If you work for Kinesio Tex Tape and care to tell me that I am incapable of using your product or that I just plain lack any ability to tape myself feel free to comment below. Also, please send me the black tape that I ordered instead of the beige that you sent me. Hot pink tape would be nice too, I'll use it on next year's Halloween costume. Additionally, your blue tape has no anti-inflammatory powers. Thank God for Jello shots containing Advil.
On Sunday's run the Kinesio Tex Tape did not hold up super well on the 10.6 miler. About a mile in the achilles taping started to come off. I had to stop to tie the two ends into a bow, because they were dragging behind me and the tape is not easy to rip. I missed my compression socks and definitely could feel that my achilles missed them too! I did feel some added support from the shin taping, until it also started to peel at mile 6.5. I purposely put no lotions, oils, etc. on my legs in preparation for the taping. The company claims the tape will hold up for 3 days and in the shower. I do not believe this (unless I possess a special type of sweating mechanism). If you promise to excuse my dirty legs you can look at the after pictures below:
I tried the tape out again for today's six miler. Not really too fair since I was sore from two days of pretty long running and wore my compression socks. The tape, of course, stayed on better under compression socks but I didn't notice a whole lot of additional support. However, I did promise to test this tape out for a month and since I have two rolls I'll keep using it. I'll let you know what happens. First Impression: I say stick to strengthening exercises, rest when you're sore, and get some sweet looking compression socks. Or finance yourself an alter-g treadmill. Apparently they have a great agreement with Bank of America for a low rate.
just wanted to say ive been using kinesio tape for a few years and have found a couple of tricks to keep it sticking better. i leave it on for 3-5 days usually.
1. i make sure my leg has absolutely no moisturiser on it. i actually don't moistureise the backs of my legs anymore just so my tape stick better and it makes a huge difference.(same goes for regular tape) I used to use the alcohol wipes to clean the area i was taping when i had nicely moisturised legs, it works well. I'd get a whole bunch off my physio.
2. when i stick the tape on my leg, i stick just the end (about an inch which is applied with no stretch) on first then spend about 30seconds (or as long as i can)rubbing the tape to heat activate the adhesive nice and good. Then stick on the rest and apply the same rubbing in at the other end. then i rub the length of the tape. Be careful at the ends not to rub it off.
In winter i like to tape 5 or so hrs ahead of time or the nite before so i can better heat activate it.
3. I take my time taping and make sure to do it a good couple of hours before i need it. Gives me time to prep my skin and do a good job. I know that if i tape 10 mins before i run it will definitely come off.
4. don't forget to round the corners so it doesn't catch an edge and peel off.
anyways - just thought id share.
i ususally tape calves and achilles.
Posted by: pt | 09/10/2009 at 07:40 PM