At Movement Improvement we use Rock Tape for its extra strength and durability, helping to keep the tape in place regardless of how active someone is. The tape is designed to mimic the elasticity of a healthy muscle and the texture and pliability similar to that of living human skin (Chown et al, 2016).
CAN THIS BENEFIT ME?
What is Rocktape?
RockTape is brand of kinesiotape, manufactured weaving a natural-hybrid fabric so it stretches in one direction and not the other. This creates a bio-mechanical lifting mechanism that lifts the skin away from the soft tissue underneath, which allows more blood to move into an injured area to accelerate healing and recovery. Fabric consists of cotton, nylon and uses no drugs. Adhesive is a hypo-allergenic acrylic based adhesive and contains no latex. When applied over a stretched muscle, RockTape lifts the skin, accelerating blood flow to increase the amount of oxygen available to the muscles, which reduces fatigue. RockTape also promotes lymph drainage to remove toxins produced by the body during hard efforts. These combined effects are powerful: they allow the athlete to go harder for longer periods of time. Unlike compressions garments, RockTape can be applied to very specific areas of the body that are sometimes hard to reach, such as shoulders, knees, and joints.
What does it do?
We like to call Rocktape the duct tape of the human body because it is so versatile. It can be used to compress or decompress an area depeding on its application. It can be used to promote blood flow. It can be used to help drain swelling. It can be used to decrease pain, but can also be used to increase your awareness of a specific area that needs attention. Depending on its application, it can also be used to activate or deactivate a muscle group to enhance performance or decrease risk of injury. Because of its versatility and unique design (in comparison to other kinesiology tapes), Rocktape is used for a wide variety of applications. Rocktape was built with the athlete in mind. Rocktape not only works wonders for injuries but also assists in coordination and movement.
When will we use it?
Rocktape is not for everyone but can be beneficial to those who may need it. Based on a thorough intake at your massage appointment, your massage therapist will determine if it is an appropriate therapeutic tool to be used in addition to your massage. The tape is applied after your massage appointment and stays on between 2 to 7 days. Clients who have seen the most benefits are those with chronic pain, weak joints, high inflammation, and fatigued muscles. However, results may vary. Rocktape is not applied to those with open wounds and people who have skin issues. Although rare, some people have experienced skin irritation. If this does happen, contact your massage therapist right away.
As with all therapeutic tools, communication with your therapist is required to ensure the best results for your body and overall wellness.