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All about kinesiotape

What is kinesiology tape?

Kinesiology tape is a flexible tape with a skin-friendly acrylic adhesive. You will often recognise it as the brightly coloured strips applied to different parts of the body. They are easy to spot during sporting events because many athletes use the tape when dealing with injuries, for additional support or simply as a preventative measure. It is not only athletes who benefit from kinesiology tape. People with a wide range of physical complaints also use it, and therapists regularly apply the elastic tape as part of their treatment approach. Because the tape moves with the body, it can be used at almost any stage of the recovery process.

Buying kinesiology tape. How do you choose the best option?

If you want to order kinesiology tape for your clients, or you need a reliable tape to treat your own injury, it is important to look carefully at the quality of the product you select. Many rolls may appear similar on the outside, yet they can differ greatly in safety, skin compatibility and whether they meet the standards required for medical devices. Always check the product description to see if the tape is approved under the MDR. This is the easiest way to ensure you are choosing a safe and trustworthy medical-grade tape.

MyCureTape Art is made from elastic cotton and includes two Classic rolls and one Art roll.
MyCureTape Sports is produced from elastic viscose with 25 per cent more adhesive strength and contains three rolls of CureTape Sports.
MyCureTape Sports PRE-CUT offers 36 pre-cut strips of 25 centimetres, ideal when you need to apply tape quickly.
The Ultimate Kinesiology Taping Guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for taping common injuries yourself.

How does kinesiology tape work?

Once the tape is applied, you will notice that it does not limit your movement. Although it contains no medication, high-quality kinesiology tape mirrors the elasticity and thickness of the skin. Because of these properties, and when applied correctly, the tape helps stimulate the body’s own recovery mechanisms. Two key effects are reduced pain and improved fluid drainage, which together make movement easier and more comfortable. The tape can remain in place for five to seven days and is resistant to water, so showering is not an issue.

When applying kinesiology tape, the muscles and joints are positioned in a stretched or lengthened state before the tape is placed on the skin. This ensures that the joint maintains its full range of motion. As the body returns to a relaxed position, the tape gently lifts the skin. This creates small ripples under the tape, known as convolutions.

These convolutions create subtle space between the upper and lower layers of the skin, where nerve endings, blood vessels and lymphatic vessels are located. Around 85 per cent of the body’s pain receptors sit within the superficial fascia. By lifting the skin, the tape influences these receptors, which can ease discomfort or even eliminate it temporarily. As a result, movement often improves and normal function begins to return. Many people notice these effects almost immediately during treatment.

Can you apply kinesiology tape yourself?

A survey carried out by FysioTape shows that 79.4 per cent of customers who purchase tape feel confident taping their own injuries. Of this group, 58.15 per cent learned how to apply tape for a specific complaint from a physiotherapist or another healthcare professional. Once treatment has finished, many people want to keep using tape so they can continue exercising without pain or move more comfortably in daily life. Taping the knee or ankle are well-known examples of self-taping applications.

Together with an experienced instructor, we have created an overview of injuries that are suitable for self-taping. With clear step-by-step photos and an accompanying instructional video, you can learn how to apply kinesiology tape safely and effectively on your own.

Click here to learn how to apply tape yourself.

The history of kinesiology tape

Elastic therapeutic tape, now known worldwide as kinesiology tape, was first developed in Japan during the 1970s. The method behind it, later referred to as Medical Taping, grew out of the principles of kinesiology and movement science.

FysioTape introduced this approach to Europe in 1998 with the aim of showing healthcare professionals how elastic tape could support the body during treatment and rehabilitation. Since then, the concept has spread rapidly. Medical Taping is now widely used across Europe, Asia, the Americas and the Middle East, and has become a recognised addition to many therapeutic practices.

Today, CureTape is available in more than seventy countries and continues to be one of the most trusted kinesiology tape brands among professionals and end-users.

Which colours of kinesiology tape are available and do the colours have meaning?

Kinesiology tape comes in a wide range of colours, sizes and materials. Although each colour is produced in the same way and works exactly the same, some people notice that certain shades adhere to their skin slightly better than others. Everyone has colours that suit them more or less, so the best advice is to choose the colour you feel most comfortable with.

In general, softer tones such as blue or beige are often preferred when a cooling or calming effect is desired. Brighter colours may be chosen when a more activating or energetic feel is appropriate. However, it is important to note that the colour itself does not change the function of the tape.

Within the MyCureTape, CureTape Classic, CureTape Art and CureTape Sports ranges, you will find a broad selection of colours, allowing you to pick whichever style appeals to you most.

Which sizes and cut shapes of kinesiology tape are available?

In addition to the wide range of colours, kinesiology tape is also produced in different sizes. The standard roll is five metres long and five centimetres wide, but there are several alternative options. For example, CureTape Giant comes in a length of 31.5 metres, making it ideal for frequent use. CureTape is also available in widths of 1 centimetre, 2.5 centimetres and 7.5 centimetres.

For home use, MyCureTape tubes have been developed, each containing three rolls measuring 5 centimetres by 2.5 metres.

Depending on the application, the tape can be cut lengthwise to create specific shapes. Common examples include I-strips, Y-strips, X-strips and the octopus cut. For the best possible adhesion, it is recommended to round the corners when trimming the tape.

What are the best kinesiology taping tips?

Below you will find a number of useful tips for applying kinesiology tape. These recommendations are based on the most common questions people ask about achieving a good and secure taping result.

It is essential that the skin is clean, dry and free from oils, as this allows the tape to adhere as effectively as possible. The Clean-Skin Pre Taping Spray is also a helpful product for preparing the skin before taping.
The easiest way to remove the backing paper is to hold the cut piece of tape with the adhesive side facing you, then run your fingertip across the top surface. Tearing the paper slightly beforehand often makes this process simpler.
Always apply the base and anchor sections of the tape without any stretch.
Round the corners of both the base and anchor. This improves adhesion, helps the tape stay in place for longer and prevents small edges from lifting.
Avoid creating folds in the tape or creases in the skin beneath it, as these can lead to irritation or blistering.

If there is a lot of body hair, we recommend trimming it first with a body groomer or trimmer. This makes removal more comfortable and helps the tape adhere more effectively to the skin.
After applying the tape, gently rub over it for several seconds to activate the adhesive and ensure a secure bond.
Always remove kinesiology tape with care. Many people find this part difficult, so here are a few helpful tips:
- oil, such as baby oil or olive oil, is often used to loosen the tape. The oil breaks down the acrylic adhesive, allowing the tape to release more easily.
- roll the tape away from the skin rather than pulling it straight off.
Avoid applying too much stretch to the tape, as this may lead to irritation or blistering. In many techniques, the tape should be applied with little or no stretch at all.
To create the best possible “convolutions” (the small waves that appear when the skin lifts), place the body part on a stretch and apply the tape with minimal tension.
Clients with sensitive skin may benefit from using Cavilon spray before taping. This creates a protective film on the skin, reducing direct contact with the adhesive and slightly improving adhesion.

Disclaimer:
Please note: the taping methods and information described on our website, including the possibilities within the Medical Taping Concept, are not yet scientifically proven. The examples and statements are based on many years of practical experience from patients and trained therapists.

Contraindications for using tape: pregnancy, open wounds, fractures, unexplained symptoms, allergies or skin conditions, the use of medication such as blood thinners, a history of thrombosis and fever. In these situations, always seek advice from a healthcare professional before applying tape.