What’s the Difference Between Kinesiology Tape and Sports Tape?

Kinesiology Tape Versus Sports Tape

When it comes to injury prevention, support, and recovery, both kinesiology tape and sports tape have become common tools used by athletes, physios, and sports trainers. While they might look similar at first glance, these two tapes serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference between kinesiology tape versus sports tape can help you choose the right option for your needs.

What Is Kinesiology Tape?

Kinesiology tape is an elastic therapeutic tape designed to mimic the elasticity of human skin. Developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase in the 1970s, it allows for a full range of motion while supporting joints, muscles, and soft tissues. Common brands include RockTape, KT Tape and Dynamic Tape.

Unlike traditional sports tape, kinesiology tape stretches longitudinally and is typically applied in patterns over muscles or joints. Its elasticity helps lift the skin slightly, creating space between the skin and muscle. This decompression effect may assist in reducing pressure, improving lymphatic drainage, and enhancing circulation around the taped area. It may assist with proprioception and also provide light elastic support to tendon loads…

What Is Sports Tape?

Sports tape, often referred to as rigid or athletic tape, is usually non-elastic and is used to provide joint support and restrict movement. It’s often used for injury prevention in high-stress areas like ankles, knees, wrists, or shoulders.

Rigid sports tape is ideal for limiting motion in a joint to prevent sprains, or protect a previously injured area during sport. They typically require underwrap, hypafix, or a pre-tape spray for better skin protection and adherence.

How They Differ in Function

One of the key distinctions between kinesiology tape versus sports tape lies in their function. Kinesiology tape is used to aid and allow movement, while sports tape is typically used to limit it.

• Kinesiology Tape: Facilitates movement, reduces swelling, and enhances proprioceptive feedback.
• Sports Tape: Restricts movement, supports unstable joints, and protects joints and soft tissues during activity.

Research suggests that kinesiology taping may help reduce pain and improve function in musculoskeletal conditions, although the effects are often modest and short term (Williams et al., 2012). On the other hand, sports taping techniques have long-standing evidence in helping prevent ankle sprains in high-impact sports (Lauersen et al., 2014).

When to Use Kinesiology Tape

Kinesiology tape is most effective in the following situations:

• To support muscle function without restricting movement
• To help reduce swelling and bruising
• To relieve discomfort from overuse injuries
• As part of rehabilitation programs under your physios guidance

When to Use Sports Tape

Sports tape is typically used in scenarios where limiting joint motion is the goal. Common uses include:

• Preventing ankle sprains in sports
• Providing structural support for unstable joints
• Protecting injured areas during sport or activity, wrists, knees, shoulders…
• Supplementary to post-injury bracing

Rigid taping is best for protecting in high-impact and unpredictable movements where stability is vital.

Application Differences

Kinesiology tape is often applied in wave or fan patterns and is cut to different shapes depending on the muscle group. It generally requires clean, dry skin and some experience to apply correctly. Many physios and sports trainers are trained in specific taping methods to maximise its benefit.

Sports tape is applied using more rigid and overlapping methods. It may need an underwrap or pre-tape adhesive spray for comfort and adhesion. Effective use requires correct joint positioning and tension otherwise desired stability will likely not be achieved.

Cost and Duration of Use

Kinesiology tape tends to be more expensive per roll, but can be worn for up to 3-5 days. It is water-resistant, so users can shower or swim while wearing it.

Sports tape is slightly less expensive but needs reapplication after each session. It is typically removed after training sessions or game to prevent skin irritation and to allow the area to breathe.

Conclusion: Kinesiology Tape Versus Sports Tape

Choosing between kinesiology tape versus sports tape depends on your goal. If you’re recovering from an injury and need to keep moving, kinesiology tape may be the right choice. However, if you’re looking to protect a joint or prevent injury during activity, sports tape might be more suitable.

Unsure which tape is most suitable in your situation..? Contact our team at Sydney Physio Clinic. We can help determine the most effective taping approach for your needs.

References

• Williams, S., Whatman, C., Hume, P. A., & Sheerin, K. (2012). Kinesio taping in treatment and prevention of sports injuries: a meta-analysis of the evidence for its effectiveness. Sports Medicine, 42(2), 153-164.
• Lauersen, J. B., Bertelsen, D. M., & Andersen, L. B. (2014). The effectiveness of exercise interventions to prevent sports injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(11), 871–877.