tan athletic tape was developed in the 1970s by Japanese chiropractor Kenzo Kase and is very popular today.
You may have observed athletes wearing kinesiology tapes during various activities such as marathons, swimming competitions or gymnastics competitions.
Stretchy and usually made from a nylon and cotton blend, these colorful tape strips can be worn over the shoulders, knees, back, and even abdomen, as well as other parts of the arms and legs, depending on the area of injury or need for support.
tan athletic tape can provide support, reduce pain, reduce swelling, improve performance, increase blood circulation, and increase circulation of lymphatic fluid.
What is tan athletic tape?
tan athletic tape is sometimes confused with sports tape (though sports tape is almost always just plain white) – but the two tools are actually complete opposites.
Exercise tape should really only be used if you want to limit movement; it’s thick, not stretchy, and is usually used to wrap an area tightly.
While it also supports your joints, it should only be used in the short term. The type of compression this tape uses can actually restrict the circulation of blood and lymph.
Use of tan athletic tape
The tan athletic tape is waterproof, so it can even withstand showers and other moisture exposure.
It’s sturdy enough that you can apply the same tape for three to five days without irritating the skin or underlying structures.
tan athletic tape allows you to perform a normal range of motion while providing support.
In contrast, exercise tape should only be used a short time before the activity and removed immediately after the activity to ensure no further damage to the area.
It’s not waterproof, and the residual moisture it can trap can irritate the skin if left on for too long.
It’s just the adhesive itself that can cause irritation – so it’s generally recommended not to apply directly to the skin, but to use a non-adhesive prepack between the tape and the skin.