Undoubtedly, kinesiology tape has gained much popularity alongside traditional athletic tapes in the first aid kits of athletes, trainers, and coaches.
Now the concern that arise or rather most people get confused is “When to use kinesiology tape and when to use athletic tape?” “Are they replaceable?”
The first and foremost thing is that KT therapeutic tape was not designed with an intend to replace athletic or sports tape. These two tapes are different in terms of function, application and treatment of sports related injuries. The purpose behind this article is to educate people the difference of applications in between these tapes and when to use them differently. Read through!!!
Physical appearance
Traditional athletic tape comes in rolls only and is generally white in color. While kinesiology tape come in both rolls and precut, application vary for different body part. KT tape original cotton comes in various colors like pink, green, beige and yellow.
Characteristics
Traditional sports tape is thick and non-elastic. It can cause skin irritation when removed after prolonged hours because it retains moisture or sweat. While kinesiology tape is thin and elastic and replicate human skin. Because of its porous properties it release moisture quickly and allow it to dry even after swimming or sweating.
Function
When non-elastic tape like sports tape is applied to area, it restricts the movement of the taped area. This is good in case of serious injuries where mobility is strictly to be controlled to prevent severity. While most of the common sports injuries do not require complete immobility and here kinesiology tape come for rescue. KT therapeutic tape support injured muscles and joints and at the same time allow safe motion. Athletic tape restricts the blood circulation and need to be removed after activity while kinesiology tape can be worn for several days.
Adhesive base
The acrylic adhesive used in KT tape original cotton is gentle on skin as compared to traditional sports tape whose adhesive is very strong and cause can cause skin irritation.
Generally under wrap is worn beneath athletic tape to avoid chaffing, inflammation and skin irritation. On the other hand the alternating ridges of adhesive on KT tape create a pressure differential in the tissues under the tape, allowing it to work on the pain receptors, blood vessels and the lymphatic system to relieve pain and inflammation. Buy kinesiology tape and stay protected for 56 days without worrying about removing off immediately after activity unlike traditional sports tape.
Technique of application
The main difference between traditional sports tape and kinesiology tape lies in the application technique.
Sports tape is generally wrapped tightly around the injured and controls the movement of that part hence it is generally applied before an activity and removed after the activity gets over. While kinesiology tape is applied on and around joints and muscles of the injured part to provide therapeutic treatment as well as mobility. Athletes can continue to train and play with kinesiology tape on the injured joint or muscle. Therefore sports tape is generally for short period while kinesiology tape can be worn for several days.
Final thoughts
Both tapes have their own significance in the life of an athlete. The idea behind this article is to educate you about their distinctive uses for your maximum health benefit. Buy kinesiology tape for benefitting sports injuries and enhanced natural performance while performing athletic activities.
While kinesiology tape does not replace rigid taping methods, it extend the role of sports tape from simply preventing further damage through immobility to becoming a therapeutic solution that helps in healing and recovery.