Athletes unabashedly endorse their sponsors. Golfers, NASCAR drivers, and more display their sponsors on every square inch of clothing real estate they have. Other athletes such as tennis, basketball, baseball, and football players tend to be a little more discreet and generally wear branded clothing. This is just the way of the sports industry. Brands take advantage of the fact that we as consumers look up to the elevated performance and skill of professional athletes. Just like if a golfer gives a swing tip or a baseball coach teaches a youth baseball camp, we will respond to an athlete when they endorse a new shoe or piece of training equipment/technique. One such technique that has many consumers scratching their head is kinesio taping. Kinesio tape, which is also known as the brand name “Rocktape” has been dubbed by many of its users as duct tape for the body.
Kinesio Tape: Uses
Kinesio tape is different from athletic tape. Unlike athletic tape, it can move and flex with your body; it is water resistant, so it won’t come off in conditions such as marathons, games, or in the pool or shower. Most importantly, it allows body fluids to flow to speed the healing process of strains, tears, and pulled muscles. While kinesio tape was developed to help heal athletic injuries, the Rocktape brand developed its tape to help improve athlete’s performance. A standard kinesio brand tape job can last anywhere from three to five days and is hypoallergenic and latex free, making it okay for patients with latex allergies to wear. Typically after wearing the tape, patients notice a difference in the injured area within 24 hours and will be given a day’s rest before reapplication. Applying the tape yourself is difficult and next to impossible on areas such as your back. Seeking a sports injury professional or asking a friend who is knowledgeable in kinesio taping to help is recommended.
RockTape: Uses
Kinseo taping and Rocktape are similar, but as stated above, Rocktape is a brand of tape that focuses on movement and helping athletes elevate their training and performance through increased awareness of form and increased flexibility and circulation. Traditional kinesio taping has been used to treat injuries. Both names will and probably are used interchangeably, but it’s good to know the difference and where you can learn more about their benefits because you are sure to see more about kinesio taping and Rocktape in the future.
