Review on StrengthTape Kinesiology Tape - 5M Uncut Rolls For Premium Sports Support And Stability In Multiple Colors by John Hill

Theratape is an excellent and effective pain relieving cotton based Kinesiology tape when used as directed by manufacturer. It contains no medication and the pain relief works on the principle of relieving pressure on inflamed/injured tissues, and giving support. I have also included my practical experience findings for its best use. Used in this way Theratape's holding strength is superior to the cheaper or equivalently priced Korean tapes. There is also less incidence of skin irritation, the cheaper tapes irritate the skin more quickly, probably because of adhesive quality. (Note: all tapes are likely to produce skin irritation in time depending on how they are used--see reasons further on in the review).The key points for best use effect are: First: if there is body hair on the part to be taped--better to shave it off otherwise tape removal can be painful. Next--Cut a long enough strip to cover the part needing the taping, anywhere from 8 to 10 inches is usually good (unless longer pieces are needed for example in taping up around the spinal column). Then, before removing the backing, trim the edges at each end into a half round or semi half round so that it does not peel off easily as is the case if edges are left sharp or squarish.The tape should then be applied in sections, starting at one end --peel part of the backing--about 2 inches, attach the end firmly in place to anchor the tape to the area, with one hand peel off more backing and with the other hand pull/stretch/press tape into place and so on. When the tape is applied fully, the tape should be rubbed in place rapidly starting from center and moving outwards towards ends, in a polishing motion using the smooth top surface of the peel-off backing to make the tape adhere evenly and firmly to the area.When putting the tape over a joint, the joint should be partially bent, and tape evenly and firmly and fairly tightly stretched over the surface so that when limb/joint is flexed, there is no wrinkling of the tape, or tape popping up from the ends when joint is bent.With this method of application, the tape easily lasts out 3 to 4 days even while showering or swimming. (Theratape's claim of 7 days seems to be a bit of a stretch, though.) However, if one has an active lifestyle then the stretch and holding capacity of the tape will be reduced somewhat. Also, if there has been some inflammation at the time the tape is attached, and then in a day or two the inflammation reduces, and if the tape was not tightly stretched when applied, the tape will naturally become loose, wrinkle and lose its holding capacity. The tape would have done its work to relieve the pressure on the muscles etc being taped allowing them to heal faster.After a shower or swim, the taped area should be patted dry so that there is minimum of moisture left on the tape. One caution with any Kinesiology tapes--when the user sweats or the tape remains damp for a long time, there may be an allergic/or an inflammatory irritation skin reaction to the combination of sweat/water and adhesive on covered skin. This reaction can take place with any type of kinesiology tape, Theratape included.The 16' tape is about 30% more costly than if you buy the 115' roll. At the time of this review, the 16' tape cost about $0.97 a foot, and the 115' roll costs about $0.70 a foot.