Thoughts on KT Tape?
cmay89
Posts: 337 Member
I posted this on my page and got some decent responses from my friends on there (so sorry to those of you who see this as a repeat post!) and thought that I would open it up to the rest of the Crossfit community on here.
Background:
I have been resistant to every Crossfit "fad" (where one person in the box gets it/does it/wears it and then everyone does even if they don't need it), matter of fact, been resistant to all fads in my life time. Started Crossfit 4 years ago before it really really expanded.... anywho, you get my drift there.
Resisted minimal shoes. Love my NB minimus, wear them every time heavy lifting is not heavily present in a WOD, hate all bulky shoes now. Resisted weightlifting shoes. The stability they give me in my lifts has been phenomenal!! Resisted wrist wraps. I'll never go another day without them in my gym bag. And the list goes on and on.
Now:
My right shoulder gets tweaked from time to time and for the following few weeks likes to crunch and pop with various movements. Pain ranges from non-existent, to "ouch, that didn't feel great".... So not a lot of pain as much as sore and slightly weaker than it usually is. Toes to bars, pull ups/chest to bars, ring dips, shoulder to overhead all become a little bit more difficult when my shoulder decides it wants to do this. Normally I rest for a few days and get back at it modifying the movements that aggravate it a bit more.
My question is, does anyone think that KT tape is worth it, or is it just a placebo effect and more harm is done than good when using it?
I've seen it more and more frequently at the Games and at competitions. If it could actually help to keep my shoulder from tweaking in the first place, it would definitely be worth the investment.
Background:
I have been resistant to every Crossfit "fad" (where one person in the box gets it/does it/wears it and then everyone does even if they don't need it), matter of fact, been resistant to all fads in my life time. Started Crossfit 4 years ago before it really really expanded.... anywho, you get my drift there.
Resisted minimal shoes. Love my NB minimus, wear them every time heavy lifting is not heavily present in a WOD, hate all bulky shoes now. Resisted weightlifting shoes. The stability they give me in my lifts has been phenomenal!! Resisted wrist wraps. I'll never go another day without them in my gym bag. And the list goes on and on.
Now:
My right shoulder gets tweaked from time to time and for the following few weeks likes to crunch and pop with various movements. Pain ranges from non-existent, to "ouch, that didn't feel great".... So not a lot of pain as much as sore and slightly weaker than it usually is. Toes to bars, pull ups/chest to bars, ring dips, shoulder to overhead all become a little bit more difficult when my shoulder decides it wants to do this. Normally I rest for a few days and get back at it modifying the movements that aggravate it a bit more.
My question is, does anyone think that KT tape is worth it, or is it just a placebo effect and more harm is done than good when using it?
I've seen it more and more frequently at the Games and at competitions. If it could actually help to keep my shoulder from tweaking in the first place, it would definitely be worth the investment.
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Replies
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Hi...would love to hear what your FL volunteered. Since I started crossfit I've felt some pinching along top of my left shoulder blade running up to neck, not a very pleasant feeling at all. So far I've just winced through it.
This happens anytime I do any kind of overhead barbell lift.0 -
I've only used KT tape as a runner - but yes it definately helps. We runners LOVE it. I like to tape up my knee for anything longer than a 18 miler.
The KT pro tape is also much better than the cheaper KT tape - the pro is more fabric like so it stretches and stays on better. its worth the extra few dollars per roll.
There are a ton of videos online demonstrating diffrent applications for different areas and injuries. KT also goes to a lot of diffent kinds of race expos so if there is a big race like the Philadelphia Marathon this weekend. You can go to the expo and PTs that work for KT will demonstarte and apply KT tape to your specific needs. The expos are usually free and open to the public.0 -
I think a lot of crossfitters use it to look badass and have no idea how/where to properly apply. At the games they have physical therapists applying it for the athletes to ensure proper application. Unless you actually know what you're doing with it, I wouldn't waste my time with it0
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my chiro puts it on me sometimes, but im not sure i would know how to do it myself. from my understanding it simply helps "lift" the skin allowing and promoting blood flow to the area to improve healing. what i do know is that i don't even notice it when it is on but when i take it off (it should stay on for several days, even through showers) my shoulder feels like it has a crazy ROM.0
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Totally agree with this comment. It's magical tape. I never notice how much it helps until I pull it off for being ratty-looking. Afterwards I regret not having it on.my chiro puts it on me sometimes, but im not sure i would know how to do it myself. from my understanding it simply helps "lift" the skin allowing and promoting blood flow to the area to improve healing. what i do know is that i don't even notice it when it is on but when i take it off (it should stay on for several days, even through showers) my shoulder feels like it has a crazy ROM.0
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I don't know if it would help or not. I don't know if you should have that shoulder examined -- in case you are continuing to injure it. (Hint, hint.)
But, I do know that people swear by the tape and if you google 'kt tape' and 'shoulder' you will find youtube videos that show you how the shoulder should be taped. A box of the tape only costs about $7, I think.
Good luck, bandwagoner!0 -
I think a lot of crossfitters use it to look badass and have no idea how/where to properly apply. At the games they have physical therapists applying it for the athletes to ensure proper application. Unless you actually know what you're doing with it, I wouldn't waste my time with it
This is the perfect advice.0
