Utilizing Kinesiology Tape for Shoulder Support

Sports and movement have great physical and mental health benefits. However, they also take a toll on the body. Shoulder pain is one of the common injuries incurred by athletes, and is often left untreated. Over the years, many innovations and treatments have been developed to manage shoulder pain injuries. One that has stood out is kinesiology tape.

Since its invention in the 1970s by Kenzo Kase, a Japanese chiropractor,  kinesiology sports tape has become very popular among many athletes and sports enthusiasts. On the track, in the field, and even in gyms, K-tapes are commonly seen applied in various colors to people’s bodies. This article discusses some of the benefits of kinesiology tape and some ways to use it to support your shoulder.

Why Kinesiology Tapes?

Kinesiology tapes are a big deal among athletes and sports enthusiasts because they offer many benefits. Below are some of the main benefits from using K-tapes. 

1. Support of Muscles and the Correction of Posture

Kinesiology sports tape helps correct the posture and position of injured/fatigued areas of the body (such as the shoulder joint). In addition, K-tape helps support muscles and allows them to function efficiently while not sacrificing mobility around the joints nearby.

2. Reduction of Pain

Due to the firm, yet gentle, pressure that kinesiology tapes apply on surfaces, they are adept at mitigating pain and fatigue. These tapes can also facilitate the endogenous pain-relieving pathways of the body to work on their own.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Kinesiology tapes  have many anti-inflammatory properties. K-tape deals with the congestion of fluid in regions close to the application site, which induces better circulation of fluids in these regions and reduces inflammation. 

4. Improvement of Athletic Performance

These tapes can support fatigued or weak joints. These lead to enhanced kinesthetic ability and, consequently, improved athletic performance. 

How To Support Your Shoulder With Kinesiology Tapes

Overuse, the laxity of ligaments, and past injuries can cause your shoulder joint to be unstable. This could cause decreased productivity and increased pain. However, the use of K-tape may help support and stabilize these joints. Thus, they can help manage these conditions if worn properly. Even with minor injuries, K-tape is important to providing stability and support.

It's important to note that physical therapists are often the ones who administer K-tape therapy. However, you can apply K-tape properly once given the right resources. There exists quite a variety of taping techniques, and the needs they meet seem to be slightly different from each other. Below are some K-tape approaches for general shoulder support and stability.

Approach 1: 

The areas of support for this approach are the pointy tip of the shoulder - the Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint - and the inferior tip of the shoulder blade (the scapula). 

To apply the tape:

1. Mark the AC Joint and the inferior border of the shoulder blade with little strips of tape.
2. Cut a long strip of tape and run it from the tip of the shoulder blade to the AC Joint at a tension of 25%. A tension of 25% should feel relatively loose but still taught.
3. Pull off the protective covering of the adhesive surface and rub the sticky tape properly on the skin.
4. Cut another fairly long strip of tape and run it parallel to the first, starting from below. Ensure it doesn't cross the spine to the other half of the body. This tape should be at 50% tension, making it feel slightly tighter. 
5. Anchor the other (upper) end at the acromion, the top of the shoulder blade.

Approach 2:

Most of this taping is around the deltoid region, which is the top of the shoulder. The first point of interest is the insertion point of the deltoid.

1. Mark the insertion point of the deltoid on the lower arm. Attach the lower part of a pre-cut Y-strip, which is a piece of tape in the shape of a “Y.”
2. Pull the "tails" of the tape up and around the apparent contours of the deltoid at 25-50% tension.
3. Anchor them to the skin at the furthest reaches of the "tails" without tension. Rub the tape to activate the adhesive.

Approach 3:

1. Attach the lower part of a precut Y- y-strip or 'customized' strip adjacent to the base of the neck over the trapezius muscle,the muscle that starts at the base of your neck, goes across your shoulders and extends to the middle of your back.
2. Pull the "tails" down at 25-50% tension over to where the deltoid muscle inserts. Insert the anchors without tension.
3. Pull out another strip of tape, and anchor it at the side of the neck, at the upper part of the trapezius muscle.
4. Pull down by the medial border of the shoulder blade (scapula) at 25-50% tension. Ensure the anchor of the second tape starts on the skin and not on the first tape.

For maximum effect, you should clean off every lotion or oil on your body before applying K-tapes. Complementary treatments include rest and applying ice packs.

What is K-Tape Made of?

Kinesiology sports tape is made from cotton-woven fabric with elastic properties. This is the reason the tape is lightweight, porous, comfortable, and elastic. Also, it is why K-tape can stretch to accommodate changes in muscle and joint movements when strapped on. K-tape comes in a variety of colors. It is important to note that these colors are just for aesthetics.

Hampton Adams Kinesiology Tapes

Hampton Adams is a fast-growing brand in many niches of the sports accessory market. The kinesiology tape market is one of these niches. Hampton Adams Kinesiology Tapes boast a plethora of great benefits that make us stand out. We are recommended by many professional athletes and physicians worldwide.

What are the Benefits of Hampton Adams?

The first benefit is the packaging. Our tapes come in uncut rolls that are 16 feet long and about 2 inches wide. This means you have the freedom to cut and customize them to suit you best. Uncut products are usually a more economical option compared to pre-cut products. This is because the latter is often more pricey on average and offers less application freedom. Our products have two per pack at an affordable price!

A great deal of a kinesiology tape's essence lies in the strength of its adhesiveness. Our tapes are as adhesive as they come. The adhesive on our tapes, engineered by experts, is of premium quality. It retains its adhesive properties at prime levels for multiple days (3-10) without losing effectiveness. In addition, these tapes boast durable make-up and impressive waterproof properties without sacrificing comfort.

This means that you can work out, sleep comfortably, go about daily activities, and even shower for multiple days without our tape coming off. During these periods, you also do not have to worry about the fraying, wrinkling, or bunching of the tape.

Our tape adhesives are also latex-free and hypoallergenic. This means that you do not need to worry about unwarranted skin reactions and irritation when using them. Also, they do not leave a sticky or smelly residue when they come off. If you have been diagnosed with sensitive skin, you might have to make sure you have the go-ahead from your physician before you go ahead with a purchase.

Our kinesiology tapes are also quite versatile. They come in handy for shoulder support, mitigating the pain of sore backs, and supporting other parts of the body. They are even useful for the management of plantar fasciitis. Whatever use you seek to put our tapes to, you will find.

The cherry on top is our array of colors. If you are picky about aesthetic appeal and want tapes with a splash of different bright colors, we have you covered! Our tapes come in a variety of colors ranging from purple to blue, beige, orange, pink, yellow, and more. From this wide array, you will surely find a color that appeals to you.

With these features, we are confident our tapes will meet your needs just right - as they have done for diverse demographics of athletes. However, if for some reason they do not, we guarantee a refund within a 60-day window. To start your healing journey, order with Hampton Adams  today.