RUNNERS... KT Tape

yarn_nerd
yarn_nerd Posts: 26
edited December 17 in Fitness and Exercise
I have a lingering and nagging IT Band issue since last summer. It started in late June and was so bad I missed what was supposed to be my first 1/2 marathon. After 8 weeks of PT, I was training again. I've managed to keep it in check by a combination of yoga, foam rolling, stretching, icing and paying attention to how quickly I ramp up mileage.

I am running my first 1/2 marathon this Saturday. I trained up to 11 miles and feel very confident I'll finish in a respectable time. However, on an easy training run (on my treadmill... I usually run outside) I felt a bit of that old familiar pain in my knee. It was just a twinge but enough to spook me.

I bought KT Tape Pro and taped it up yesterday to see if it makes a differenct. And it does seem to feel better.

My question is this: Have you ever used it? Did you find it efffective? Did you notice any difference in your race?

I'm a little nervous to have something on race day that I haven't run any real distance with.

Replies

  • leenites
    leenites Posts: 166 Member
    I dont know about using it for running (heard good things about it though) but I do use KT Tape for my INSANITY workout in the past. My knees were nagging me badly. I tried Chopat, knee sleeves, icing ... etc. but nothing worked until my friend introduced me to KT Tape. I put them on and bam ... within weeks, I can jump without knee pain!

    I still use it these days if I have a nagging sprain/pain here and there. Good stuff.
  • wolfchild59
    wolfchild59 Posts: 2,608 Member
    I've had knee and ankle problems since I was a teen and my half marathon training had recently started causing some lingering pain in both. My half is this Sunday and the pain hasn't been terrible, but it's been noticeable while walking around during the day and was enough that I swapped my last night of fartleks last night for some low impact cross on the ARC trainer.

    I'd been depressed all day today wondering how it was going to affect my run and if I'd be able to do it at all. My packet pick-up for the race was in a local sports store, and I'd been wondering about the idea of K-tape since I saw someone wearing it on the trail I run while my knee was aching. So I took a look, and decided to pick up a roll.

    Went straight home, used the included guide, and taped my right knee first. As soon as I had the tape on, the pain was gone. Seriously! The small ache that had been bugging me all day just wasn't there. So I moved onto my right ankle. Did my run tonight and didn't feel even the slightest twinge of anything.

    I honestly feel like the K-Tape was the single best investment I've made towards my running since I started running. Yes, it felt that amazing. Since the tape can last up to five days, I plan on wearing this tape up until Sunday morning and then I'm gonna do a fresh tape up for the race. Heck, if I could afford it, I'd buy a case of it and hit my shoulder, neck, and back too. lol
  • sufikitkat
    sufikitkat Posts: 583 Member
    KT Tape has also helped me with my training. I had to wear my sneakers well past their time due to lack of money for new ones before I ran my second half in February. I had paid for it so I was running it! I wore KT tape for top of the foot pain that was caused by the sneakers and it has honestly kept me in training! Following that half, I started right into training for my first marathon with new shoes to break in and it helped then as well. I don't wear it all the time, only when necessary but it is definitely worth the investment! Another thing worth the money is a massage specified for runners. Usually a relaxation massage that focuses on the lower body, it just helps so much with the muscle soreness and fatigue. Good luck with your running and KT Tape experience!
  • missy_1975
    missy_1975 Posts: 244 Member
    Haven't used the tape, but know others who have used it with good results, usually under the supervision of a physio/sports therapists or other trained therapist. Where abouts in the world do you live? There are other things (physical modalities) that can be used in conjunction with the tape that look and address the source of the issue rapidly and effectively, however they may not be available where you live yet. Are you Uk or US based or do you live elsewhere? Also good luck with the half marathon, I have one coming up soon too! :smile:
  • wendyannie1976
    wendyannie1976 Posts: 205 Member
    I've taped before, for a couple of knee issues but I was shown how to do it properly so it gives help to the muscle/ligaments that need it, not sure I'd tape without having professional instruction first.

    that said - you felt the twinge when on the treadmill - when was the last time you ran on it, did you have it on a flat or incline setting - treadmills whereas yes they are softer they provide a near unnatural running platform if on a flat setting, have a couple of miles trott outside first and see if the niggles there still, would be my unprofessional opinion.
  • missy_1975
    missy_1975 Posts: 244 Member
    I've had knee and ankle problems since I was a teen and my half marathon training had recently started causing some lingering pain in both. My half is this Sunday and the pain hasn't been terrible, but it's been noticeable while walking around during the day and was enough that I swapped my last night of fartleks last night for some low impact cross on the ARC trainer.

    I'd been depressed all day today wondering how it was going to affect my run and if I'd be able to do it at all. My packet pick-up for the race was in a local sports store, and I'd been wondering about the idea of K-tape since I saw someone wearing it on the trail I run while my knee was aching. So I took a look, and decided to pick up a roll.

    Went straight home, used the included guide, and taped my right knee first. As soon as I had the tape on, the pain was gone. Seriously! The small ache that had been bugging me all day just wasn't there. So I moved onto my right ankle. Did my run tonight and didn't feel even the slightest twinge of anything.


    I honestly feel like the K-Tape was the single best investment I've made towards my running since I started running. Yes, it felt that amazing. Since the tape can last up to five days, I plan on wearing this tape up until Sunday morning and then I'm gonna do a fresh tape up for the race. Heck, if I could afford it, I'd buy a case of it and hit my shoulder, neck, and back too. lol

    I'd be wanting to find out why I had all these aches and pains (esp if so widespread over my body) and address the issue. The tape will help a gal out if you need some support short term, but looking at addressing the root cause of the pain and injuries is the only way to prevent further pain and injuries. Good body work will go a long way and work out less expensive than a cases of tape! :laugh:
  • yarn_nerd
    yarn_nerd Posts: 26
    I've taped before, for a couple of knee issues but I was shown how to do it properly so it gives help to the muscle/ligaments that need it, not sure I'd tape without having professional instruction first.

    that said - you felt the twinge when on the treadmill - when was the last time you ran on it, did you have it on a flat or incline setting - treadmills whereas yes they are softer they provide a near unnatural running platform if on a flat setting, have a couple of miles trott outside first and see if the niggles there still, would be my unprofessional opinion.

    I have a running coach and she instructed me on how to tape up (her husband is my phys ther/chiro). I ran on my TM most of the winter but recently (last month or so) it's been nice so I've been running outside which is what I prefer. I only had the incline set to 1% to mimic an outdoor run. I've had the tape on since Wednesday, but haven't run yet. I have a shorty/shake-out run this evening to loosen up the muscles. If all goes well, I'll have it retaped in the morning before my race.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I know runners who swear by it and have read articles suggesting that there's no real therapeutic value (my RMT has suggested I give it try - I had an IT band issue last fall that has responded very well to stretching, foam rolling and massage)

    My take on it? I'll give it a pass for now but it's non-invasive, doesn't involve unhealthy modification to your diet - if it makes you feel better why not.
  • Iluvchopsticks
    Iluvchopsticks Posts: 130 Member
    I have random knee pain as well as ankle stiffness and occasional arch pain in my left foot. Taping really helps relieve the pain so I can keep working out instead of having to take time off like I did before discovering tape. I haven't been to a PT to show me how to tape but there are plenty of instructional videos online that do the trick. I know some people think it is a gimmic but it works for me.
  • mynameiscarrie
    mynameiscarrie Posts: 963 Member
    I used it for Warrior Dash on my hamstring. I could definitely feel a difference. I tore my hamstring a couple of years ago and it still gives me problems, usually i feel it after I run. I used the tape and didn't have any issues after the race like I usually would.

    I say go for it. The only real drawback is that it's sort of pricey, but if you can spend the $8 then it's worth a shot!
  • wolfchild59
    wolfchild59 Posts: 2,608 Member
    I'd be wanting to find out why I had all these aches and pains (esp if so widespread over my body) and address the issue. The tape will help a gal out if you need some support short term, but looking at addressing the root cause of the pain and injuries is the only way to prevent further pain and injuries. Good body work will go a long way and work out less expensive than a cases of tape! :laugh:

    I know all the causes of my pain. Knees wrecked from starting competitive sports before the age of two. Hips and lower back suffered a bit from the same cause due to the sports I was doing. Injured my ankle in high school but didn't go to the hospital to have it x-rayed/set and it healed so badly so it grinds when I rotate it. I injured my neck just after high school at an outdoor concert game thing that was set up. Couldn't turn my head or lift my arms for almost a month after that one. And I have an undescended scapula in my right shoulder, which is a genetic issue that caused the muscles to not develop correctly and not only causes pain in my shoulder/upper arm, but pulls my spines out of alignment at the fourth through sixth vertebrae, which cause additional neck pain and persistant headaches.

    I mostly can't remember a day without without some sort of pain since my early teens. So if something like K-tape can help with any of it, I'd live in it for the rest of my life if I could afford to. :)
  • fitontherun
    fitontherun Posts: 90 Member
    IMO, KT Tape makes a difference with alleviating stiffness and pain.. I've struggled with IT band issues since November. The KT Tape has worked for me, and I always keep a roll of tape aronud in case my IT band starts to act up.
  • yarn_nerd
    yarn_nerd Posts: 26
    Completed my first Half Marathon today, KT Tape definitely made a difference, knee felt strong the entire time:) Now time to relax, drink a beer, and have a good dinner!!!
  • deblatare
    deblatare Posts: 1
    Can I put the KT tape on now or do I have to wait to workout? How long can I keep it on? Or how long do you wear it before you apply again
  • Eric_DeCastro
    Eric_DeCastro Posts: 767 Member
    KT Tape told me the KT pro will last up to 7 days. I have only had it last up to 4 days. so yes you can put it on now and work out later.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories