Sports Tape Comparison

Injuries can occur anywhere and anytime regardless of how careful a person is whilst moving around. This is especially true for individuals involved in sports. An unexpected injury can slow you down and force you to miss out on important events. Fortunately, a sports tape can allow you to prevent and treat numerous common injuries like shin splints, tennis elbow, knee pain, etc. This physical therapy tape is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, differing in accordance to the needs of the user.

Following are the few types of sports tapes that can be used for treating/preventing various injuries.

Kinesio Tape

Kinesio tape is used as a facilitator for muscles, providing support to the natural process of healing within the human body. This athletic tape allows muscle support while maintaining natural movement and normal circulation, something that conventional sport taping does not provide.

Apart from generic muscle support, the Kinesio Tape is also used for treating lymphedema, back strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains, chronic swelling, herniated discs, back pain, knee conditions, groin or hamstring injuries, subluxations, shoulder conditions, whiplash, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and much more. Also, the Kinesio tape can be used for treating common maladies as well, e.g. stiff muscles and headaches.

Leukotape P Sports Tape

Leukotape P Sports Tape is an adhesive tape with a rayon back that includes an adhesive with exceptionally high levels of zinc oxide. When combined with a tape’s high tensile strength, this athletic tape is perfect for shoulder taping and patellofemoral taping techniques, i.e. the correction of patellar position. This type of sports tape is also great for dealing with shoulder problems as it aids in realigning structures related to the shoulder. This can be done through the retraining and taping of muscles within the arm. The adhesive in the Leukotape P Sports Tape comprises of a natural dry rubber, allowing the tape to be used with a stretch bandage.

Physio Tape

The Physio Tape provides stability and support to the muscles and joints without affecting the range of motion and circulation. Compared to conventional sports taping, physio tape allows numerous uses staring from the management of pain to treating carpal tunnel syndrome and Edema, acting as the ideal muscle facilitator. Without hampering fluid flow or muscle movement, Physio tape supports the natural functions of your muscles in order to treat an assortment of ailments similar to the Kinesio tape, providing overall support to your muscles. Also, this physical therapy tape helps control lymph flows and venous circulation and the body temperature as well (the failure of which can lead to the generation of various unpleasant symptoms).

With so many options to choose from, you can easily prevent or treat injuries using the right sports tape.

How Does Physio Tape Work?

A physio tape is a strip of cotton which is mainly used to treat or prevent sports injuries. It possesses elasticity to such a great extent that it can be stretched to 120 to 140% of its original length. One side of the tape consists of an adhesive, so it can easily stick to the skin. Physio tape is mainly available in beige, black, blue and red colors. Sports tapes such as kinesio tape are similar variants. A PreWrap also functions in a similar manner.

A physio tape is specially designed to support muscles during and after play without blocking circulation or restricting movement. It can be used in many situations such as a back ache, tennis elbow, knee pain and a back ache. However, the tape must be cut differently in each situation depending on the muscle area where it has to be used. For instance, an I shape is used for small muscles whereas a Y shape is used for large muscles. Other common shapes are the X and the wave form. A single strip can be used for as long as three days without being removed.

When the body is performing strenuous activities, a large stress is put on the muscles and joints. The areas under maximum stress are usually taped to prevent injuries. The tight physio taping contracts blood vessels underneath the area. This increases circulation, and energizes the cells as more nutrients are transferred.  The physio tape also exerts a pressure on the skin, which numbs the area, preventing a person from feeling any sort of pain or fatigue.

Vitality Medical offers a large selection of physio taping, kinesiology taping and other therapy taping products. Their physio tapes have many benefits such as

• 24/7 support
• Several days usage
• Water resistant

Items can be purchased from their online store.