Therapeutic Tape - Elastic Bandages, Athletic Tape & Blister Care Products

Therapeutic tape

is often referred to as “kinesiology tape.” It differs from elastic bandages in that it’s not meant to be a wrap. Instead, it adheres to the skin to provide support and to lift skin. This helps to speed recovery and soothe pain and swelling.

Elastic bandages are applied as a wrap. They are most often used to stabilize joints, tendons, and ligaments during exercise to prevent injuries or to offer compression on sprains and strains to help with healing and to prevent the injuries from worsening.

Athletes and physiotherapists use therapeutic tape like those offered by Kinesio to treat injured muscles and joints. This type of tape works by lifting the skin away from the underlying injuries, which soothes pain and swelling. It also provides more space to allow the lymphatic system to drain easily. When the lymphatic system drains efficiently, the buildup of toxins and waste are removed, which can speed recovery.

Typically, kinesiology tape is used to reduce pain during activities and to provide support to injuries. Sometimes, however, it can also be used as a protective barrier to prevent skin injuries. Some athletes also wear it to not only give support, but to serve as a reminder to take care with recently healed areas of the body.

To support a sore neck, physiologists use three strips of kinesiology tape. They will place two strips of tape vertically on the back of the neck, starting just below the hairline, down to the shoulder blades. These should be positioned to either side of the back of the neck.

Next, they apply the third strip of tape across the back of the neck and the shoulders. This strip runs in an arch, from the top of the shoulders to just under the nape of the neck to provide added support.

Another method involves using four strips of tape—two extending vertically down the back of the neck, and two more extending out to either shoulder. Look at this SpiderTech Gentle Neck kit to see how it is applied.

There are several methods for applying kinesiology tape to the shoulder. The most common involves using strips of tape around the outside of the shoulder, starting from the bicep and moving upward. These are then anchored in place with horizontal strips that run from the front of the arm around to the back, just below the shoulder blade.

Another method uses a specialized shoulder care kit—like the SpiderTech Gentle Right Shoulder kit.

While some types of kinesiology tape can be worn up to seven days, elastic bandages should be changed more often. The general rule for elastic bandages and athletic tape is to remove the bandage at least twice a day to let skin breathe for a few minutes, although you can often reapply the same bandage once finished.

Elastic therapeutic tape and elastic bandages should also be changed completely once per day to ensure hygiene and make treatment more effective. Sometimes, you may need to change the bandage more often if it gets wet, dirty, or becomes limp such that it no longer offers adequate support.

Most types of kinesiology tape are at the very least water repellant, which means that they will stand up to some moisture. Most are not fully waterproof, however, which means that they may loosen when showering, swimming, or exposing the tape to extreme moisture.

If moisture will be a concern, be sure to check the brand information to learn whether a particular product is moisture resistant or waterproof. Some, like Spidertech Gentle applications rolls, use a specialized adhesive that is not water resistant, while others can be worn while bathing.

Look for a reputable medical supply retailer that offers a broad range of products. For instance, through ScripHessco, you can stock up on a variety of brands, like Kinesio, Mueller, and SpiderTech—and that means you’ll have access to a diverse range of products to suit all of your needs.

Because blister care products, orthopedics, and other treatment supplies may be needed, you should also look for a retailer that offers more than just bandages and therapeutic tape. This way, you can order everything necessary from one shop.