How to Get KT Tape Off? We know how difficult it is to remove KT tape. Thankfully, you can peel the tape slowly in the direction of the hair, use oils, stretch the skin, and take a shower to remove it properly. Also, you can wait until the tape gets off on its own.
If you remove K tape improperly, it can be another pain you will feel. So, keep reading to know what you should do in every method to remove KT tape successfully. Also, you will determine which methods are more suitable for you.
How to Remove K Tape with Ease? (How to Get KT Tape Off)
Removing it is trickier since Kinesiology tape is stronger than a regular band-aid.
In some cases, the end of the tape rolls up. This makes the tape adhere loke your second skin later. The best thing you can do is to snip off the ends. If you want to know Can You Wear KT Tape To Sleep, then read out the guide on this link.
If you have trouble removing K tape, you can try the following methods:
Methods 1: Do Not Remove the Tape Too Quickly
“Grip and Rip” is never a good idea when removing K tape. If you do this method, it will only cause skin irritation. It will take hair and skin, which you do not want to happen.
Instead, look after your follicles. Peel the tape slowly, ensuring it is in the direction of your hair.
Method 2: Use Oils
While oils like baby oil or coconut oil are k tape’s worst enemy, they can be your best friend. Remember that you cannot apply this tape to freshly moisturized skin. It is not also recommended to use massage oils since the tape will not stick to your skin.
However, oils are advantageous for removing this tape. All you need to do is soak the tape in a few drops of your preferred oil. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, remove the tape!
Method 3: Stretch the Skin
If you force to remove the tape, it will only stick to your skin tighter. Instead of exerting too much force, it is better to stretch your skin under it. This gives you a firm area to get off the tape with ease.
Method 4: Take a Shower
Another easy and painless way to remove k tape from your skin is by taking a shower.
While in the shower, wet the tape thoroughly. You can use a mild soap to wash the area. You can loosen up the tape by doing so, allowing you to pull it off easily.
Again, you have to keep your skin taut. You can tug your skin opposite the pull, which helps minimize discomfort.
Method 5: Have Patience
Are the above methods not helpful? Your final option is to be patient and wait until it gets off. The k tape’s glue will eventually become less sticky.
On the other hand, it takes 3 days or more before it happens. If you are patient enough, this method is for you.
How Does K Tape Work?
K tape helps support the treated area and stabilize joints. As a result, you will feel less pain and experience reduced swelling.
This tape lifts your skin to reduce the pressure around the pain receptors. With the slight lifting of the skin, the tape increases the excess fluid’s lymphatic absorption. In return, there is less bruising.
The tape’s elasticity supports your muscles as if it is your second skin. This elasticity helps your muscle to contract back to its resting position.
On average, k tape will stay on your skin for 3 to 4 days. Since it is heat adhesive, rubbing it ensures that it will adhere to the skin properly. After 1 to 2 hours, the tape will properly bond to the treated surface.
Once it forms a strong bond, you will find removing it difficult. You can do your normal routine, like exercise, without worrying it will loosen up.
On the other hand, you should not swim because the chemicals in the water can weaken the adhesive. Then, the tape will loosen up. Taking a hot bath is not recommended because the essential oils also have the same effect as the pool water chemicals.
When Should You Not Use K Tape?
A 2017 study suggests that K tape helps improve blood circulation in the skin as well as lymphatic fluid circulation.
When this tape is applied, it can create another subcutaneous space, changing the pressure gradient underneath the skin. This change improves the flow of lymphatic fluid, which helps heal bruises faster.
People use k tape for different reasons, including:
- Treating injuries in conjunction with manual therapy and other treatments
- Adding extra support to joints or muscles, especially for those with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, IT band friction syndrome, and patellofemoral stress syndrome
- Re-training muscles because of an unhealthy workout
- Correcting posture in the neck and head
- Improving athletic performance
- Managing long-term scars
If you are dealing with plantar fasciitis, you can use braces in addition to k tape to improve your condition. You can check out our top picks for the best plantar fasciitis braces.
On the other hand, there are some situations in which you should not use k tape, including:
1. Open wounds
If you use k tape over your open wound, it leads to skin damage or infection. Instead, wait until it heals and apply tape on the scar to improve its appearance.
2. Active cancer
Since k tape helps increase blood flow, it is not recommended to use it if you have active cancer. Increased blood supply is dangerous to cancerous growth.
3. Diabetes
People with diabetes have reduced sensation in some of their body parts. So they may not notice the effect of the tape.
4. Fragile skin
Is your skin fragile or prone to tearing? Then, placing this tape on it is not advisable.
5. Allergy
Some skin types are sensitive to adhesive, so using this tape can trigger a strong reaction.
6. Deep vein thrombosis
K tape can increase fluid flow, which causes a blood clot to dislodge if you have a deep vein thrombosis.
Conclusion
A roll of Kinesiology tape is beneficial for reducing pain and swelling. However, after reaping its benefits, getting it off is a new challenge. You can try the above methods to remove the tape easily and pain-free.
If you want to know How to do a Heel Stretch, then read out the guide on this link.