Kinesiology tapes are flexible and elastic, usually 100-percent cotton substrate tapes that are used to facilitate the body’s natural healing process by relieving musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. Thanks to Kinesio tape’s elasticity, unlike athletic or medical tape, it can provide support without restricting motion.
K-tape can facilitate movement, and this is exactly what runners need. When we go deep into it, we will find that the tape, despite having been produced since the 1970s, only became popular in the early 2000s. Why? Because this was when Kerri Walsh, a runner in the Summer Olympics, won the gold medal while sporting Kinesio tape on her body.
Kinesiology tape was first invented in 1979 by Dr. Kenzo Kase, who had discovered a gaping hole in the available tools for movement facilitation and pain relief before that time. The medical tape available at the time was everything that could restrict movement; it was stiff and uncomfortable and did nothing for the doctor’s cause.
Eventually, Dr. Kase developed Kinesio tape to fill this hole; he called it Kinesio tex tape. The selling point of this tape was that it could stretch while retaining its elasticity. The ultimate result of which is that it can provide support without suffocation.
Above, you already have a short answer to the question of how Kinesio tape benefits runners but keep reading for the detailed version and learn all you can about k-tape.
Features of Hampton Adams Kinesio Tape and How It Benefits Runners
As already discussed, any kinesiology tape that is up to its money’s worth should be made of hundred-percent cotton. There are, however, companies that choose to cut corners and make use of cotton blends. This compromises the quality of the product and its texture. It can reduce its life span and also make it very uncomfortable for the users.
This is not the case with us at Hampton Adams; our 16ft kinesiology sports tape is made of hundred percent cotton, and every other material it contains is strong, hypoallergenic, and up to standard. This is because we understand that comfortability should be a priority, and we would not compromise that for anything.
Usually, Kinesio tapes should be latex-free, but if you are allergic to them, you may want to check from brand to brand for confirmation. This is because some brands still use latex in their production despite it being an allergen.
At Hampton Adams, however, you can rest assured our kinesiology sports tape is completely free of latex. Using quality materials in our production process means you do not have to worry about itches, rashes, or reactions. It also translates to resilience, strength, and durability.
From the above, we can see that it is the perfect choice for runners as they require comfortability for maximum performance, and they can do just that with our Kinesio tape. They can also move as much as they want without the fear of the tape getting torn.
Another thing to note about our kinesiology sports tape is its No Sticky Residue Policy. If you are used to kinesiology tapes, you probably understood that on the first read; if not, here’s what it means.
A lot of tapes leave behind a residue after they have been removed, this residue may or may not be easy to remove, but it is always distasteful. Our promise at Hampton Adams is that you will never have to deal with that if you use our tapes. The stress of looking for a nail polish remover to remove glue from your knee or wrist will be foreign to you.
The fact that our tape does not leave behind a sticky residue does not in any way mean that it does not stick. It, in fact, sticks and does it well. The adhesion of our k-tape is top-notch. Lastly, the adhesive does not damage or irritate the skin.
This is a feature that benefits not just runners but everyone that uses our tape.
Kinesiology tapes should be flexible, but not all brands can produce tapes with the same flexibility and elasticity. Our brand is among the ones that ensure peerless flexibility and amazing elasticity. Hampton Adams 16ft Kinesio tape can stretch up to twice its original length while retaining its elasticity.
This is a key feature that benefits runners because it allows them to stretch and move easily without restriction.
Our tape is also water-resistant. It is not advisable to dip the tape in water for the first few hours of applying it; this is to let the adhesive settle. After this, however, you can take a shower or go for a swim with the tape on. How does this benefit runners? First of all, they are likely to sweat while running or during practice, and sweat counts as moisture. Also, who does not like a swim now and then?
What Can Kinesiology Tape Do for People Who Are NOT Runners?
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Reduce Musculoskeletal Pain
As the brief history we discussed above tells you, one of the major reasons why the Kinesio tape was invented was to offer pain relief. So, how does kinesiology tape help to reduce musculoskeletal pain?
Beneath our skin are various vessels, fluids, tissues, and muscles. These vessels and co are often in contact with the skin and there is a sort of pressure between our skin and the things beneath it. Kinesio tape does this through the intricate process of decompression which is exactly what it sounds like.
Kinesio tape functions by lifting the skin off everything beneath it, ever so slightly. This reduces the localized pressure and creates a little space between both parts. This decrease in pressure has been said to alter the pain signals that are being sent to the brain; if your brain does not receive a pain signal, how will you feel the pain? The answer is you won’t. The space will also stop the skin from rubbing against bone, eliminating the irritation that would have come with such friction.
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Prevent Injuries
You can also use kinesiology tapes to prevent injuries, even if you are not a runner. Taping a joint or any part of your body can help to provide musculoskeletal support and extra stability. If a bone was going to pop out of a joint completely, the presence of Kinesio tape can reduce the rate or even cause it to be just a slight shift rather than a complete dislocation. So, you can apply Kinesio tape before engaging in physically tasking activities.
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Treat Injuries
Kinesiology tapes can be used to treat injuries, even for people who don’t run. It can reduce pain and inflammation. The space it creates allows fluid to pass through easily, thus, reducing inflammation and swelling.
In combination with other forms of physical therapy, Kinesio tape can be a lifesaver and speed up recovery. It can not treat an injury completely, but it sure helps.
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Corrects Posture
The presence of Kinesio tape may be just what you need to remind you to stand up straight. This can lead to an all-around improvement in your general posture.
How to Apply Kinesiology Tape
- Before applying kinesiology tape, ensure that it is what you need for your condition. To confirm this, you may need to see your doctor. By doing this, you get to know if you really need kinesiology tape, why you do, and also, how you should apply it. There are different ways of applying Kinesio tape, and a visit to the doctor will help you clarify which shape and method will work best for you.
- Clean the part you want to apply the tape to; wipe it down thoroughly. Wash it and dry it with a clean towel. You can also use antiseptic or alcoholic wipes for the cleaning. Before washing, check if excessive hair is on the spot and shave or wax it. The entirety of this step is aimed toward improving the adhesion and making removal and application easy.
- Hampton Adams best waterproof kinesiology tape can be torn with your hand, but this is not the case for all brands. So, get a tape cutter if you are not using our Kinesio tape. Cut out a reasonable length for the body part you want to apply it to.
- Kinesio tape retains its elasticity and flexibility after stretching but if you are applying it to a joint, still flex the joint before application. This will prevent the tape from slacking off when the joint is straightened.
- Smoothen the tape over with your hands for maximum adhesion.
Never use Kinesio tape over an open or bloody wound. This can be dangerous, but it is always unhygienic. Also, if you have certain conditions that may prevent you from using the tape, consult your doctor first.
At Hampton Adams, there are no pipe dreams. Every product you see on our page will be a dream come true for you, so why not head over to get some tape or any other taping equipment of your choice?
