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What is RockTape?

RockTape is a premium brand of kinesiology tape.  First used by acupuncturists and chiropractors in Japan, today kinesiology tape is used by a wide variety of health professionals throughout the world to both prevent and treat injuries and pain.

What does RockTape do?

When applied correctly, RockTape’s unique elasticity causes the skin to form convolutions and wrinkle. This decompresses the tissue immediately below the skin. It is believed that this has three main effects:

  • Fluid effect- improving blood and lymphatic flow in the taped area
  • Mechanical effect- improving the slide and glide between tissue layers
  • Neurological effect- altering the perception of pain and improving body awareness.
How does it work?

When applied properly, RockTape lifts the skin away from the muscle, which promotes positive changes in the body’s fluid, mechanical and neurological systems.  Commonly people wearing RockTape report less pain, swelling and tightness, greater awareness of the area and later onset of fatigue.

What are the key symptoms that RockTape might assist?
  • Muscle pain or cramping – e.g. lower back or calf muscles
  • Joint pain – e.g. shoulder or knee
  • Poor posture
  • Inflammation or bruising
Why is RockTape better than other kinesiology tape brands?

RockTape is manufactured in South Korea which has much more stringent quality controls.  This results in a product which is stickier, stretchier and superior.  Not to forget the extensive range of colours and patterns available which cater for every personality type.  And of course we also have the “Big Daddy” which is 10cm wide RockTape.  This is perfect for larger muscle groups and use with horses.

How much does it cost?

The RRP for a 5m x 5cm roll is $22.50.  A roll will last for about 10-20 applications, or about one to two months, depending on frequency and length of applications.  You can buy RockTape from our on line shop or from one of our many retailers.

Can I visit the office/warehouse in Morley and buy some product direct, to avoid paying for freight?

Yes, you can come past the warehouse between 9 am and 4:30 pm on Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.  Payment can be made via cash or credit card (Visa or MasterCard).

Is RockTape kinesiology tape difficult to apply?

Not at all.  If you can apply rigid tape, you can apply RockTape.  There are instructions in every box and 40 instructional videos can be viewed in the RockTape product section.  Depending on which bit of your body needs taping you may need someone else to help you, e.g. your shoulder or lower back.

How long will it last?

RockTape can be worn for 3-5 days.  It is 97% organic cotton and 3% high grade nylon, is water resistant and can be worn while swimming or in the shower.

Do I have to clean the skin before applying RockTape?

Yes the skin needs to be free of oils or moisturisers or sweat to ensure the RockTape adheres effectively to the skin.

What do you recommend to use if I like to massage the area before applying RockTape?

Practitioners will often either use an ultra sound gel, which evaporates, or RockSauce, which is a water based heat cream so if doesn’t leave an oily residue to effect the RockTape adhesive.

Do I have to shave the hair before I apply RockTape?

Shaving body hair prior to application of RockTape is not essential.  If RockTape is removed correctly, there will be very little body hair removed with the RockTape.  If your skin is particularly sensitive then shaving, or even clippering the hair short (#1 or #2) may be of benefit.

Why do we round the corners of the RockTape before applying it?

The reason we do this is that the corners are much more likely to catch on clothing, towels, sheets etc and cause the edge of the tape to lift.  Once this lifts, the rest of the tape can peel off very quickly.  We want your tape to last 3-5 days, so this is important!  If an edge lifts, carefully trim the RockTape that has lifted with scissors, as that will allow you get longer from your application.  The ends of the RockTape which lift are the anchors and won’t impact the benefits of the application.

Why don't we apply any stretch to the ends of the tape

The RockTape is elastic with 180% stretch. So when we apply the RockTape we don’t apply any stretch to the first and last 3cm of the RockTape.  This anchor means the tape is going to stay stuck better, but most importantly, it reduces the risk of skin traction injuries that can occur right at the very end of the tape.  If you have a very small patch of irritation on the skin where the tape started or finished, this is most likely the cause.  THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT IN AREAS WHERE THERE IS A LOT OF SKIN MOVEMENT, LIKE AROUND THE SHOULDER.

How much stretch should I apply to my RockTape?
RockTape is stretchy stuff!  For the newbies to taping, it is really tempting to pull a lot of the stretch out of the tape as you apply it.  But the ideal scenario for most applications is to stretch the body part that you are taping and only apply a very small amount of stretch to the tape.  Once again, this is REALLY IMPORTANT when taping around shoulders.  Some stretch can be applied to the second piece of RockTape – normally referred to as the decompression strip.  But don’t apply any more than 25% stretch.
Why do we put the RockTape on an hour before exercise and two hours before swimming or showering?
The adhesive is heat activated so rubbing the RockTape after application will create some heat and assist the adhesive to adhere to the skin.  The longer the interval between application and exercise and or the RockTape gets wet, will allow the body heat to fire up the adhesive to ensure it is firmly attached to the skin.  For an event like a marathon or a triathlon, it is best to apply the RockTape the night before after having a shower to ensure the skin is clean and then the warm bed will ensure the RockTape is well adhered.

What can I do if have forgotten to apply the RockTape and I don’t have the recommended time between application and exercise?

You can place a warm heat pack on the RockTape and the warmth from the heat pack will fire up the adhesive and shorten the recommended time span between application and exercise.  You can also use a hair dryer to create some warmth.  Or you apply an adhesive spray to the skin before applying the RockTape.

Is RockTape hypoallergenic?

Yes RockTape is hypoallergenic.  There is no latex or zinc oxide in the RockTape.  The tape is made from a combination of cotton and nylon, and the adhesive is acrylic.  If you have a history of skin irritation with tape, then we suggest you try a test patch.  To do this, apply a small piece of tape WITHOUT ANY STRETCH to an area of skin near to where you wish to apply the tape.  For upper limb applications, the inside of the forearm is a good spot, and for lower limb applications, try the inside of the thigh.  If you leave this in place for up to 24 hours (remove if any symptoms prior to this) and you don’t have any reaction, then it should be safe to apply RockTape.  Please still err on the side of caution by using VERY LITTLE STRETCH on your tape applications.

Is there anything I can put on my skin before applying RockTape, if I am one of the unfortunate very few people who react to RockTape?

Yes you can try applying Mylanta and allowing it to dry.  The resulting white powder will act as a barrier and reduce the likelihood of a reaction occurring.

I don't normally react when I wear tape, but after removing my RockTape application I noticed that a skin irritation has occurred. Have I done something wrong when applying or removing the RockTape?

Most instances of skin irritations are a result of too much stretch being applied.  The most common areas of the body when this problem arises is for the shoulder or knee joint, because there is a lot of movement through the joint.  The second most likely cause of a skin irritation occurs when the RockTape has been removed too aggressively.  RockTape sticks well, but it does come off quite easily if you are careful.  PLEASE DON’T USE THE “BAND-AID” TECHNIQUE OF “GRIP AND RIP”.

When using any type of adhesive tape on skin, most skin irritation occurs when the skin is subject to traction force with an aggressive removal technique.  RockTape comes off more easily when it is wet, and we recommend peeling the tape back on itself SLOWLY, in the direction of hair growth (to avoid a waxing effect guys – the girls usually know this!), and if possible, whilst supporting the skin behind the tape as it is gently eased away.  If you, or your skin, is particularly sensitive, then apply some oil over the tape before removing it and the oil will break down the adhesive and make the removal much easier.

What's the difference between RockTape and RockTape H2O?

RockTape H2O has an enhanced adhesive and is suitable if you are in a humid environment, you are a profuse sweater or you are a swimmer or surfer and spend long periods in the water.

Is there any difference in the different colours or patterns available?

No all of colour and patterns are just trying to cater for different personality types.  Although you will find that some of the patterns have a little less elasticity due to the layers of print applied to the tape in the production process.

I would like to try and purchase RockTape from a retail outlet near me so I can avoid paying freight. How can I find out where to buy RockTape near me?

Yes – there is section on our website titled “Find a Retailer”. If you enter your address you will be able to see retail outlets in your area.  It would be worth giving them a quick call first, just to be sure they have your favourite colour or pattern in stock.

Is there a way of finding a practitioner - Physio, Chiro, Osteo, Massuer, Podiatrist, Myotherapist etc. near me that I can make an appointment at in order to have RockTape applied by a person that is proficient at applying RockTape?

Yes – there is section on our website titled “Find a Rocdoc”.  If you enter your address you will be able to see the Rock Docs in your area.

What tape should I use on horses or dogs?
We recommend using RockTape Equine on both canines and equines.  The RockTape Equine has an enhanced adhesive and is therefore more likely to adhere to hair.
Won't RockTape rip out all the animal's hair when you remove it?

The process is very similar to when removing from people – don’t “grip and rip,” slide the tape off in the direction of the animal’s coat.  If the RockTape is really stuck, you can use a rubbing alcohol or a product like “Zoft” can be used to break down the adhesive.

Can I apply me business or clubs logo to RockTape?

Yes you can.  The cost of purchasing a roll of the custom RockTape is the same as regular RockTape.  However, there is a minimum order quantity 2,500 metres, the equivalent of 500 x 5m x 5cm rolls.  To create a custom tape design we need a “pdf” or “ai” format file of whatever you want to put on the custom tape.  For more information please email sales@rocktape.com.au

Are there any minimum qualifications for courses - introduction and advanced?

We don’t have any minimum qualifications for our kinesiology introduction taping courses.  We have a mix of practitioners, students studying to be practitioners, sports trainers, personal trainers, athletes and coaches attend the course.  There might be a little bit of the theory that gets a little hard to understand for any non-medically trained attendees, but the vast majority of the course is practical, i.e. an application is demonstrated and then you apply it to someone and they apply it to you.  So by the end of the course you are covered in RockTape and are confidently applying RockTape and have many application ideas to utilise.

Attendees to the kinesiology advanced taping course (Level 2), don’t need to have attended one of our introduction courses.  However, we assume all attendees are a proficient user of kinesiology tape and therefore there will not be the opportunity for our presenter to spend any additional time on the basic application technique, as that will slow the course down and be unfair for the other attendees.

Do you have a cancellation policy for your courses?

Yes we do – if someone advises us they cannot attend at least 1 week prior to the course we will refund their registration fee less a $50 administration fee.  If however, someone advises us in the week of the course that they cannot attend we can’t provide a refund as all of our costs have been incurred.

Do you provide certificates for courses?

Yes, we do – certificates will be emailed to you in the week after the course.

What do I bring to a course?
You can bring a pen to take additional notes as you go, and a water bottle, as we are trying to do our bit for the environment reducing the plastic in landfill from single use water bottles.
What do I wear to a course?

As a large component of the course is practical, please wear appropriate clothing that will allow taping access to the majority of your body and avoid the use of moisturising creams etc.   For the gents, shaving body hair prior to the course is not essential. If RockTape is removed correctly, there will be very little body hair removed with the tape.  If your skin is particularly sensitive then shaving, or even clippering the hair short (#1 or #2) may be of benefit.

Is there accreditation of courses by associations?

Yes, we have received accreditation from many professional bodies including the

    1. Osteopathy Australia 
    2. Exercise & Sports Science Australia 
    3. Massage & Myotherapy Australia 
    4. Myotherapy Association of Australia 
    5. Massage Association of Australia 
    6. Association of Massage Therapists 
    7. Australian Traditional Medicine Society 
    8. Bowen Association of Australia 

    The following associations recognise members who attend courses within their scope of practice.  

    1. Australian Physiotherapy Association 
    2. Australian Chiropractic Association 
    3. Occupational Therapy Australia 
    4. Podiatry Board of Australia 
Do Knee Caps, RockGaurds, RockWrist Wraps and Talons (Gloves), all come in pairs?

Yes they do.

What's the difference between the 5mm and 7mm Knee Caps?
The 5mm Knee Caps are considered to the all-rounder and can be used for all exercises including high rep exercises like wall balls and rowing.  The 7mm Knee Caps are considered to be the preferred option when someone has a history of knee issues, and / or wants extra support and stability for the 1RM or 3RM lifts.  Although ultimately it comes down to a personal preference and so ideally we recommend putting a 5mm on one leg and a 7mm on the other leg and doing a few squats and deciding which feels best for you.
Can I exchange my Knee Caps, RockGaurds, Talons (Gloves) or Posture Medic if I order the wrong size?

Yes you can.  Please return the incorrect pair in a saleable condition with a note advising what size you would like as a replacement, and we will despatch a replacement pair.

Do you have a warranty on Knee Caps?
Yes we do – it is 12 months.
How do I apply to be a sponsored athlete and/or rockstar?

Please email tenille@rocktape.com.au with information on your name, age, sport you play, your social media presence, and why you would make a good RockStar.