I have seen RockTape at race expos and runners sporting giant, colorful strips of tape on their legs, but I never really gave it much thought until RockTape asked if I would want to do a review. Sure, It is always good to learn about products that might be able to help me in the running department. The tape arrived, it sat on my kitchen counter for a while. I had no clue what to use it for. I certainly did not want to try something new like this for the Goofy Challenge, so it sat. Until last week.
But first, what is RockTape?
RockTape is nothing new. It is not a new running gadget, nor is it used to hold your rock collection together as my son had hoped. RockTape is a special kind of tape known as kinesiology tape. First used by acupuncturists and chiropractors in Japan, today kinesiology tape is used by practitioners throughout the world to treat injuries and improve sports performance. The special fabric that RockTape is composed 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. So basically you have an injured or sore area, apply RockTape and it increases the blood flow and also supports the muscles as well.
Sounds good, right?
So, like I said before the tape just sat around. I had general soreness from running, but no pain. Well, at least until I started Insanity I had no pain. Last Monday while doing my first Insanity workout, Plyometric Cardio, I noticed my knee hurt once or twice. Like a sharp pain at the bottom on my right and then on my left as well. Hmm, odd. I really didn’t think much of it.
Before I started my Insanity workout last Wednesday though, I remembered the RockTape and headed over to their website to figure out what to do with my knee. They have an extensive selection of videos for wrapping just about any part that might hurt you. For me, Knee Pain Front (General) Sounded appropriate.
So, I took my scissors and went at it 
I should have used sharper, fabric scissors though to avoid frayed edges. It was neat how you stretch the center of the tape under the knee, you can just simply rip near the center and apply. Voila! I was ready to tackle Insanity again!
I made it through that Insanity workout free of knee pain. I decided to remove the tape that evening, even though they say it lasts up to five days and is waterproof, just to make sure I was not getting any allergic reactions to the tape on my skin. Mama is allergic to everything but I am pleased to say not to RockTape! Yea!
To do a comparison, I did my next Insanity workout on Saturday without RockTape. I paid the price, sharp knee pain that just is not good at all. I did have a successful run on Sunday, but when it came time for Insanity on Monday again, I could barely complete it. Needless to say, the RockTape made my knees feel better when I put it on after the workout to support them while they healed and recovered from Insanity. BTW, I give up on Insanity but that is another post that will be coming soon.
Will I use RockTape again and do I recommend it?
Yes, I sure do and I am going to use it to support my knees for a while now during my future workouts and runs. The last thing I need is injury, and lately my knees just feel better with RockTape on. It’s not just for runners either! CrossFit, Weight Lifters, Yoga, Skiing or just injury recovery or prevention. You name it, it can help all types of athletes and individuals.
There is a ton of science behind kinesiology tape, and I am glad to have some in my “Tool Kit” for injury prevention and recovery. I recommend this product and it can be ordered at http://shop.rocktape.com/categories/Standard-Tape/ for $20 for a good size roll that should last you a while. It comes in a really cool variety of colors and patterns. So many in fact it is easy to coordinate with any running outfit you desire to wear! I have seen lots of people at RunDisney races with matching tape and it is cute! Pretty cool stuff if you ask this Mama!
Disclaimer: RockTape provided me with a free roll in my choice of color in exchange for a blog review. The opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to do a positive review, just an honest one as Mama always does.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I am hearing about this rock tape everywhere… Not sure I need it yet, but I am definitely interested.
Twitter: runfastmama
February 7, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Hi Mindy, thanks for your comment. I wasn’t too sure I needed it either, that is kind of why it sat around here for a bit before doing a review and trying it. I was sure glad to have it though for the knee pain as it has really helped me. Today is day 2 of wearing it and I can tell a difference as my knees did not give me one issue during a quick three mile run this morning. I kind of expected it though as they were hurting at odd times after Insanity, but pain free today.
Twitter: NattieRuns
February 7, 2013 at 2:02 pm
I use KT Tape when necessary but haven’t tried Rock Tape yet. I might have to pick up some just in case.
Twitter: runfastmama
February 7, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Hi Natalie, I have heard of KT Tape but never tried that. I love the RockTape though as it was very easy to apply and stays put. What do you use the KT Tape for if you don’t mind me asking?
I want my hubby to try it on his shoulder when he is lifting in the gym to see if it will help his shoulder pain
Twitter: runfastmama
February 7, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Hi Joanna, It is worth a try! The YouTube videos and PDF files Rocktape has cover all sorts of placements. Good luck and let me know if it helps him.
very interesting! All these tape methods are very intriguing.
I pulled a calf muscle bad two weeks before Freep Half last fall. At the recommendation of a friend (he pulled a hamstring & was able to do his 20-miler one week later), I got some Rock Tape. It was completely healed in time and converted me to a Rock Tape enthusiast – the stuff is amazing.
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