My daughter needs to tape her knee during swim workouts (not during meets per the rules). We’re looking for some good tape that will stay on. She’s in the water 2-4 hours a day. I’ve been searching the web and there seems to be a lot of options, including Kinesio tape, but I want to make sure that what we buy will actually hold up in the water. Any recommendations?
I never found a “waterproof tape” that held in the water, her best bet is to use an old fashioned ace bandage. She will have to experiment with the wrapping tension to get it right.
Ron W.
I have found duct tape to be pretty waterproof, provided it is applied to clean, dry skin. Never had it in the water for that long. Comes in lots of colors these days.
I use duct tape all the time as a temporary fix on my surfboards. It’s definitely watertight… Watertight on skin is much different. I have always found that water eventually gets in with everything.
I use kinesio tape all the time on my knee and it usually doesn’t come off until I take it off about 4-5 days after putting it on. I’ve gone through 3 swim sessions without it every coming off. The trick is learning how to put it on. Make sure your skin is clean, use a lot of friction when putting it on, and don’t put tension on the ends of the strips.
never tried kinesio tape in the water, but there are two kinds. There is the usual kind you can get at the local sports store and a professional version which is much more adhesive. maybe someone else can chime in on how one or the other holds up in h2o. btw, what are you taping
We’re taping a knee. So far, based on internet research and this thread, kinesio tape is worth a try. It appears some of the adhesion issues people have may come from improper application.
I have been using KT tape for my knee for the past two months. I swim three times a week with it on and typically change the tape every three days. As long as you use friction when putting it on it won’t come off. I find it more waterproof than the Kinesio tape. I have bought it at sporting goods stores as well as Rite-Aid.
Good luck. Let us know if something works. My son is also a year round swimmer and we were unable to find any tape for his knees that lasted a whole practice. The Cho-Pat strap might have worked. I will ask him.
Patellar issues? ART (active release technique) and stringent glute/hip work, strengthening, stretching and self tissue work, helped him tremendously.
David K
If you use Quick-Drying Tape Adherent Spray by Cramer before you apply the tape it makes a huge difference.
Good Luck;
Zane
I haven’t personally used it, but I’ve seen a good number of triathletes on the bike/run with kenisio tape. Unless they spent time in T1 or T2 applying it I assume they swam with it applied.
I’m actually interested in the waterproof tape option mainly to avoid that dreaded neck-burn you get from racing in a wetsuit.
Have used Muller pre tape spray adhesive prior to using athletic tape on foot and no issues with it coming off until I pulled it off after a number of days.
Kinesio tape - waterproof version. once applied, go over area for a short time with a hair dryer. will stay on no problem.