Taping

Kinesiology tape, like KT Tape, is stretchy and moves with your body, so it supports muscles and joints without limiting your range of motion while you throw, swing and run. Athletic tape, like Renfrew Pro Grade Medical Tape, is rigid and is used to restrict movement and stabilize a joint, for example when taping an ankle or a jammed finger. Shop all athletic and kinesiology tape.

Both come as 20 precut 25 cm strips, so they're quick to apply. The original KT Tape uses a cotton fabric that's soft and breathable, a great everyday choice. KT Tape PRO uses a synthetic fabric that's more durable and water resistant, which makes it the better pick for long tournament days, hot weather and heavy sweat. Check the packaging for the manufacturer's recommended wear time. Shop all kinesiology tape.

Foam under wrap, also called pre-wrap, is a thin, light foam roll applied to the skin before athletic tape. The Renfrew Foam Under Wrap protects the skin and hair from the tape's adhesive, reduces irritation and makes the tape much easier to remove after the game. It's commonly used under ankle and wrist taping. Apply a thin layer, then tape over it with athletic tape.

Start with clean, dry skin with no lotion, and trim long hair if needed. Apply the tape well before you play so the adhesive has time to set, and don't stretch the first and last few centimetres, which anchor the strip. After applying, rub the tape firmly to warm and activate the adhesive. The precut KT Tape strips already have rounded corners, which helps keep the edges from peeling. Follow the instructions on the box for the area you're taping, and find all our tape in the taping collection.

It depends on your needs. Tape offers targeted, single-use support that can be adapted to almost any area of the body, but it needs to be reapplied and applied correctly. A brace is reusable, quick to put on and adjustable, which makes it practical for players who need support every game. Many players use both, for example tape under a sleeve. Compare options in our braces and supports, and ask a health professional which option suits your injury.

Peel the tape slowly, keeping it low and close to the skin, and pull in the direction of hair growth while pressing down on the skin just behind it. Soaking the tape with a little oil or warm water first loosens the adhesive. To prevent irritation next time, apply Renfrew Foam Under Wrap before athletic tape, and avoid applying tape over irritated or broken skin. Find everything you need in our taping collection.