Your take on KT tape?

Yo Sake · Mar 27, 2011

I think hobey and cake have used this before. Anybody else has tried it before? Opinions? Does it really make any differences? Any medical professionals' take on this product? 
 
Some soreness/tight soleus has developed since the half marathon last Sunday. I skipped two speed workouts and replaced one run with a deep water running this week. Though it seems it is getting better, it is a slow recovery process and I don't want to take any chance of making it worse. As I plan to run one more long run, I have started reading their website. It claims this tape supports injured muscles and help healing process. 
 
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this product.

hobey · Mar 27, 2011

It gives me the extra support I need to still run while nursing injuries to health and it tends to decrease the post-run soreness. I do recommend you talk to a PT or someone who can show you how to tape up properly because a poor tape job won't make a lick of difference.
 
I'm actually in the process of weaning myself off the tape. I started taped up all the time, then for runs only. I'm still taping for runs >10 miles and any really hard workouts but I've pretty much weaned off shorter easy runs. It worked for me. I was able to increase mileage and run through post-tib tendinitis with the help of KT tape with no modifications to the plan I chose to follow.
 
If you can find a good sports PT in your area, they'll be able to work you through this.
 
I should add that KT tape plus PT exercises, stretching, and icing are getting me to my marathon intact. I do go in to see my sports chiro every few weeks for stupid painful trigger point, E-stim, and ultrasound to continue the healing process. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;">

TriBob · Mar 27, 2011

Here is an intro article: <a href="http://www.athletestreatingathletes.com/kinesiology-tape/kinesiology-taping-intro/" target="_blank">http://www.athletestreatingathletes.com/kinesiology-tape/kinesiology-taping-intro/</a>

cak73 · Mar 27, 2011

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by hobey <a href="/forum/thread/73190/your-take-on-kt-tape#post_1990795"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a> It gives me the extra support I need to still run while nursing injuries to health and it tends to decrease the post-run soreness. I do recommend you talk to a PT or someone who can show you how to tape up properly because a poor tape job won't make a lick of difference.
 
If you can find a good sports PT in your area, they'll be able to work you through this.
 
I should add that KT tape plus PT exercises, stretching, and icing are getting me to my marathon intact. I do go in to see my sports chiro every few weeks for stupid painful trigger point, E-stim, and ultrasound to continue the healing process. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;">
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I totally agree with these statements. I wouldn't have tried it on my own. I think I could get away without taping for my short runs, but I'm basically afraid not to. I've been leaving tape on between runs only to "save" tape (though I bought a roll of like 103 feet from Amazon.com!).
 
I would also add that I have tried two different kinds of tape. The KT brand and Spider Tech Tape (Nitto Denko). I prefer the Spider Tech Tape. I think it sticks better and is more comfortable to wear.
 
I've been wearing recovery compression tights after long runs and I think they've been really helpful with recovery.

hobey · Mar 27, 2011

<div class="quote-container">Quote:
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by cak73 <a href="/forum/thread/73190/your-take-on-kt-tape#post_1990800"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;"></a> I think I could get away without taping for my short runs, but I'm basically afraid not to. I've been leaving tape on between runs only to "save" tape (though I bought a roll of like 103 feet from Amazon.com!).
 
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I was there and then my sports chiro basically told me to gradually start weaning myself off it though he does still recommend taping up for long runs, at least until after Eugene. Slow & steady. No issues except for that time I ran 12 un-taped. That was stupid....
 
I can't leave the tape on. It really, really irritates my skin after getting wet so I tape up fresh every longish run.

Tri-Tammy · Mar 28, 2011

I used it when I was in PT years ago after blowing out my knee. I loved it. 
So when my knee started acting up, I used it again. I like it a whole lot better than any wraps. And just like Hobey said- make sure you do your icing and stretching and PT right along with it.

solarpowered · Mar 28, 2011

I used it a bunch last summer/fall when I was having such trouble with my calf. I thought it helped a good deal (although there is something to be said for the mental aspect -- the thinking it's helping). With it lifting the skin and allowing for better blood flow, it probably does really help. 
 
That said, I'd agree with everyone above who suggested having a PT or trained person tape you up the first couple times. That way you learn the proper technique. Some tapings require stretching the tape as you apply, others require non-stretching, some you have to flex/bend the area as you tape, others not.

niemsco · Mar 28, 2011

I'll be the opposite. I think its worthless

I had it applied also by a KT Master (someone who teaches doctors, PTs, etc., how to apply it, I guess there is some title you can achieve)
 
My leg injury that I had earlier in this year I would get it taped up every week for several weeks. Finally I got tired of it, stopped going, did my one-legged squats and rolled religiously, and doubled my amino acids (MAP) and I got better. .
 
Obviously more people like this than not, but that's just my experience.

duckgeek · Mar 28, 2011

I've been using KT Tape (amazon bulk pack in Oregon green) during my limp towards Boston. I tape my Achilles and my peroneal tendons on my right leg. I think it has helped, not a miracle, but a help. For me I think it helps dampen the shock to the Achilles tendon from impact and it keeps my peroneal mostly in place rather than sliding over my ankle bone where it shouldn't be going.
 
I've also used the KinesioTex Gold tape (<a href="http://www.kinesiotaping.com" target="_blank">www.kinesiotaping.com</a>) and it definitely adheres better than the KT brand.

Yo Sake · Mar 29, 2011

Thanks guys for your input. My calf is about 90%+ normal now and I am not concerend enough to see a PT. Sounds like you have to know what you are doing with this tape to be effective. I will definately keep in mind. What they say on their website seems to make sense and helpful for certain injuries.

kburnell · Mar 29, 2011

If you decide to get it, do yourself a favor and get RockTape instead of KT Tape. I've used both and RockTape stays on far longer. You might also want to consider buying some form of pre-tape spray to help things stay put for longer periods of time.

xflbk43 · Mar 30, 2011

I've been using KT off and on for a few weeks now because of IT band issues. It has worked wonders for me. I haven't had any issues with it staying on. Have worn it as many as 5 days, through multiple swim, bike and run workouts…including the showers after each.

cak73 · Mar 30, 2011

I do clean my skin with rubbing alcohol before applying my tape of choice. 
 
Was able to do my short run today without taping the knee...granted it was only about 2.75 miles instead of the 5 miles on the plan, but my anterior tibialis has been bugging me, the run this evening was very comfortable for both the knee and the anterior tib, and I decided to quit while I was ahead. Still have a 10 and a 14 on the schedule for this week anyway.

Your take on KT tape?

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