PT was a bit of a disappointment this morning. The trainer said I was making good progress and could tell I was being a good patient at home (which is good!), so all I did this morning was some foam rolling and 10 more minutes on the elliptical. What?! No “massage”?! 
All I could think was, “Oh come on!” I can do that stuff at home- I am doing that stuff at home! But oh well, at least it was because I was doing well. I did convince the trainer to tape me up like she promised though.
Check out the new style I’m rocking:
Kinesiology taping can be used for support, but also for “fascia control”. The way I’m taped right now is to help (hopefully) loosen the band- not to support my knee. My IT band is taped in an “m” shape- the parts of the band between the m-humps are what the tape is targeting. As the tape recoils, it should help loosen the band of fascia- hence “fascia control”.
The athletic trainer isn’t sure whether it will do anything or not for me, but I’m willing to give anything a try!
Tips for taping:
- No lotions or potions on your skin!
- Warm up the area first- the trainer had me elliptical to get the blood flowing and warm up my leg. (Is elliptical a verb?)
- Once the tape is applied, rub gently to warm. (The adhesive is heat-activated.) After initial taping, don’t apply heat (ice is ok).
- Don’t get it wet for at least 45 minutes.
- When taking it off- completely saturate it with water or coat it in olive oil to help loosen the adhesive. The longer it’s on, the harder it’ll be to get off.
- You can leave it on for 3-5 days, but if it irritates your skin or hurts, take it off.
Ever used kinesio tape?! I’m looking forward to trying tape for knee support once I get more active. 
{ 15 comments… read them below or chime in }
That is really interesting, I have never heard of taping to loosen a muscle or area, only for support. I’m interested to see if that ends up helping!
Also, I wish I could go to PT just to get massage. It hurts so good…and its even better when insurance pays for it!
And even worse when insurance doesn’t pay for it…. :/
Sorry dear, that sucks
I’ve seen the tape but never tried it. Let us know if it works!
Just curious, what does the tape do when put on like that?
I guess what I meant was, is the tape strong enough to loosen the band? Does the tape feel tight at all?
Supposedly it can loosen the band– it seems pretty strong, but it’s not on tight at all. You CAN put it on tight- it all depends what you’re trying to do though. I’m having my doubts right now though hahaa.
Very interesting–I hope it helps!! I could never try taping for my injuries, I am allergic to adhesive!
Oh yikes! Yeah, definitely don’t tape!!
I’ve used Kinesio tape before and it really helps! I hope it helps you too
i’ve heard of that tape before and i think it’s so cool! hope it helps you out!
I have heard of Kinesio tape but I have no idea where to buy it…do you??
I actually ordered some the other day from Road Runner Sports- I got Rocktape. Mine’s already falling off though so it might need to be returned when it gets here hahaa.
Wow this tape sounds really interesting!
Do you think this helps?? I’ve been thinking about using it for my IT band problems I’ve been having.