How to Wrap With Kinesio Tape

Kinesio tape made a break into public awareness at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where it was sported prominently on the beach volleyball courts, most notably by women's volleyball champion Kerri Walsh. By applying Kinesio tape to an athlete's shoulder, you can help to avoid strains or pulls, in accordance with proper stretching.

Instructions

1. Place the bottom of the "Y" strip at the midpoint of the athlete's upper arm, with the branches facing up the shoulder, and the arm hanging relaxed.

2. Extend one branch of the Y around the athlete's shoulder muscle in the direction of the back, keeping the path tight to the outside of the shoulder muscle without covering it. Do not press down to activate the tape.

3. Repeat Step 2 for the other branch of the Y, wrapping around the front of the muscle in a tight path.

4. Instruct the athlete to extend the arm to the side so that it is level with the shoulder.

5. Lay the "I" strip, beginning at the top of the shoulder, traveling through the bottom of the "Y" and down the arm without stretching the tape.

6. Apply firm pressure to the tape to activate the glue.

References

• Kenisio Taping website