tapes.
Before starting with the best tapes, let’s explain the two most common tape materials used to make a tape these days.
- Best Tape for Powerlifters: THERABAND
- Best Sensitive Tape: Kinesio
- Best Tape for General: Nordic
- Best Tape for Knees: FlexU – Supreme
- Best Tape for Crossfit: StrengthTape
- Best Tape for Foot: KT – Pro Synthetic
- Best Budget Tape: OK Tape
- Best Tape for Runners: Spartan
- Best Tape for Shoulders: Kinesio – Pre Cut Shoulder Tape
- Best Tape for Athletes: Master of Muscle
Kinesiology Tape Type
Cotton Kinesiology Tape:
Cotton kinesiology tape is a type of elastic therapeutic tape with cotton fabric that is used to provide support or stability to muscles and joints.
This type of tape is used by athletes, physical therapists, and others who need support for their muscles and joints.
The elasticity in the cotton kinesiology tape allows it to stick to the skin without being too tight. This can help reduce pain and swelling in the area that it covers.
The cotton kinesiology tape can be worn for up to five days before needing replacement.
Synthetic Kinesiology Tape:
Synthetic Kinesiology Tape is a type of elastic therapeutic tape that is used to treat injuries by applying tension to the muscles. It has been used in the United States and Europe for decades and is now being adopted around the world.
Synthetic Kinesiology Tape is a self-adhesive tape that is made from a synthetic material. The tape is designed to help provide support and stability to muscles, joints, and connective tissues.
Synthetic Kinesiology Tape can be used in many different ways, such as:
– Lower back pain relief
– Neck pain relief
– Shoulder pain relief
– Joint pain relief
Buyer's Guide
Use:
Make sure that you know how to use properly the kinesiology tape in order to get the best possible results to get benefited otherwise if you don’t, the tapes will not help you at all.
Type:
What sport do you do? Find the correct type of kinesiology tape for your needs. Read our article until the end to find your type of tape.
Reason
Do you really need a kinesiology tape? Do you have any sort of pain or injury? Clarify the actual reason you might need to use a tape.
Quality
Always, check the reviews before buying a product. Is the brand popular? Are the specifications matching the product? Do a small research to find this out.
Best Tape for Powerlifters: THERABAND
The TheraBand kinesiology tape wins the competition for the best tape for lifters, powerlifters, and Olympic weightlifters.
The reason behind this is that it offers a well-made adhesive, prolonged support, easy application, and ease on the wallet. In addition, this product is also great for providing support without reducing mobility.
Moreover, lifters can use this tape and feel more confident about any technical movement when they practice or even in a competition. TheraBand’s tape best feature is that you almost can’t feel that there is tape on you when you apply it.
This tape is perfect for; powerlifters, lifters in general, people who go to the gym, people who want an easy application tape with a small budget
Pros:
• Stretchy & soft material
• Latex-free
• It comes in pre-cut strips
• Water-resistant
Cons:
• Removal may be painful
• May irritate sensitive skin
Best Sensitive Tape: Kinesio
Many tapes today are made with latex or different substances which could affect people with touchy skin.
If you fall into that category, it’s time to explain to you how excellent a kinesiology tape is in case you sense soreness whilst carrying it. Kinesio`s tape is completely hypoallergenic and a first-rate choice for people with greater touchy skin.
It is generally accepted that skin irritation often appears when you get the wrong kinesiology tape. Most of the time, synthetic tapes, the hot climate, or humidity can play a big role in causing skin problems
If you are looking for the most sensitive tape then Kinesio Tex Gold Cotton Tape is the right one for you.
This tape is made of 100% cotton, which means it feels way more natural and friendly to the skin in comparison with synthetic tape. In addition, the adhesive is latex-free and hypoallergenic which helps your skin avoid common problems like skin irritation.
This tape is perfect for; anybody who has irritated skin, people who want a hypoallergenic tape that is latex-free, and athletes who often train in hot weather.
Pros:
• Performance fabric design
• Latex-free
• Hypoallergenic
• Comes in precut strips
• Water-resistant
Cons:
• The adhesive doesn’t last very long
• Irritating for sensitive skins
Best Tape for General: Nordic
If you are a beginner or seasoned fitness individuals and you want to find the ideal tape for you then this one might surprise you! Nordic Lifting’s Prime Tape has a soft synthetic material that is water-resistant. It is designed to be used by everyone when training in the gym or pool or when they do any activity in the water.
Most kinesiology tapes are water-resistant, but the benefit of synthetic tapes is that they work more effectively in these situations. When swimming this tape is perfect for swimmers, who want to keep their form and stay physically healthy.
Also, it is important to mention that some synthetic tapes keep their adhesive better than other tapes, and surprisingly at the top is Nordic, which that shows the quality of this brand and its benefits.
This tape is perfect for; Swimmers, people who play water sports, or athletes in general.
Pros:
• Material is soft and stretchy
• Water-resistant coating
• Hypoallergenic
Cons:
• The continuous roll may be difficult to use
4. Best Tape for Knees: FlexU - Supreme
Have you faced a recent injury or discomfort on your knee? If so, don’t let this drag you down because FlexU tapes have the solution for you!
This kind of tape provides extra support when you remain in one place for a long time. As a result, the adhesive moves with the knee even if you walk far distances. The company recommends it for muscle injuries, chronic pain, and other conditions.
So, it is important for every athlete to protect their knees from injuries by getting well-prepared for any possible bad situations.
This tape is perfect for; people who often face knee injuries or have weak knees and people who need a flexible tape for long periods.
Pros:
• Developed for knees
• Pre-cut strips
• Created for support and stability
• Water-resistant
Cons:
• It may not last long
• Less flexible
Best Tape for Crossfit: StrengthTape
Have you faced a recent injury or discomfort on your knee? If so, don’t let this drag you down because FlexU tapes have the solution for you!
This kind of tape provides extra support when you remain in one place for a long time. As a result, the adhesive moves with the knee even if you walk far distances. The company recommends it for muscle injuries, chronic pain, and other conditions.
So, it is important for every athlete to protect their knees from injuries by getting well-prepared for any possible bad situations.
This tape is perfect for; people who often face knee injuries or have weak knees and people who need a flexible tape for long periods.
Pros:
• Developed for knees
• Pre-cut strips
• Created for support and stability
• Water-resistant
Cons:
• It may not last long
• Less flexible
Best Tape for Foot: KT - Pro Synthetic
Have you recently faced a foot injury or do you feel a sort of pain in your foot? Don’t worry because we have the perfect solution for you!
This foot tape provides a synthetic base with ample support when remaining in only one spot. It also provides tension, which is perfect for cardio-based movements and moves with the body, especially with the foot.
In this case, the synthetic tape of KT is a very good solution to relieve your discomforts, pain, or any other sort of problem you have in comparison with cotton tapes that lose their adhesiveness very fast.
This tape is perfect for; people who face foot problems and people who do cardio-based movements
Pros:
• Performance fabric composition
• Latex-free and hypoallergenic
• Comes in precut strips
• Water-resistant
Cons:
• The adhesive may not last long
• The adhesive may be irritating
Best Budget Tape: OK Tape
If you are looking for a convenient and budget-friendly roll of kinesiology tape, OK Tape’s kinesiology tape may be a great choice.
The band is made from a combination of cotton and spandex, so you should feel both stretch and softness. It is also latex-free and hypoallergenic, so it does not irritate sensitive skin.
Each roll of Kinesiology Tape comes with 20 pre-cut strips for easy application. You can find rolls in 10 different colors, and the tape is waterproof for up to 3 days at a time.
This tape is perfect for; People with a low budget, beginners, and people with sensitive skin.
Pros:
• Stretchy and soft material
• Latex-free and hypoallergenic
• Comes in precut strips
• Water-resistant
Cons:
• Removal may be painful
• May irritate sensitive skin
Best Tape for Runners: Spartan
There are many tape types out there that are for runners but which actually is the best for a runner?
After a lot of research, we found that the answer is Spartan Tape Kinesiology!
It is light, incredibly stretchy, and long-lasting, the Sparthos Kinesiology Tape is made for energetic runners who want to stay fit and healthy. This tape is made with soft and breathable cotton and it’s made to move based on your body’s movements.
The tape is covered with a hypoallergenic adhesive that lasts between 3 or 5 consecutive days and is waterproof, so it can be worn in high humidity conditions and in the shower as well. However, this tape is not the best for people with sensitive skin as it can irritate their skin.
This tape is perfect for; Runners, athletes, and people who enjoy jogging.
Pros:
• Made with soft cotton
• Latex-free and hypoallergenic
• Available in multiple colors
• Water-resistant
Cons:
• The adhesive may irritate sensitive skin
Best Tape for Shoulders: Kinesio - Pre Cut Shoulder Tape
Shoulder problems and pain in general sometimes is a hard problem that makes you feel bad and uncomfortable, however, there are many ways to deal with and below is one of the best ways.
Precut strips of kinesiology tape can without difficulty be used on large frame parts, like your legs, however, they may be hard to apply on smaller frame parts, like your shoulders. That`s why Kinesio`s Pre-Cut Shoulder Tape shows a completely unique layout to fit well over your shoulder.
The tape will stay in the area as you move around and the adhesive lets it stay in your pores and skin for up to a few days at a time. Each set comes with 3 strips of kinesiology tape.
This tape is perfect for; people who face shoulder problems, lifters, and other related sports.
Pros:
• Pre-cut Shoulder application
• Latex-free
• Water-resistant
• High-quality cotton for breathability
Cons:
• It may be hard to apply and remove
• Two applications per pack
Best Tape for Athletes: Master of Muscle
Are you looking for a roll of kinesiology tape that can resist your most demanding training and workout?
It is generally accepted that athletes have the most impact when it comes to injuries, muscle problems, and discomforts. So, for this kind of situation, based on our research, we found the best tape for any athlete to solve some of their problems.
Muscle Kinesiology Tape Master gets the job done. The elastic tape is latex-free and water-resistant which means it can be used for up to 3 days at a time thanks to the good quality adhesive.
Delivered in continuous rolls, it’s available as much as you need, and it’s reasonably priced, so even the most active people can keep it in stock. Tested for performance and durability, the Master of Muscle will give you a full refund if you’re not happy with the band.
This tape is perfect for; Every athlete and people in general who enjoy sports as their hobbies.
Pros:
• It is Latex-free
• It has a continuous roll design
• Water-resistant
• Available in many colors
Cons:
• The adhesive may irritate sensitive skin
• It may not last too long
Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
Kinesio tape is a form of therapeutic taping that is used to treat muscle, joint, and soft tissue injuries. The tape has different colors that are used to indicate the type of injury or ailment.
Red: Red Kinesio tape is used for pain relief and reduction in swelling. It also helps with muscle spasms and chronic pain.
Blue: Blue Kinesio tape is used for the treatment of injuries such as pulled muscles, sprains, and strains.
Black: Black Kinesio tape is used for the treatment of injuries such as post-surgery swelling and bruising.
Yellow: Yellow Kinesio tape can be used for treating conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
Kinesiology tape is a flexible, elastic adhesive tape that is used for therapeutic purposes. It can be used to treat a variety of ailments, such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, and pain.
The recommended time to leave the tape on is between 3-7 days.
There has been a lot of research done on kinesiology tape and the results are mixed. Some studies show that it can provide pain relief and reduce muscle fatigue, while others show no effect.
Kinesiology tape is a type of elastic therapeutic tape that is used to support muscles and joints without restricting movement or feeling too rigid. It is most commonly used by athletes but also has many other uses such as for back pain, knee pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and more.
Kinesiology tape is used to treat injuries and reduce pain. It is an elastic tape made of cotton or synthetic fiber that has elastic properties when applied.
Kinesiology tape works by lifting the skin away from the injured area, which provides more space for the muscles, reduces swelling, and increases blood flow to the injury site.
Kinesiology taping can be used on any part of the body, but it is most commonly used on joints such as shoulders, elbows, knees, and ankles. It can also be used on muscles to help with muscle spasms or cramping.
The answer is yes, you can take a shower with tape. The reason is that the tape will not come off because it is designed to stay on your skin for long periods of time, and if your tape is water-resistant that is even better because it is one more reason to shower with the tape on.
Taping is a common treatment for many injuries. It is a temporary, non-invasive, and cost-effective way to help with the healing process. However, it can be difficult to take off the tape if you don’t know how to do it properly.
The first thing you should do is cut the tape at one corner with scissors or other sharp objects. Use your fingers or a blunt object to peel off the tape from one side to another. You can also use water or an oil-based lotion to make it easier for you to remove the tape.
A common misconception is that if you applied a tape in the wrong way, it can cause pain or do more harm than good. Well, this is not true, thus, many people believe that.
However, the worst thing that can happen is that if kinesiology tape is not applied correctly, you will not get the appropriate relief you need.
Conclusion
Summing up, in this article we have mentioned the top 10 kinesiology tapes for any occasion in order to let you decide which one fulfills your personal needs.
Some tapes are designed for heavy sports like weightlifting, some other tapes are designed for endurance like running a marathon and others are water-resistant for swimming.
Although, it is essential to check the specifications of the products in order to choose the best one for you otherwise if you choose a tape which is not related to your problem it will not help you at all.
If you have any questions about kinesiology tapes feel free to contact us to answer your questions.
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