AUG 20, 2016

Kinesio Tape (Colorful Tape-Olympic Athletes) Versus Athletic Tape

WRITTEN BY: Julianne Chiaet

What's the difference between athletic tape and Kinesio tape?

The primary goal of Kinesio tape is to increase circulation, thereby relieving pain, improve healing, and encourage muscles to work more efficiently. The tape stretches 40 to 60 percent and is widely used by athletes. It's much more comfortable than athletic tape, which has an entirely different goal.

Athletic tape doesn't stretch at all. Its primary goal is to support and immobilize. Athletic tape has an adhesive, which some people break out from. An underlying tape prevents the adhesive from the skin.