‘I tried kin tape for my neck and shoulder tension – and it worked wonders’

Kinesiology tape, or kin tape, is an elastic therapeutic tape that aims to ease pain from injury or other muscle ailments without restricting your range of mobility.

The original tape was developed in the 1970s by Japanese chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase.

It’s likely you have seen this colorful tape on a variety of sporting professionals and athletes who have it on their legs, neck, shoulders and other areas of the body where they are experiencing pain or discomfort.

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What is kin tape?

Kinesio tape is made with a blend of cotton and nylon. It is designed to be as elastic as human skin and has a strong adhesive. It usually stays on for around three to five days.

It stays on your skin while you take a shower or are submerged in water.



Kinesio tape on man’s back

How kin tape helped

I have been struggling with tension in my neck, shoulders and head for a couple of years now, and wanted to find some sort of relief.

The stem issues from bad posture among other things, so I was looking for something to reduce the pain and help correct how I held my shoulders.

So, two pieces of blue tape criss-crossed from my shoulder blades through the middle of my back, pulling my shoulder blades back. Meanwhile, two other pieces of tape stretched from my chest, over my shoulders and crossed each other on my upper back.

I found that these also helped to correct my posture, encouraging me to keep my shoulders back and my neck straight.



Kin tape on neck, shoulders and upper back in different colors and man
Kin tape on neck, shoulders and upper back

There were also two smaller strips of kin tape running along each of my shoulders. I found that these helped with the tension there.

They also kept my shoulders down and after a day, I actually noticed that the knot in my right shoulder was more prevalent and not as buried deep as it previously was, revealing to me more clearly the causes of my discomfort.

The kin tape also helped me while I was running. I tend to hold my shoulders up when I run and can often be left with more tension in my upper body afterwards.

Although it didn’t totally eliminate this, it certainly helped by aiding me in maintaining a proper posture while running.

Should I try kin tape?

Obviously if you have persistent discomfort or pain, seek help from a medical professional.

If you are looking for a way to reduce discomfort or tension, especially during an activity such as running, cycling or other sport, it can be quite beneficial.

If you are going to place it on areas that have body hair, shave beforehand to avoid itching and discomfort if you need to take the tape off.

Where can I get kin tape?

Kin tape is available in a number of retailers in Ireland.

Decathlon Ireland sells pre-cut tape for €4.90 while McCabe’s Pharmacy sells a 16.4ft X 2in roll for €11.45.

There is also Elvery’s selling a roll for €12 and Ali Express selling the tape for as cheap as €1.16.

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