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The Ultimate Guide to Sports Tape: 3 Types to Prevent and Protect Against Injuries

Let's take a look at three types of sports tape that can help prevent injuries when working out or playing sports.

21 July, 2024

Sports injuries are an inevitable part of an active lifestyle, but sports tapes can help prevent and alleviate pain from intense physical activities. Here are three types of sports tapes that everyone should know about:

1. Starbalm Sport Care Sports Tape

Starbalm Sport Care Sports Tape is a product of the Star Balm brand, originating from the Netherlands. The tape comes in a compact design, with sizes ranging from 2.5cm x 5m to 5cm x 10m to meet different needs. It is made from Vicose fabric, similar to silk, and boasts excellent breathability comparable to cotton, making it an ideal choice for athletes and sports enthusiasts as it doesn’t trap moisture.

Starbalm Sport Care Sports Tape offers superior adhesion and durability.

One of its standout features is its strong adhesion and durability, which helps stabilize joints and ligaments during sports activities, effectively preventing sprains, strains, and ligament tears. This product is suitable for all ages.

Pros: Affordable, easy to use, suitable for all ages, safe.

Cons: While the fabric is of good quality, it tends to absorb water easily.

Estimated price: 55,000 VND to 179,000 VND

Where to buy: Available on popular e-commerce platforms like Tiki and Shopee.

2. Viet Support Sports Tape

Viet Support Sports Tape is made from premium cotton fabric, ensuring high adhesion without causing skin allergies, and providing a safe and secure option for athletes. Its design is simple and compact, with a size of 3.8 x 1370cm, making it convenient to use.

Viet Support Sports Tape is made from premium cotton fabric.

This sports tape is ideal for sports such as tennis, football, and volleyball, helping to prevent and minimize injuries during training, competitions, or any intense physical activities. It is effective in preventing sprains and ligament tears and is suitable for all ages.

Pros: Reasonably priced, easy to use.

Cons: Prone to absorbing water and sweat.

Estimated price: 95,000 VND

Where to buy: Widely available on Tiki, Shopee, and Lazada, among other online marketplaces.

3. Kinesio Taping Sports Tape

Kinesio Taping Sports Tape is a renowned product from the Kinesio brand, invented by Kenzo Kase in 1979. It has gained popularity among athletes and sports enthusiasts due to its quality and effectiveness.

Kinesio Taping Sports Tape is a trusted and popular choice among athletes.

This sports tape is made from anti-allergic fabric, free from latex, and offers strong adhesion for extended periods. Depending on the specific product line, it is available in various sizes, such as 5cm x 5m or larger, ensuring a customizable fit.

Like the other tapes mentioned, it helps reduce and prevent injuries during intense physical activities, protecting against sprains and ligament tears. It is suitable for athletes, sports enthusiasts, and elderly individuals.

Pros: Easy to use, high-quality.

Cons: Higher price point.

Estimated price: 350,000 VND to 2 million VND, depending on the specific product

The above information provides an overview of three popular sports tapes available in the market. Hopefully, this guide will help you make an informed decision to protect yourself from sports-related injuries or intense physical activities.

Frequently asked questions

Sports tape is a type of elastic adhesive tape used to provide support and protection to muscles and joints during physical activity. It can help prevent injuries, reduce pain and inflammation, and speed up recovery from existing injuries.

Sports tape works by providing external support to the body, helping to stabilize muscles and joints. It also improves blood flow and circulation, which can reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.

There are three main types of sports tape: elastic sports tape, rigid sports tape, and kinesiology tape. Elastic sports tape is made of stretchy cotton and provides support and compression to the area it’s applied to. Rigid sports tape is made of non-stretchy material and is used to restrict movement and provide strong support. Kinesiology tape is a flexible tape that provides support while still allowing a full range of motion.

The type of sports tape you choose depends on the specific injury or area you want to support. Elastic sports tape is great for providing compression and supporting muscles and joints. Rigid sports tape is best for immobilizing and protecting injured areas. Kinesiology tape is ideal for providing support while still allowing freedom of movement.

It’s important to apply sports tape correctly to ensure effectiveness and avoid causing further issues. Clean and dry the area before application. For elastic and kinesiology tape, make sure the muscle or joint is in a stretched position, and apply the tape with a slight stretch. For rigid tape, apply it with no stretch to restrict movement.

Yes, always consult a healthcare professional before using sports tape, especially if you have circulatory issues or nerve pain. Do not apply tape too tightly, and be cautious when using it on sensitive areas. Always monitor the area for any signs of irritation or negative reactions.

The duration depends on the type of tape and your activity level. Generally, elastic and kinesiology tape can be worn for several days, while rigid tape may need to be replaced more frequently. Always remove the tape gradually and carefully to avoid skin irritation.