What is KT tape, and why do golfers use it? A doctor weighs in
Jordan Spieth wore tape on his forearm at the 2023 PGA Championship.
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If you’ve spent any time watching professional sports over the last several years, chances are you’ve noticed numerous athletes in the NFL, NBA and MLB sporting kinesiology tape on their limbs.
It’s a bit more rare in the professional golf world, but Jordan Spieth’s recent wrist injury brought the product back into the national spotlight when he was spotted with a long strip of tape on his forearm at Oak Hill.
So what exactly is kinesiology tape, and how can it benefit golfers? Dr. Eli Rogers, PT, DPT, is TPI Certified and serves on the KT Sports Medicine Advisory Panel. I emailed him to ask for answers to some burning questions.
So what exactly is KT Tape?
Dr. Rogers: KT Tape is a therapeutic tape with elastic properties designed to stabilize, support, or supplement various structures such as ligaments, tendons, or muscles.
Why should people use it?
Dr. Rogers: It is a tool that can be used by athletic/medical professionals as well as athletes of any age to assist in the management of common injuries to keep them performing at their highest possible level.
What are the benefits for the average golfer?
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Dr. Rogers: Common injuries specific to golf include golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, wrist sprains, and various shoulder injuries. There are specific taping methods that can help alleviate these symptoms and protect the underlying structure from increased inflammation that can be a source of pain. In addition, KT tape can be effective in treating common pain points that occur with repetitive movements found in golf. For example, the back and wrist are common areas in which KT tape can provide support and pain relief while allowing full range of motion
How do you know if KT Tape can benefit you?
Dr. Rogers: KT Tape can benefit athletes of all ages to manage low-level injuries. With the low risk of any harm being done by the application of tape, KT Tape’s website provides a list of common sites of pain and potential taping methods for management. If you are unsure if it will benefit you individually, discuss with your trusted rehab specialist who can provide answers on how to tape and the benefits for you and your injury specifically.
If what Dr. Rogers described sounds like you, click the link below to add KT Tape to your on-course arsenal now!
KT Tape Pro — Folds of Honor Special Edition
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