If you follow the CrossFit Games, you’ve probably seen those funky colored tape strips on athletes. It’s on Jason Khalipa, Camille Leblanc and Josh Bridges; heck, you’ve probably seen someone at your local box wearing them.
If you’re anything like me, then you’ve probably wondered what it’s for. It wasn’t until a recent bout with a very tight lower back that I sought out more information. The “tape” – RockTape, is what medical professionals worldwide use to help patients with muscle injuries and what some athletes claim they can’t play their favorite sport without. Worth giving it a try I thought!
What is it? How does it work?
Based on the principles of Kinesiology, or muscle movement, the “human duct tape” as it is affectionately referred, can be used to promote recovery and reduce pain from common ailments such as muscle strains, pulls, bruises and abrasions.
One thing that makes RockTape special is its ability to stretch in one direction and not the other. When applied properly, 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.
In short, the tape stabilizes and helps increases circulation to an injury, which accelerates healing, mobility and removes pain almost instantly.
Just like regular tape or wraps, RockTape also provides stability. While the tape helps stabilize wrists and ankles, its ability to stretch ensures your range of motion isn’t affected.
Review
During my first workout with RockTape I was a bit surprised at how seamlessly it bonded with my body. After a short while, you forget you’re wearing it, though you are and it’s working! During the workout I felt I warmed up a bit quicker. Most importantly, after my first WOD the tightness in my back, although not completely gone, was noticeably less.
At $20 a roll, the tape can get a bit pricey until you consider that it is crazy sticky. I sweat a lot so I figured the tape would come off after a couple of workouts. In fact, I was able to wear it for 3 days straight.
Since first trying RockTape, I’ve become a true fan. I guess I’m just like Jason Khalipa and Josh Bridges – in some ways!
For more info or to purchase RockTape visit: www.RockTape.com
