What is Kinesiology Tape?
Kinesiology tape is used for various injuries and complaints. The colourful adhesive strips can be used to tape parts of the body such as the knees, back or elbows in no time at all. They are intended to strengthen the body's self-healing powers and promote the regeneration process in case of injuries. The tape consists of an elastic cotton band and has an adhesive layer made of acrylic on the underside. The elasticity of the tape bands is based on that of human skin, which is why the tape can adapt particularly well to natural body movements. This is also the major difference to rigid sports tape, which is only intended to immobilise injuries.
How does Kinesiology Tape work?
First of all, we would like to emphasise that there are no sufficient studies on the effect of kinesiology tapes. Although some studies are now known that indicate a positive effect of the tapes, further randomised studies are necessary in order to be able to make qualified statements about their mode of action.
The Kinesio Tape lifts the underlying skin layer a little bit due to the waves, the so-called convolutions, that are created when the tape is applied. Every movement shifts this upper layer of skin, similar to a massage. This creates a permanent stimulus on the receptors of nerve, blood and lymph vessels. This stimulus from the kinesiology tape is intended to harmonise muscle tone and help relieve tension and reduce pain. In addition, the blood circulation is stimulated and the corresponding area is better supplied with nutrients.
By the way, the convolutions are created because the area to be taped is first brought into a stretched position. Then the tape is applied. As soon as the body part relaxes again, convolutions are formed.
Buying kinesiology tape - the comparison of the models
From classic to ultra-skin-friendly, there are so many different tapes for so many different uses and needs - but which kinesiology tape is best for you? We'll give you a quick run-through of our products so you know which tape meets your current needs.
Tape Classic - the classic kinesiology tape
Long adhesion, strong hold, good compatibility and a top price-performance ratio - these are the features of K-Active Tape Classic. It is available in boxes of 1 and 6 and in 3 different sizes: 5cm x 5m, 5cm x 17m and 7.5cm x 5m. Tape Classic is also available in 5 modern colours: Aqua, Magenta, Sand, Night (black) and Nature (green).
Tape Gentle – Tape for allergy sufferers and sensitive skin
It is THE tape for sensitive skin: K-Active Tape Gentle. It contains the Stratagel acrylic adhesive, which makes it possible to remove the tape even more gently and reduces skin irritations to a minimum. The sensitive tape is therefore particularly suitable for face taping and beauty taping or for scars and injuries. Tape Gentle is the right choice for allergy sufferers in any case, and people with very sensitive skin such as babies, toddlers and older people also benefit from the gentleness of Tape Gentle. It is available in the colour "Skin" in a box of 1 or 6.
Tape Elite – Strong hold and gentle on the skin at the same time
It can also be called the "Power Gentle Tape", because K-Active Tape Elite combines the gentleness of Tape Gentle with the durability of Tape Classic. The soft cotton fabric is coated with the highly innovative Stratagel-Plus adhesive, which makes Tape Elite the tape with the most versatile application possibilities: sports, beauty taping, therapy and extreme challenges such as swimming in salt water cannot harm its adhesive effect. Tape Elite is available in beige, yellow and orange and in boxes of 1 and 6.
Tape Sport - the kinesiology tape for athletes
A kinesiology tape especially for sports? There is such a thing - the K-Active Tape Sport! It has a reduced stretch content of 140% and is particularly suitable for short-term installations. However, like the other models, it can also be used preventively in case of pain or injury. This tape is composed of an elastic yet supportive cotton fabric and our strong acrylic adhesive. The K-Active Tape Sport is available in white and red and in boxes of 1 and 6.
Cross Tape - small mesh tape with a big effect
Cross Tapes, or grid tapes, are electromagnetically charged and are intended to promote the flow of energy in the body. They enable painless release of trigger points and muscle tension can improve the healing process of scars. The Cross Tapes act like a punctual massage and, thanks to the high-quality acrylic adhesive, have a particularly long adhesion period. They are available in 3 different sizes in the colour beige.
6D Tape - Tape with "activation pads" for lymphatic drainage
The special feature of 6D Tape are the pads that are attached vertically to the top of the tape. They enable the user to pull, turn and press the skin in different directions. The aim of this is to loosen adhesions within the fascial structures. Lifting and moving the skin also promotes blood circulation and supply to the cells. It is considered the lymphatic tape par excellence. The 6D tape is also equipped with the skin-friendly Stratagel adhesive and is available in the colour aqua as a 1m or 5m roll.
What are the properties of kinesiology tapes?
There are many different types of tape in the therapy, medical and sports sectors. They serve different purposes, but most of them look very similar. So what makes kinesiology tape so unique?
1. The high stretching capacity
Kinesiology tapes are very stretchable: they have a stretch content of around 155%. This has the advantage that the tape can move perfectly with the wearer without coming off.
2. Waterproof material
The material of the tapes is fast-drying and the acrylic adhesive is not affected by external influences such as sweat and water. Because the Kinesio Tape adapts to natural movements, no cracks or holes can form through which water can penetrate.
3. Breathable fabric
Cotton is considered to be one of the most comfortable fabrics, it lies softly on the skin and reduces the formation of sweat under the tape. The reason for this is that the natural fibre is particularly breathable. The skin becomes less irritated and the formation of skin irritations is reduced.
4. Easy removal despite strong hold
The secret here lies in the skin-friendly, hypoallergenic adhesive of the kinesiology tapes. When the tape is removed, only very few skin particles are detached. This reduces skin damage. At the same time, the acrylic ensures that the tape does not easily detach from the skin and provides reliable hold.
5. Skin-friendly composition
High-quality kinesiology tape is free of latex and harmful substances. The fabric is made of cotton and the hypoallergenic adhesive contains no skin-irritating ingredients.
Kinesio Tape for Face Taping and Beauty Taping
The following applies: The softer and more skin-friendly the tape, the better. If you want to apply tape to the face, neck or décolleté, it is important that it can be easily removed without leaving adhesive residue. If the tape comes off easily, the likelihood of skin irritation and redness is minimal. That's why you shouldn't just buy any kinesio tape. The K-Active Tape Gentle combines all these features and has a beautiful, discreet colour.
How long can you wear kinesiology tape?
You can wear the tape as long as it sticks to your skin. It does not lose its effect over time. As a rule, Kinesio Tapes last between 5 and 7 days on the skin, depending on how much strain they are exposed to. However, experience has shown that K-Active tapes can last reliably for up to 2 weeks, depending on the part of the body and the application technique. Sports tape is usually only worn before and during sports activities.
How long does it take for the tape to work?
You will notice the relaxing effect of the kinesiology tape immediately after applying it. It relieves fascial structures and musculature and the taut skin directly and permanently transmits stimuli to the receptors.
Can you shower with Kinesio Tape?
Yes, showering and bathing is no problem with kinesio tape. When drying off, dab carefully or dry with a hairdryer. You can even swim with Classic, Gentle, Elite or Sport tape.
What do the different colours of the kinesiology tapes mean?
Want to buy kinesiology tape and are unsure which color to choose? Here are several approaches to choosing the right color:
Kinesiology Test
K-Active prefers this method. It allows you to select a color based on a "signature muscle" that reflects the effect of the color on the area to be taped. Here, the tape is placed on the skin with one hand, and the identification muscle is tested. Usually, two colors are tested particularly strongly, and one can be selected from these.
Traditional Chinese color theory
This method is based on the idea that certain colors have special effects in the body. Colors can be selected accordingly depending on the symptoms and the region of the body. For example, green and blue are said to be calming, harmonizing and cooling, while red, pink and orange are stimulating, activating and warming. The colors white and beige stand for neutrality in traditional Chinese medicine and are suitable for inconspicuous tape installations. Black tapes are often used in (combat) sports, as black represents strength and willpower.
Personal preferences
When choosing the right color, the wearer's comfort factor should not be neglected. For example, if someone has a strong aversion to a certain color, this should be taken into account when choosing and discussed with the person.
The most common tape applications
Are you looking for instructions for taping applications? We've put together a selection of tape applications for the most common pain patterns here, explaining the best way to go about taping:
Kinesio Tape vs. Sport Tape - What are the differences?
- Use: Sports tape is primarily used to stabilise joints and muscles; kinesiology tape has an activating effect on its wearer and is intended to optimise body functions.
- Movement capacity: Sports tape restricts the wearer's movement very much, kinesiology tape moves with the stretching of the skin.
- Elasticity: Sports tape is completely inelastic and rigid. Kinesio tape, on the other hand, is elastic and can adapt to the natural movements of the skin. K-Active kinesiology tape has a stretching capacity of between 140% and 155%.
- Adhesive: Kinesiology tape uses skin-friendly acrylic adhesive that is easy to remove from the skin. For sports tape, zinc oxide or zinc oxide rubber glue is usually used. These adhesives adhere very strongly to the skin and can cause allergies, possibly leading to itching and skin irritation.
- Wearing time: As the name suggests, sports tape is only worn for a short time before and during sports activities. Kinesiology tape can be worn for several days without any problems.