The first time I remember seeing kinesiology tape was during the past Olympics. I didn't really think much of it, to be honest. Then, I started seeing it all over my gym. Probably because one of the trainer's husbands is trained in applying the tape correctly.
I began asking my trainer about whether she thought it could help my posture. She is always, and I mean always, reminding me to keep my shoulders back and keep my shoulder blades retracted. I think the 20+ years of standing slumped makes it a hard habit to kick, unfortunately. She referred me to the other trainer who I spoke with about my issue. She said it would probably help me out, because it would serve as a reminder to pull my shoulders back. So I gave it a go.
I like the tape I got. I'm a tiger, yo.
She taped me up and explained a bit about Rocktape (the brand I used).
In lieu of explaining all the benefits, just click on over to see what it can help with.
I was impressed to learn that I could keep it on for up to 5 days, as the tape was fine getting wet (after allowing it to set for ~ 30 minutes.)
I ended up keeping mine on for about 4 days before peeling it off.
What did I think?
Pros:
-I definitely noticed the tape (not in a bad way) the first couple days I had it on. It really did serve as a reminder to keep my shoulders pulled back. After the first couple days, I either was keeping my shoulders back more, or the tape felt looser, because I didn't notice it anymore. I'm not sure if it's possible to put it on "tighter" but, if so, I'd probably ask to do that next time.
- It stood up fine getting wet in showers, and through workouts.
- It was easy for me to find someone trained to tape me up.
Cons:
- The edges started peeling up at day 2, which was why I took it off after 4 days. It just got to be a bit nagging at that point.
- Sporadically it did itch. But that was pretty rare.
- The placement was visaable. Which I didn't really care about. In fact, I felt super awesome with my tiger stripes on. But don't tape yourself if you're going to go to some formal event.
- If you can't find someone trained to tape you, I wouldn't recommend taping yourself. At least until you learn how to properly do it.
I still have quite a bit of my roll left, so I plan on getting taped again in the very near future. I'm interested to see if I'll try it out when I begin running even more, and whether I notice improvement in some of my running ailments, as well.
Have you been taped?
11 comments:
I've used tape for some of my cross country runners, but not for myself. I'm curious about using it to help your posture, though. Do you think it would be a permanent benefit? Or would it just help remind you while you were wearing it.
I have seen this all over gyms I have been to as well. I've never tried it but I may have to now. Thanks for posting this. :)
i need to try this! i have terrible posture too, so much so that i've considered buying a back brace thingie to try and correct it.
I haven't used it before, but my sister does. She gets taped once a week after her physical therapy, and she loves the tape. I like the tiger stripes!
I have and I LOVED IT!
I've been tapped for a knee injury. It helped so much! I was able to run pain free finally.
I've used it for shin pain, and felt the same way about the curling edges...just bothersome. It did help though!
That's neat, I've never even heard of getting taped before!
One of the teachers at my gym uses it instead of a brace - she had knee surgery earlier this year. She can move a whole lot better & she doesn't seem like she's in pain, so that's good!
I'm also curious about the posture aspect. I notice sometimes when I'm sitting at work, i slouch a bit.
I've never heard of that but it sounds interesting. I definitely could use a reminder for my posture!
Oh wow. I've never been taped, but it's something I'm interested in now!
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