RockTape is great for taping injuries, and can often successfully alleviate the symptoms associated with common complaints such as back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain and calf/achilles pain.
RockTape is considered to be hypoallergenic as the adhesive is an acrylic adhesive and contains no zinc oxide. RockTape is also latex free. Because of these two properties, RockTape is generally considered to be very good for skin of all ages. Very occasionally, some skin sensitivity can occur, but this is much more likely to be “operator error” than a true reaction to the tape itself. We have listed some steps below to ensure that you get the most out of your RockTape application, and also reduce the risk of any skin issues.
- Round the corners: this means cutting the corners off your RockTape before applying. 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!
- No tension on the first or last inch of tape: each end of the tape needs at least an inch (2.5cm for those who only know metric!) of UNSTRETCHED “anchor”. 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. The anchor for the decompression strip needs to be a little longer, ideally 5cm, as the tension applied to the decompression piece of tape is more than the longitudinal piece of 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
- Stretch the body part, not the tape: 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.
- Get it on early: RockTape lasts 3-5 days, so you really don’t need to be applying it at the last minute before exercise. The adhesive in the tape is heat activated, so you ideally want to have the tape on an hour before exercise, or even two hours before water based exercise. Or use a hair dryer or place a moderately warm heat pack over the RockTape for a minute or two create some warmth to really activate the adhesive to shorten the lead time for exercise. Why not get it on the night before and sleep in it? That is the best way to ensure it is well stuck for your morning exercise. If you are regularly using RockTape in the water, consider using RockTape H2O, our specialist tape with extra stick for use in water. People who perspire a lot could also go with H2O as their tape of choice, as well as those who live and work out in hot/humid conditions.
- If the area taped is a knee, ankle or Achilles, apply a heat pack to taped area, as these areas are bony and there isn’t as much body heat generated.
- Get it off GENTLY: 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.
- Removal of residual adhesive: If you have any residual adhesive on the skin when you remove your RockTape, you can remove residual adhesive quickly and easily by rubbing skin with the adhesive side of the recently removed RockTape.
- Try a test patch: 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.
Don’t forget the video demonstrations available at the attached LINK.
Many thanks Tony.
Hi there,
What’s the most effective way to keep rocktape on when taping an Achilles’ tendon?
Hi Loukia,
I often use a moderately warm heat pack to assist the RockTape adhesive adhere to the skin when taping my Achilles. This is effective as there isn’t much muscle around the ankle so there isn’t as much natural body warmth created like on the calf, hamstring or quad. To assist you get the best results from your RockTape application please take a few minutes to read the attached blog post – https://rocktape.com.au/rocktape-tips-and-tricks/
Cheers Tony
I use H2O Rocktape to cover my Glucose monitor(Type1 Diabetes) which gets stuck onto my tricep area. I round the edges but they frey and lift quickly after a shower, even after waiting for hours. How can I seal the cut edges to prevent this from happening.
Hi Steele,
It is important to cut the RockTape with sharp scissors. If you are using blunt scissors it is harder to round the edges properly. The adhesive is heat activated and so after applying we recommend you generate some heat. You can do this by rubbing the tape in a way that doesn’t lift the corners, or you can enhance the adhesion to the skin by applying a heat pack of moderate heat to the RockTape after application. 30-60 seconds of heat pack application will be sufficient. Some me sports trainers also use a hairdryer to generate heat.
I hope this helps you get longer from your application.
Cheers Tony
Once rocktape is on can I still use my heating pad over it ?
Hi Meghan,
Yes – applying a heat pack over the RockTape when first applied is encouraged by most practitioners as the adhesive is heat activated. So the heat pack will assist the RockTape to adhere better and is particularly effective in places like the Achilles or knee where the area is more boney and less muscle.
You can also ice over RockTape once the adhesive is properly adhered to the skin, ideally 60 minutes after application.
You will find more information on RockTape application tips and tricks at the attached blog post – https://rocktape.com.au/rocktape-tips-and-tricks/
Please contact me if you have any other questions about applying RockTape, or RockTape in general.
Cheers Tony
Would love to see an adhesive removal spray or wipes just for the RockTape brand!
Thank you for the sending through your thoughts. We are always looking to serve our customers better.
I have a glueteous medious tear on left hip how should I apply the tape
Hi Jamee,
There is a video on our website for how to tape the Piriformus – https://rocktape.com.au/video-leg/. I would recommend applying RockTape in a similar way over the area of most discomfort.
I would recommend checking out our blog called Taping Tips and Tricks – https://rocktape.com.au/rocktape-tips-and-tricks/ to assist you to get the most from your RockTape application.
Please contact me if you have any other questions.
Cheers Tony
what would be the best way to apply rock tape on an ankle sprain?
Hi Bella,
Refer to the ankle video located in the attached link – https://rocktape.com.au/video-leg/
Cheers Tony
How do I tape the top of my foot after jumping down a 2 or 3 foot wall? When walking my toe and ligaments get painful.
Based on the information provided, I would cut a 5cm width piece to the width of your toe. Then apply from the toe over the ligaments which cause you pain. A second piece of tape placed perpendicular to the first piece over the sorest spot of the foot. You could watch one of our taping application videos to get more tips on applying RockTape.
I keep getting a rash from the tape. How can I prevent this?
Hi Norm,
Sorry to hear that you are getting a rash from RockTape. It is very unusual as the RockTape is considered hypoallergenic as it has not got any zinc oxide in the adhesive or latex in the tape. Can you please advise where you are applying the RockTape.
Sometimes skin irritations can be caused by stretching the RockTape a little too much, particularly if you are using the RockTape on a joint such as the shoulder. Or sometimes people get a reaction on the ends of their application if they stretch the ends, rather than applying the RockTape with no stretch to the first and last few cm’s. The last few cm act as an anchor for the application.
We recommend applying a small piece of RockTape (2cm x 2cm) with no stretch to a sensitive are such as the forearm, and then we can discount the adhesive causing an irritation. In which case we can look to modify the application technique.
Cheers Tony
I had rocktape on my back, and after 3 days of wearing it I took it off. While wearing it the area became very itch. I took it off and there was blood and a rash. Do you know what caused it?
Sometimes if the RockTape is stretched too much when applied, it can cause an irritation to the skin. The blood might have been caused by you itching it or in the removal process. We suggest removing RockTape when it is wet and slowly. Not the old fashioned grip and rip method. If you apply a small piece of RockTape with no stretch to any area of your body, and there is no irritation to your skin then the application of the RockTape on your back was probably the issue. If with no stretch applied there is irritation to your skin then that suggests you have had an allergic reaction to the RockTape.
Hi Tony. Been wearing rock tape for months changing tape after second or third shower knee is numb should I worry. I am afraid my knee will dislocate again
Hi Vickie,
What has caused your knee to be numb? Is it there a lot of swelling around the knee joint?
Cheers Tony
I have been using rock tape for over 3 weeks now and it works perfectly in removing pain in my lower and upper back although after 24hours of having it on it gets very itchy. I take it off and there is no rash and goes away in a couple of hours but irritating as I need it on for 3 days (have sport back to back).
I have tried less stretch and even no stretch (just body stretch) but same problem.
Is there something I can put under the rock tape to stop this at all?
Hi Caitlin,
You could try applying mylanta on the skin. Once it dries it forms a white paste that forms a barrier and will hopefully prevent the tape irritating your skin.
Cheers Tony
….another idea is that sometimes the dye in the tape can react with the skin. So if you haven’t already tried different colours then that could be an option.
Cheers Tony
No matter how sharp my scissors are or whether I rounded the corners, or even heat packs, my H2O rock tape peels off after I swim, is there any way I can
Hello Amy,
Thank you for your enquiry. You should be able to wear the RockTape for a few days even when swimming or showering regularly. Can you please provide some additional information so we can provide you with more applicable feedback. Where are you applying the RockTape? How long before swimming are you applying the RockTape? Does the RockTape stay attached to your skin if you don’t swim? Where in Australia are you situated?
Cheers Tony
Can I put ice directly on the rock tape?
Hi Carol,
Yes you can apply ice over the top of the RockTape once the RockTape has properly adhered to the skin. In the case of swelling or bruising, the RockTape will generally be adhered to the skin in about 30 minutes.
Cheers Tony
I have a separated (shoulder) AC joint and a torn labrum and my physical therapy and surgery have been cancelled because of COVID-19. I was wondering if you have a recommendation on how to tape my shoulder (I got discharged from PT before I could ask this) and how long I should wait between removing my rocktape H2O and applying the next round of rocktape.
Hi Rachael,
Sorry to hear about your cancelled surgery. You could tape your shoulder as per the attached video – https://rocktape.com.au/standard-shoulder/
We would usually recommend 24 hours between applications to give the skin a rest, particularly if it is likely that someone will need taping for several weeks overall.
Cheers Tony
Hi Tony,
How do I get the tape to stick to itself?
Thanks,
Kim
Hi Kim,
RockTape sticks better to skin than to itself. So we always try and start and finish the RockTape piece on the skin. If you do need to finish on another piece of RockTape, applying something like a moderately warm heat pack for 1 minute over the RockTape will enhance the effectiveness of the adhesive.
Here is a link to a blog post – RockTape – Tips and Tricks – https://rocktape.com.au/rocktape-tips-and-tricks/, as a way of reinforcing the important RockTape application principles you learnt. Ensuring you get the most benefit from your RockTape application.
Cheers Tony
I have been using tape for my shins for a few weeks now, and it really helps when I do nothing, but I’m still in pain when I go up or down stairs, skip, or run even a tiny bit. Other than that, I’m also experiencing a rash even with training from a professional on how to apply it. I’ve been soaking my legs before slowly removing it, and shaving and cleaning the skin before applying it. Any advice would be helpful.
Is rocktape OK to use continuously? So wear for 5 days. Take it off. Wear for another 5 days. OR are there implications for the skin?
My daughter has been using it that way but now we are finding her skin looks greyish and rocktape not sticking as well. She has schlatters syndrome (sorry about the spelling)
Hello Jayne,
For many people consistently wearing RockTape in an area is ok. But the experience your daughters is having is not uncommon. We would recommend leaving the RockTape off for 24 hours every few days. And/or just putting the RockTape on prior to times when she is doing activities that tend to aggravate her knee. I’m not sure how you have been applying the RockTape, but we recommend trying to put on as little RockTape as possible. For some Osgood Schlatters applications, one 10cm length of tape over the lumpy bit just below the knee cap can be enough to alleviate the symptoms. Apply 50% stretch to the middle of the RockTape and no stretch on the ends.
Cheers Tony
Hi
Been some time ago but my skin reacted to give itching and blisters, had to go straight back to the physip to help remove it without tearing my skin off. I was very worried and never had such a reaction to any plasters or adhesives etc before
A friend of mine her son also seems to be allergic to the black tape, but not the skin coloured one, Could there be something NOT in the adhesive but in the fabric?
What are your thoughts please as I try to establish whether it is the adhesive I am allergic to or something else
Thanks
P
Hello P,
Your reaction sounds nasty but fortunately is very rare. Was your RockTape application applied by your physio? Which part of your body was the application applied to? Itching can potentially be a reaction to the adhesive, but blisters suggest the RockTape was applied with too much stretch. This occasionally can occur when RockTape is applied to a shoulder or upper back or neck. The easiest way to test and see if you are allergic to the adhesive is to place a small amount of RockTape (2cm x 2cm) with no stretch on your forearm. If there is a reaction then you are allergic to the adhesive. If not then you are not allergic to the adhesive and that suggests that there might have been an application error.
On the odd occasion that someone has the same RockTape application with different colours and one reacts, would suggest that they are allergic to some chemical in the dye that creates the black RockTape.
Please feel free to call me on 0439 619 490 to discuss further.
Cheers Tony
I hav e Ilio Tibial Band Friction Syndrome in knee , what is the best way to use rock tape on my knee
Hello Claire,
My apologies, your email slipped through the cracks and I missed replying to it. If you are still looking for tips for easing the pain you are feeling on the lateral or outside of your knee, we would recommend applying two pieces of tape. One below the knee cap and one on the outside of your knee. There is a video on our website and you could watch this to give you some guidance. You could potentially leave off the piece of tape applied on the inside of the knee.
Cheers Tony
Hi there, what is the safest or easiest way to remove rocktape h2o extra sticky?
Hello Ross,
You can apply oil to the tape and that will soak through the cotton tape and nullify the adhesive. We also recommend removing tape with the direction of the hair, i.e. down the limb, and peeling the tape back on itself rather than pulling the tape at right angles to the skin.
Cheers Tony
Hi, I wondered if it is ok to use deep heat over the top of the tape?
Hello Maddie,
You could try it, but given that Deep Heat is oil-based the oil would seep through the cotton and nylon tape and may reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive. We have a water based heat cream called Rock Sauce that you could use with RockTape and it wouldn’t impact the adhesive.
Cheers Tony
Hello, I’m having a lot of trouble using the roll of tape to the end. As I get closer to the end of the product it becomes very difficult to pull the tape and I end up with a dicen of little rolls with tape still on it.. surely there has to be a way to release this and be able to use the full product. Do you have a tips or advice for this problem? Thank you
Hello Karina,
I have never had any one report this issue before. Can you send a photo or video showing the issue you are experiencing.
Cheers Tony
Hi there, do you have any videos on the best way to use the tape for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis? Thanks, Victoria
Is there a list anywhere with the exact ingredients in the adhesive? I am in a fibromyalgia flare and applied some to my back. I also used the heating pad to reduce pains and I have chemical burns from the tape. I’ve used this and KT tape on and off for years and never experienced this before.
I’m sorry to hear about your burns. The adhesive is acrylic, but beyond that, I don’t know the exact ingredients. Based on your previous experiences with RockTape, and the fact that we have not had any customers in thirteen years of selling RockTape report having a chemical burn from the RockTape, I suspect it is more likely that the burn occurred from the heat pack.