How to Tape
Proper taping starts with choosing the right tape and preparing the skin correctly. Use the guides below as a simple starting point for common athletic taping applications.
For significant injuries, severe pain or situations requiring strong joint restriction, consult a qualified athletic trainer, physical therapist or medical professional.
Before You Tape
Always begin with clean, dry skin.
Remove sweat, oil, lotion and sunscreen from the area before applying adhesive tape.
If necessary, trim excessive body hair to help improve adhesion and make tape removal more comfortable.
Do not apply tape directly over open wounds, broken skin or significantly irritated skin.
How to Apply Kinesiology Tape
Kinesiology Tape is designed to provide flexible support while allowing normal movement.
1. Clean and completely dry the skin.
2. Remove part of the paper backing from the tape.
3. Apply the beginning of the strip without stretching it.
4. Apply the center portion over the area you want to support using light to moderate tension.
5. Finish the final section with little or no stretch.
6. Rub the tape firmly for several seconds to help activate the adhesive.
Dragon Tape precut strips make application easier because each strip is already sized and ready to use.
How to Tape an Ankle
The type of tape you choose depends on how much movement you want to allow.
For flexible support: Use Kinesiology Tape.
Apply strips around the ankle while allowing the joint to maintain normal movement.
For stronger stabilization: Use Athletic Tape or Rigid Strapping Tape.
Pre-Wrap can be placed underneath rigid tape to create a barrier between the adhesive and your skin.
If the ankle is significantly injured or unstable, consult a qualified professional before applying restrictive tape.
How to Tape a Knee
Kinesiology Tape is commonly used when flexible support around the knee is desired.
Apply the tape around the targeted area while allowing the knee to bend normally.
Keep the beginning and end of each strip unstretched and make sure the tape lies smoothly against the skin.
If substantial movement restriction is required, seek professional guidance before using rigid tape.
How to Tape a Shoulder
Kinesiology Tape is well suited for shoulder applications because it can move with the joint.
Apply the tape along the targeted shoulder or upper-arm area while keeping the beginning and end of each strip unstretched.
Avoid using excessive tension directly over sensitive areas.
How to Tape a Wrist
Choose the tape based on the level of support you need.
For flexible support: Use Kinesiology Tape to support the wrist while maintaining movement.
For firmer stabilization: Use Athletic Tape or Rigid Strapping Tape when greater restriction is desired.
For weightlifting and smaller areas around the fingers or thumb, Finger Tape may also be useful.
How to Tape Fingers
Finger Tape is designed for smaller areas such as the fingers and thumbs.
1. Start with clean and dry hands.
2. Apply the tape around the targeted area.
3. Use enough tension to provide support without wrapping excessively tightly.
4. Make sure the finger maintains normal color, warmth and sensation.
Remove the tape immediately if you experience numbness, tingling or loss of circulation.
How to Use Pre-Wrap and Athletic Tape Together
Pre-Wrap creates a barrier between your skin and adhesive athletic tape.
1. Apply a light layer of Pre-Wrap around the targeted area.
2. Smooth it into place without wrapping excessively tightly.
3. Apply Athletic Tape or Rigid Strapping Tape over the Pre-Wrap.
4. Build the desired support structure with the outer tape.
Pre-Wrap can make tape removal more comfortable, particularly in areas with body hair.
How to Use Cohesive Elastic Bandage
Cohesive Elastic Bandage sticks to itself rather than directly to your skin.
1. Begin with the end of the wrap positioned over the targeted area.
2. Wrap gradually while overlapping each pass.
3. Apply light to moderate tension depending on the desired level of compression.
4. Press the final section against the previous layer so it holds in place.
Do not wrap so tightly that circulation is affected.
How to Apply Football Turf Tape
Turf Tape can be applied over exposed skin that may come into contact with artificial turf.
1. Clean and dry the skin.
2. Apply the tape smoothly over the area you want to protect.
3. Avoid excessive wrinkles or folds.
4. Make sure the tape does not interfere with normal joint movement.
Common areas include the elbows, forearms and lower legs.
How to Use Golfer's Tape
Golfer's Tape can be applied to high-friction areas of the fingers and thumb.
Wrap the tape around the targeted area while maintaining comfortable movement.
Avoid creating excessive thickness around areas that need to maintain direct contact with the golf club.
How to Use Grip Tape
Grip Tape is designed for equipment rather than the body.
Apply it to sports equipment handles, bars or other grip areas where improved traction is desired.
Start at one end of the handle and wrap evenly, overlapping slightly until the desired area is covered.
How to Apply Hockey Tape
Hockey Tape can be used on the blade or handle of a hockey stick.
For the handle: Wrap the tape evenly around the upper section of the stick to create the grip thickness and feel you prefer.
For the blade: Begin near one end and overlap the tape consistently as you work across the blade.
Smooth the tape firmly into place when finished.
How to Remove Athletic Tape
Remove adhesive tape slowly rather than pulling it off quickly.
Peel the tape back over itself while supporting the skin with your other hand.
Removing tape after a warm shower may make the process more comfortable.
Stop using any tape if you experience significant skin irritation, numbness, unusual swelling or loss of circulation.
Need Help Choosing the Right Tape?
Not sure whether you need Kinesiology Tape, Athletic Tape, Rigid Strapping Tape or another specialty option?
Ask us and we'll be happy to help!