KT Tape: Traditional & Non-Traditional Uses

Authored by Meaghan Murray

KT Tape is an elastic sports tape designed for muscle, ligament, and tendon pain relief. It can be used for all kinds of injuries and pains from shin splints to tendinitis.  It adds extra support along ligaments and muscles without the added weight of braces or wraps.

I’ve used KT tape during marathon training and even during a couple races. I like KT Tape; it generally works for me and I’ve found some not-so-typical uses for it along the way.

• KT Tape is a great lube replacement.  I use it for the chaffing-prone areas around my shorts and sports bra. Cut a strip in half and place it under the lining. It’s pretty miraculous.
• Don’t worry, guys, you too can prevent chaffing using KT Tape. It (apparently) works well as nipple guards. Cut out circles from a strip of tape and put them on under your shirt. Pro Tip: If you take off your shirt mid-run, don’t forget to remove the nip guards, too.

• It also works well for minor blisters or hot spots. I’ve used KT tape on my heel to prevent irritation and rubbing in new shoes.
• Finally, I like to use my KT Tape in combination with calf sleeves for ankle pain. It helps keep the KT tape in place and adds a nice layer of support.

Some traditional uses for KT Tape:

• Shin splints
• Runner’s knee, tendinitis, or general knee pain
• Achilles tendinitis
• Plantar Fasciitis

Here’s what they say about the technology:
KT TAPE is made up of reinforced 100% cotton sheathes (ORIGINAL) or specially engineered, ultra-durable synthetic fabric (PRO) designed to provide durability and increased strength. These materials provide uni-directional elasticity- allowing the tape to stretch in length but preventing the tape from stretching in width. These fibers are made to provide stable support without restricting motion.

KT TAPE’s unique Matrix Mesh also allows for moisture release which is critical for comfort and wear-ability. The more porous the tape’s weave, the better it releases moisture caused by sweating or being worn in the water. The design provides more breathability and release of moisture so that it is comfortable to wear for up to five days at a time without itching, irritation or reactions with the skin.