Best Kinesiology Tapes

Kinesiology tape was developed by Japanese sports trainers and doctors around 30 years ago. Chiropractors and sports therapists claim that it is effective in reducing the effect of injuries, as well as preventing the most common of sports injuries. The elasticity of kinesiology tape helps protect joints against excessive loads, suppresses pain and reduces inflammation. Exercise trainers say that an injury that would take 7-10 days to heal, such as an ankle sprain, can be taped in a particular way to get the person moving again after just two days of rest. Even if you haven’t applied the tape correctly, it can’t do any damage to the sensitive area: Just remove the tape and reapply.

We've put together this guide to help you select the best kinesiology tape that answers to your needs. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of kinesiology tape,

• See useful tips about that type of kinesiology tape,    

• Read reviews of different brands of kinesiology tape, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of kinesiology tape, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

• Uncut rolls of tape--These can either come in single rolls, for an amateur, or in bulk, for athletic trainers and clinics. This is the best choice when the tape must be replaced and applied fresh every time. This is most economical buy as well. The tape typically will be sold in 16.5 foot-long rolls of 2” thickness.

• Precut strips of tape--These are particular configurations of tape that have been machine-cut, so that there is less fraying of the ends of the tape. They come in individual strips (like band-aids).

• Precut applications--These are arrangements of tape that are for specific body parts, such as the back of the knee or lower back. They are convenient to have on hand during a sports event, in the event of one of the more common sports injuries.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Different colors: There is no therapeutic effect to the different colors, but it has an aesthetic appeal. Many athletes mention that they enjoy the range of colors of tape.

• Not sticky: People are pleased by the fact that the tape comes off easily, without any residue. But it is not advised applying it to an area with body hair--it will adhere and stick to the hair.

• Waterproof and sweatproof: You can apply kinesiology tape even if you are involved in swimming and water sports. ViggoPro’s kinesiology tape remains in place for three days, despite exposure to water or heavy sweating. Kinesiology tape lets the sweat through, instead of absorbing it. This way its adhesive effect remains for a long time.

• Good for a variety of sports: Kinesiology tape is recommended for use in exercise, as well as for a variety of sports, both to prevent sports injuries, or to accelerate recovery. It is popular for boxing, weight training, running, tennis, swimming, and cycling.

• Special properties: Athletes say that the benefits of kinesiology tape cannot be achieved with just any tape. For example, trying to apply duct tape will severely limit mobility, even as it supports the joints.

• Helps reduce inflammation: Sports trainers that apply kinesiology tape say that they apply it directly to a bruise or sprain. It helps reduce the swelling in the area.

• Hypoallergenic: Rock Tape is 97% cotton and 3% nylon, and contains no latex (to which some people are allergic). The resulting tape is hypoallergenic, and stretches 180 degrees, so that it allows for full range of motion. They say that the tape adheres for 2-7 days per application.

Physix Gear Sport--are located in Miami, Florida. They were founded in 2015, and are experts in the fitness and health industry. They sell compression socks, massage gear, and kinesiology tape.

RockTape--is located in Campbell, California, as makers of kinesiology tape and fitness support products. They make kinesiology tape for various sports, as well as for race horses and dogs. They also make guards for knees, shins, wrists, and arms.

Nordic Lifting--is a fitness accessories company that was founded in 2013. They make several varieties of wrist wraps, weight lifting straps, and weight lifting gloves, kinesiology tape rolls, compression sleeves, and more. .

ViggoPro--was founded by Marc Viggo. They make resistance bands for exercise, muscle roller sticks for massaging, and kinesiology tape. Their tape raises the skin away from the softer muscle tissue underneath. This allows for more blood circulation, so that more oxygen reaches the affected area. This in turn speeds up recovery and recuperation. The tape is able to flex in one direction, while it remains stiff in the other direction.