Kinesiology taping -- shin splits, etc.

[Kokoro777]

Is gaffa tape the same as Gaffer's Tape or Duct Tape? If so, that stuff isn't nice to leave on your skin for long periods of time, especially during sports, and people can break out in rashes from the adhesive, and removing it can be... interesting.

It sounds like you've had some experience with the old Duct/Gaffa tape? I won't ask in what situation

I personally use normal sports tape (the white cloth tape), and it works quite well for smaller things, though I would like it to have a bit more give during movement. I'd be interested in trying out this kinesiotape tape for my knee or shoulder since they were injured about 14 months ago and haven't healed perfectly yet.

There was actually a science paper comparing sport's tape with kinesiotape and it concluded sport's tape wasn't as effective as kinesiotape.

[Kokoro777]

KT tape gets a pretty poor Amazon rating saying it isn't sticky enough and comes off during training. Other brands such as Kinesio Tape get much better reviews and its cheaper.

[JSchmidt]

It sounds like you've had some experience with the old Duct/Gaffa tape? I won't ask in what situation

There was actually a science paper comparing sport's tape with kinesiotape and it concluded sport's tape wasn't as effective as kinesiotape.

As effective doing what?. They serve 2 different purposes, although there is some overlap. Regular cloth-backed, zinc-oxide tape (sports tape, hockey tape), is most used for stabilization, immobilization and mostly, injury prevention.
Kinesio tape, whilst it offers some stabilizing features, is mostly used as a recovery/healing aid.

[MikalMysha]

It sounds like you've had some experience with the old Duct/Gaffa tape? I won't ask in what situation

There was actually a science paper comparing sport's tape with kinesiotape and it concluded sport's tape wasn't as effective as kinesiotape.

Hahaha!! No, no. I have worked for years in electrics in theatres, and we go through Gaffa tape by the box. It actually doesn't stick that well to skin to be honest.

Yes, but Sports tape is currently easier for me to come by (though I'm living in a huge city, so there's got to be somewhere that has kinesiotape.

[jd111]

For those looking for a more flexable alternative to sports tape, You should be able to find adhesive bandage in your local pharmacy/chemist/drugstore.
I use it all the time for taping the ball of my foot when it has a blister, it's flexible, sticks well and last after a shower or two. It moves well on wooden floors too, not too slippy. You can also use it as fire tape if you so desire...

I've never used kinseo tape for an injury, but it is popular with professional athletes (you can see alo of British footballers wearing it on their knees or thighs)

[Kokoro777]

As effective doing what?. They serve 2 different purposes, although there is some overlap. Regular cloth-backed, zinc-oxide tape (sports tape, hockey tape), is most used for stabilization, immobilization and mostly, injury prevention.
Kinesio tape, whilst it offers some stabilizing features, is mostly used as a recovery/healing aid.

Am J Sports Med. 2009 Feb;37(2):383-9. Epub 2008 Dec 16.
Differences in ankle range of motion before and after exercise in 2 tape conditions.
Purcell SB, Schuckman BE, Docherty CL, Schrader J, Poppy W.
Source

Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.

Abstract
BACKGROUND:

Athletic tape has been used on the ankle to decrease range of motion and to prevent injuries. Results from previous research found that with physical exercise athletic tape loses some of its restricting properties; recently, a new self-adherent taping product was developed that may restrict range of motion regardless of exercise.
HYPOTHESIS:

Self-adherent tape will maintain ankle range of motion restriction more than traditional white cloth tape both before and after activity.
STUDY DESIGN:

Controlled laboratory study.
METHODS:

Twenty volunteers participated in testing procedures on 3 separate days, 1 for each taping condition (self-adherent, white cloth, and no tape). The participant's ankle range of motion was measured with an electrogoniometer before application of the tape, immediately after application of the tape, and after 30 minutes of physical exercise. Range of motion was measured in 2 planes of motion: inversion to eversion and dorsiflexion to plantar flexion.
RESULTS:

White cloth tape and self-adherent tape both restricted inversion to eversion range of motion immediately after application, but with 30 minutes of exercise only the self-adherent tape maintained the decreased range of motion. For dorsiflexion to plantar flexion range of motion, the white tape and self-adherent tape both significantly decreased range of motion immediately after application and after the exercise protocol.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE:

The self-adherent tape maintained range of motion restriction both before and after exercise. Conversely, the white cloth tape lost some of its restrictive properties after 30 minutes of exercise.

[JSchmidt]

You're mixing up your tapes. Self-adherent tape (also called cohesive) is not kinesio-tape.

Kinesio-tape (the original brand):
http://www.physabek.com/Catalog-/Kinesio-Tex-Gold
Cohesive tape:
http://www.physabek.com/Catalog-/Powertape_2
Regular cloth tape:
http://www.physabek.com/Catalog-/Renfrew-188

Also, as I mentioned earlier, kinesio-tape is not used to restrict the ROM.

[Pandaface]

My mother is a rep for KT tape and gave me a roll to try out, for the longest time I didn't use it, thinking it was just a placebo effect. I started getting a leg cramp from standing all day so I figured what the hell, I'll try it out. I immediately felt better.

I did look into it more and the part about improving blood flow seems true. The combination of the adhesion and the elasticity of the tape helps lift the skin so you're getting more blood flow in the area. Also supports by relieving pressure. I have a chronic problem with my leg and obviously tape isn't the long term solution. I use it as prevention before going to practice, it also works if you put it on after you start hurting. Again, it's obviously not a miracle cure for a torn ACL but it can help relieve pain.

KT tape started making an extra strength adhesion for sports use and that stuff is crazy strong. I stick with the regular strength stuff (the glue sometimes gives me a rash if worn too long, like days, but that's a thing with me, not the tape).

You should also check their website for proper application. Since we're talking about your blood flow and muscles, taping yourself in the wrong manner can result in weird tingling.

I've seen KT Tape at places like Sports Authority for about $20-25? a roll. It's worth having in your bag.

Kinesio tape is NOT the same as athletic tape. Athletic tape is used to compress.