Running Diva Mom: RockTape Review & Giveaway

Friday, March 21, 2014

RockTape Review & Giveaway

Have you seen runners out on the course with something taped all over their shins or their knee and wondered, "Why did they wrap themselves in Duct Tape?!?". And nope, it's not traditional medical tape either. Well, chances are they are already onto something and something great ... Rock Tape (HERE).

Rocktape stands up in race conditions better than traditional medical tape. It is kinesiology tape that has evolved and enhanced your running conditions. Rocktape not only helps aid injuries, it also provides athletes with a fuller and better range of motion.

Rocktape isn't offered in pre-cut sizes because one size does NOT fit all. A taller person will need more Rocktape than a shorter person or different areas on the body require larger portions of Rocktape than others. So, Rocktape is offered in spools.

These spools are offered in all sorts of bright (and neutral) colors and patterns. This makes treating your injury a bit more fun and helps you bring your uniqueness out on the course or trail. Match it with your favorite running gear for a fun experience. I chose a fun hot pink and purple argyle print.

What is Rocktape?

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. While the use of kinesiology is often associated with athletes such as Serena Williams, Kerri Walsh and Lance Armstrong, the reality is that RockTape is effective for the treatment of a wide variety of problems, not just sports injuries.

Rocktape is a natural-hybrid product and consists of 97% cotton, 3% nylon and uses no drugs. The adhesive is a hypo-allergenic acrylic based adhesive and contains no latex. The fabric is made so that it stretches in one direction and not the other. 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 to accelerate healing and recovery.

Rocktape can be used all over the body. It can be used for athletes and non-athletes. Anyone experiencing aches and pains can use it. Just check out some of the common uses:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Jumpers knee (PFS)
• ACL/MCL issues
• Rotator cuff
• Groin and hamstring pulls
• Lower back issues
• Shin splints
• Tennis and golf elbow
• Pain associated with pregnancy
• Postural correction

I used it on my ankles after I was having some issues from old, expired shoes after a marathon. I've also used it around my nasty ole' bunions on my feet to help ease the discomfort. It's helped relieve some of the pain. Other than that, I pretty much remain injury free (knock on wood) and haven't had to use it for shin or knee injuries that are common among runners.

Rocktape won't necessarily make you a better or faster runner, but when applied properly, athletes can improve form and decrease fatigue through better blood flow (similar to compression).

Not quite sure how to apply RockTape to the effected area? Use their Instructional Videos (HERE) to learn exactly how to apply it and treat your injury. They cover everything from hands and feet to back and shin splints.