Getting some extra support -KT Tape Review

"Disclaimer: I received an assortment of KT Tape products as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"
 
I’m a believer in using all the tools you have in your toolkit to get you through your race training without causing any further injury.  I’ve seen lots of people taped up in KT Tape at races before, but hadn’t really thought much of it for my own use.

Until I got injured.

After I had knee surgery for a torn meniscus, I saw a physical therapist for about a month afterwards.  After one of the early sessions, he taped me up with KT Tape in an unusual burst pattern. It made no sense to me, but I knew he knew what he was doing. When I posted the picture of it, one of my fellow BibRave Pros immediately observed that I was taped to help with swelling. I was like how did she know that?

I’ve been pretty conservative (ish) with my running since then, cutting back from 6 days a week to 3 days a week.  I added in body pump classes, which I love – but they are very rough on my knees with all the squats and lunges. 

I received this variety pack of KT Tape for testing and immediately I thought I would try taping it for body pump.  I watched a video on the ktape.com website that was specifically for “inner knee” issues.  It was a super short video and I felt like maybe it wasn’t as intimidating as I thought.

So I followed the video and attempted to replicate the technique. I used the KT pro.  It made my knee felt tight (in a good way) and supported.  Knee felt good for the class and the 5 mile run afterwards. I kept the tape on until after my run the next day. It stayed on in the shower, never peeled off.  Once it did come time to remove it, it gently peeled off so easily without any discomfort.

If you’re not familiar with kinesiology tape, it is an elastic sports tape that can help support tissues and help with drainage and inflammation. It can help provide relief from everything from plantar fasciitis to ankle, knee, shoulder and wrist pain.

From the kttape.com website:"When an area of the body is injured through impact or over-use, the lymphatic fluid builds up causing inflammation and swelling. This accumulation of lymphatic fluids may cause increased pressure on muscles and tissue which can cause significant discomfort or pain. It is believed that when applied correctly, KT Tape lifts the skin, decompressing the layers of fascia, allowing for greater movement of lymphatic fluid which transports white blood cells throughout the body and removes waste products, cellular debris, and bacteria."

I used the Extreme pro version for my half marathon. I figured with the longer distance I really wanted to make extra sure that the tape stayed in place. It did!  It felt just a touch stiffer and stickier than the regular pro version. I also used it for body pump class.

I brought the KT Tape with me to Ragnar Tennessee. For my particular knee application, I cut one of the pre-cut strips in half to make the “X” over my meniscus area and then one full strip over that from shin to thigh.  It was easy to apply on the fly in the van.
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I also received both gentle and wide kt tape.  The wide strips are good for larger affected areas – like lower back. I haven’t had a need for the gentle version yet.  It was developed specifically for those who have skin more sensitive skin to take the tape off easier.  If someone is having a hard time getting the Gentle tape to stick after doing all those preparation tips, I would recommend using PRO or even PRO Extreme.

When I first posted about trying out KT Tape, I had such a big response from my runner friends. It seems that pretty much everyone loves KT Tape, and if they don’t, it’s only because they haven’t tried it yet!  Well, now is your chance - right you you can save 30% with “BIBRAVE30”!!!!

Every so often you come across a product that becomes a staple in your routine (like my Epsom salt baths, knuckle lights – and now this!) I’m so glad I gave it a try and that it wasn’t as intimidating to apply as I thought. There are tons of  videos online on how to apply, so jump in and try it for yourself!