In the late 70s, Japanese manuals introduced sports tapes for the treatment, recovery and prevention of sports injuries. Since the Seoul Olympics in 1988, kinesio taping has been used to treat ordinary people.
Tape patch is what modern medicine offers us to treat at home, namely to quickly and comfortably get rid of joint pain, menstrual pain, swelling, varicose veins, and correct posture.
Composition, structure and release form of the tape patch
Kinesio tape is an elastic adhesive plaster on a cotton base, on the reverse side there is a layer of thermoactive glue that begins to work based on skin temperature and instantly sticks. It is this feature that allows the tape to be applied to maximally stretched muscles and when the body returns to its normal state, the tape does not come off.
The adhesive layer on top is protected by a paper backing with markings applied for ease of cutting the tape into shape.
Manufacturers offer nylon-based tapes, more stretchable ones and silk ones. The silk base is delicate, ideal for children or sensitive skin.
The unique weave of the warp threads allows the sports patch to conduct air well and remove moisture.
Kinesio tape has a powerful water-repellent effect. You can swim, take a shower. It is only forbidden to rub with a washcloth or dry with a hairdryer. Blot the area where the patch is glued with a towel.
High-quality branded tapes guarantee:
- hypoallergenic;
- wear resistance;
- does not lose its therapeutic properties for the entire duration of its beneficial effect.
Manufacturers offer plasters in the following widths:
- narrow – 2.5 cm;
- medium – 5 cm;
- wide – 7.5–10 cm.
Release forms:
- in the form of a bandage with a length of up to 5 m, for long-term use 31–35 m;
- with pre-cut strips 25 cm x 5 cm; 25 cm x 7.5 cm; 25 x 10 cm;
- fully cut into strips 20 cm long;
- cross-tapes 2.1 x 2.7 cm (affect acupuncture points);
- perforated - ideal for athletes as they have excellent perspiration;
- in the kits: container bag, one or more rolls of adhesive, cooling gel, trimmer and scissors, taping guide;
- kits - for specific problem areas (knee, elbow joint, different parts of the spine, abdomen).
By degree of stretch:
- K – stretch up to 40% of the calm state.
- R – stretches up to 190%.
Manufacturers offer a variety of colors from flesh-colored to designer patterns and especially for children. They are no different in functionality. But the black color, due to its physico-chemical properties, attracts the sun's rays better, which means the patch warms up better, therefore, a greater therapeutic effect is obtained.
The variety of colors is convenient for creating a personal therapeutic prescription for each effect (therapeutic, corrective, supportive).
What are the best kinesio tapes in 2021?
The BBTape brand is represented in the rating of high-quality kinesio tapes in 2021. The manufacturer produces products that receive high marks in all respects: efficiency, cost, quality. Certified elastic patches are available in a wide range and have a hypoallergenic adhesive base. A special acrylic adhesive with a unique composition ensures reliable fixation and practically does not cause allergic reactions. The exception is individual intolerance to the components, which is quite rare. Original Korean kinesio tapes come with instructions that describe in detail application patterns for use on various areas of the skin. The product line includes patches based on cotton, nylon, and artificial silk. You can purchase tape with special properties: with reinforced adhesive, for sensitive skin, for athletes, or others. See photos and descriptions of kinesiology tapes in the catalog to choose the right BBTape patch for use on the face, neck and any other area.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR CHANNEL OF THE INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTER BBTAPE ON YOUTUBE AND LEARN ALL THE SECRETS OF TAPING FROM FIRST HANDS!
Recommended Articles
The world's first lymphatic drainage tapes for the face and body BB LYMPH TAPE™ - a new word in aesthetic taping! BBalance introduces the world's first lymphatic correction and anti-puffiness tapes for the face and body, which take aesthetic taping to a new level. Meet the new revolutionary series of perforated BB LYMPH TAPE™ - solving problems with swelling has never been so simple and effective!
BEWARE, BLOGGERS! Five main myths about aesthetic taping and facial tapes In this article you will find the main myths about aesthetic facial taping and kinesio tapes for the face, spread on the Internet by beauty bloggers and other “opinion leaders”.
Redness from tapes: allergy or irritation? This article examines the main causes of irritation and redness during the aesthetic taping procedure, and also provides recommendations on how to properly use facial tapes to avoid unwanted side effects.
The whole truth about cross-tapes and basic recommendations for their safe use. In this article we will analyze the five main myths about cross-tapes and learn how to use them correctly in order to achieve maximum results and not harm your health.
Taping from A to Z Rehabilitation after sports injuries, regeneration of the affected areas takes a long time. Taping promotes rapid restoration of joints, pain reduction, and unloading of muscle fibers.
Advantages of BBalance™ tapes on the global market BBalance™ kinesiological tapes can rightfully be called the best not only in our country, but also in the world. How the brand managed to achieve such success and not stop there, we will tell you in detail in the article.
Balancing Taping is a unique taping technique from South Korea. Balance Taping Therapy is a unique Korean technique that has its own characteristics and differences from classical kinesiological taping and allows us to reach a qualitatively new level of using kinesio taping and cross taping in rehabilitation.
How does the tape patch affect the body?
The adhesive plaster got its name from kinesis - movement and tape - adhesive tape (literally - moving adhesive tape).
Because of its elasticity, it follows and does not interfere with the movements of the skin, as if merging with it. The patch stretches in length but does not change in width, it is elastic like human skin. After 20 minutes the patient stops feeling it.
A spasmed sore muscle puts pressure on the vessels, there is no blood supply, and under the influence of a stretched kinesio tape patch glued to the maximally stretched muscle of the body, it allows you to fix the correct position of the vessels and prevents them from shrinking.
When the problem area of the body returns to its normal, non-stretched position, the patch takes on an “accordion” shape. It tightens the skin and thereby prevents all the inner layers from putting pressure on the blood vessels. A therapeutic effect occurs.
In the place where the tape is glued, blood supply and lymph flow improves.
Educational video tutorials
Video on how to apply kinesio tape to your knee:
Video on how to apply kinesio tape to the lower back:
Video on how to apply kinesio tape to your shoulder:
Video on how to apply kinesio tape to your elbow:
Video on how to apply kinesio tape to the thigh:
Video on how to apply kinesio tape to the lower leg:
Video on how to apply kinesio tape to your foot and ankle:
Video on how to apply kinesio tape to eliminate edema and tumors:
Indications and contraindications
Kinesio taping is combined with all types of massage, treatment is more effective.
Taping is prescribed for:
- osteochondrosis;
- bruises;
- stretching;
- dislocations;
- muscle pain, menstrual pain, some headaches;
- varicose veins;
- cosmetology;
- correction of posture in children;
- arthritis, bursitis.
You should not use kinesiology tape if:
- oncology;
- diabetes, kidney disease;
- thrombosis;
- in case of damage to the skin (abrasions, burns, allergic reactions);
- Use with caution in old age and in the first trimester of pregnancy.
What are the risks of taping?
The effect of gluing kinesiology tape depends on the scheme. In any case, when using each technique, you must follow the recommendations and apply the tape correctly. Improper attachment can lead to swelling, limited mobility, redness of the skin, and other problems. If the application is applied too tightly, blood flow may slow down. Disturbances develop, which manifest themselves in the form of various negative reactions: tingling, irritation, burning, changes in skin color. Such side effects occur if kinesiology tape is used incorrectly. In other cases, tape is a very safe, low-risk treatment method.
Please note: before the first taping session, it is recommended to conduct a test, especially in cases where you are going to apply the tape to sensitive skin. To perform the test, a small piece of kinesiology tape is placed on the inside of the wrist or elbow to see if there will be an allergic reaction. Minor irritation is not a contraindication to the use of kinesiological tapes, as this is a natural reaction to the impact on sensory receptors of the skin. After several taping sessions, the skin gets used to it and the redness usually goes away.
Contraindications for taping:
- Open wounds in the application area;
- Skin infections;
- Pathological heart diseases;
- Problems with blood vessels;
- Diabetes.
Important: you can figure out how tapes work on your own, but in any case, before using a special elastic patch, it is recommended to take a training course in any convenient form. You can sign up for a free master class or online courses. After training, you can use the tapes yourself at home or use them in the professional field - speech therapy, pediatrics, cosmetology or another field. At home, kinesiological tapes are recommended to be used after the diagnosis has been clarified and the possibility of applying the application to the damaged area has been clarified.
Instructions for use of tape patch
The tape is applied to different parts of the body, but there are general rules:
- Prepare strips of tape, cut them for a specific area and round the edges so that they do not touch clothing.
- Remove excess hair and traces of cosmetics from the body.
- Degrease (alcohol, special disinfectant solution).
- Dry.
- Remove the backing from the prepared strips, but leave small areas along the edges of the strips for ease of fixation.
- It is necessary to apply the patch when the muscles of the problem area are stretched to the maximum extent.
- Fix the patch from the center to the edge, stretching it, remove the pieces of the backing.
- After gluing, rub the tape with your hand to activate the glue.
- Bring the muscle of the painful area to its original position.
To speed up the therapeutic effect of the tape, it is recommended to move the muscles of the painful area by flexion and extension several times.
Fascial technique
Organs, vessels and other soft tissues of the body are covered with a continuous layer of connective membrane, which is called fascia. This membrane surrounds all the structures of the body and connects them together. The most superficial is the attachment of the fascia to the skin. The ability to move in different directions is due to the normal functioning of the fascia, which mainly consists of elastin, collagen and is elastic. With various disorders, flexibility decreases, problems with motor functions appear, and a feeling of “tightness” of the muscles occurs. Fascial taping technique is used to eliminate dysfunction of the fascia. Kinesiology tape, by exerting a certain pressure on the fascia, stimulates nerve receptors, which helps relieve tension and relax. The fascial taping technique is used for postural disorders and problems with the musculoskeletal system.
Comparison table of characteristics
The table below presents the main characteristics of the tape models under consideration. Compare them with each other, this will make it much easier for you to decide on the right tape.
| Model name | A country | Length, cm | Taping areas |
| EM-Fix reinforced fixation | Spain | 500 | body, face |
| Kinexib PRO | China | 500 | body |
| BioBalance Tape | South Korea | 500 | face |
| X-Tape whole | Japan | 500 | facial skin, body |
| RockTape for sensitive skin | South Korea | 500 | legs, arms, face, abdominal area |
| Lentum | China | 500 | body, face |
| Afitape with tourmaline | China | 300 | facial area, body |
Color
The BBTape brand’s assortment is currently the widest in the world and includes kinesio tapes in twelve different colors, as well as a collection with designer and children’s colors. Let's say frankly that the color of the tape in no way affects its medicinal properties, but it does have a certain physiological effect on the patient:
- brown – refers to neutral colors;
- blue – has a calming effect on the patient;
- pink – evokes positive emotions;
- yellow – promotes mental balance and harmony;
- orange – has a stimulating effect ;
- black is the color of individuality;
- green – neutral, non-irritating look;
- red – stimulates the patient’s desire for a speedy recovery.
Also, in addition to regular colors, BBTape produces designer colors of kinesio tapes , which are distinguished by modern prints, are great for taping children and will undoubtedly attract the attention of others.
For taping in pediatrics, speech therapy, pediatric traumatology and rehabilitation, BBtape has special tapes from the KIDS series . The design of children's kinesio tapes will appeal to both boys and girls, turning taping into an exciting procedure.
Despite the skepticism of most people about the color therapy method, doctors are still inclined to believe that the color of the tape plays an important role in the patient’s recovery and helps improve his emotional background.