Kinesio tape specifics:

• Kinesio tape is water resistant. The athlete may shower, bathe, and swim with Kinesio Tape on the skin. Let the tape air dry or pat dry with a towel.
• Kinesio tape can last anywhere from 5 to 7 days.
• Rock sauce is the only version of lotion that can be applied to the KT tape
• Athletes in the treatment room may be KT taped only once a week
• Treatment with KT tape should always be followed up with education for the athlete. The KT tape is ineffective if it falls off soon after due to athlete’s lack of education.

Kinesio tape application:

1. Cleanse area (shave if necessary)
2. Prep skin with alcohol, ensure that athlete is shaven
3. Let area dry or pat dry with gauze
4. Round edges of KT tape
5. Rip anchors on both ends of the tape
6. Consider amount of stretch
7. Apply medial stretched portion to area, ensure there are no wrinkles
8. Adhere anchors with no stretch on either side
9. Apply heat either with hot pack, rock sauce, or friction

KT tape stretch rule of thumb:

0% - Anchors

15-25% - Bruising and edema

25-75% - Support

Shin Splints Kinesio: Kinesio Tape is used to relieve pressure and strains on the tissue. Shin splints can be on the medial or lateral aspect of the tibia. Apply the tape vertically over the painful area with stretch. A second piece of tape can be applied horizontally with no stretch over a very painful area.
	Patella Tendon Kinesio: With the athlete’s knee flexed, apply the center of the KT Tape just below the patella with stretch and slightly curve the tape around the patella. Apply the anchors around the patella with no stretch.