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Just wondering if anyone knew the difference between kinesiology (K active) tape and kinesio tape. I know kinesiology was set up because of a change in manufacturer of the kinesio tape but what I'm wondering is, are the application methods the same, and is any particularly better or are they pretty much the same?
Thanks
The overall material is the same, cotton material with acylic adhesive. SpiderTech has the originial japanese Nitto denko material for their pre-cuts and rolls of tape. The application principles are a bit different as well. Traditionally a taping method of either origin to insertion or insertion to origin is taught. SpiderTech has updated this approach to a more evidence led approach with a greater understanding of the tape on sensory motor function.
There are more and more brands out there.
Some people mistake them for normal elastic brands such as elastoplast.
All tapes with a wavelike adhesive pattern, and applied to paper with a certain amount of stretch are the tapes we are talking about. Apparently there are more than 60 brands out there at the moment. These tapes are definitely different to the old "elastic" tape brands.
I would say that the application techniques and possibilities are probably very similar but that the hypothesis behind the applications are not always the same.
Every brand will have their own story, some of them only sell tape, some sell expertise (courses) as well. Some say they are the only and original, some say they are the best.............
I think we, as users should be aware, that the quality of the tapes will differ as much as the prices.
I hope and expect that the big brands will make sure their quality is of a high standard and keep this standard high.
Not to long ago I had a very red and very cheap brand in my fingers and was unpleasantly surpised as to the amount of stretch. Another brand tended to fray easily. We should keep the manufacturers on their toes and demand the best.
Esther
Hi there
I have recently launched sporttape.co.uk, the UK's only dedicated kinesio tape shopping website. We actually only stock the K-Active products becuase of the quality of the products which are rigorously tested in a medical environment on a regular basis and are one of only a few authentic Kinesiology Tapes. As you have said Esther, there are many copycat products on the market which may be cheaper but do not adhere to the same high quality standards which are extremely important when treating patients.
When I was looking to start the business, I contacted many companies and carried out numerous tests on a variety of products. The differences were vast, many of the products were low quality with poor elasticity and non existent adhesion both vital to the success of kinesio tape. The K-Active range of products really impressed me and although as I said they are not the cheapest, you definitely get what you pay for.
On the site, we offer a range of products including standard kinesiology rolls, and K-Active SpiderTech Advanced, a range of pre-cut kinesiology tapes aimed at specific areas of the body.
Check it out and let us know your thoughts...:)