Frequently Asked Questions

The MTC has a wide range of applications, and thus can be used to treat various physiological phenomena and structures. The MTC can normalise muscular activity with muscular tapes, as well as aid correction and stability of joints, by using techniques which have greater effects on connective tissue. Oedema, swelling and haematomas can be treated by lymph taping. In addition, internal organs or the autonomic nervous system can be influenced through a segmental approach.

Tape techniques can be combined, which means that, in practice, a problem can be treated on various levels simultaneously.

A (very) small random selection of the possible indications includes symptoms due to strain, postural deviations, sport injuries, menstrual complaints, growing pains, Osgood-Schlatter disease, bruised bones and so on.

In terms of the production technology, the various coloured tapes are all exactly the same material. The only difference being that a different dye bath has been used to create the patterns. Originally, the colours were chosen based on ideas from the perspective of colour therapy, but opinions vary as to whether colour therapy could indeed have any added value here. In practice, an aesthetic choice is often made when using coloured tape.

No, medicaments are not added to the tape. The positive effects are realised by combining the specific properties of the tape with the right techniques.

CureTape® is water resistant, so showering, swimming and bathing do not cause any problems. The cotton in the tape does absorb some water, it is therefore advisable to dab the tape dry after showering or swimming.

You are strongly advised not to use a blow-drier or other source of heat to dry the tape, as this may cause skin reactions. It is also advisable to avoid sunbathing or the use of a sunbed when using tape.

The tape does not adhere well to fatty or oily products such as creams or massage oils. The use of hair conditioner may, moreover, affect the strength of adhesion in the case of shoulder or neck application. If a product of this kind has been used, the skin must be cleaned and all oil removed prior to taping.

In the case of highly sensitive or thin skin, 3M Cavilon spray may be used prior to applying the tape. This spray creates a protective film on the skin and prevents reactions. It is also somewhat sticky so the tape will adhere even better.

The tape must adhere to the skin, in order to bring about any positive effects. If there is excessive hair on the skin, the tape will lie on the hair, which will have a negative effect on the results. The tape may, furthermore, irritate the patient if it adheres to his/her hairs.

It is advisable to shave off excessive hair, because this will prevent any folliculitis or small wounds occurring.

The tape is not sterile and should not be used on damaged skin. Tape can be placed around a wound to promote healing.

The skin must be intact and firm enough to withstand pressure from taping; if scars and suchlike are to be taped, the wound must have healed over with skin.

If the patient has undergone radiotherapy, the skin must first have healed sufficiently. According to protocol, tape may not be used in the first six weeks after completion of radiation therapy; in practice, a longer period may be required.

Yes, it is hypoallergenic. CureTape® is made of high-quality cotton with latex-free elastic fibres woven through it. A 100% acrylic adhesive layer is used, which is generally well tolerated including by people with a plaster allergy. The adhesive layer is applied in a pattern so that the skin is not sealed off and fluids naturally produced by the body can pass through the tape.

Skin irritation can, however, occur in practice; this is usually the result of:

– Mistakes in the technique, such as when too much tension is placed on the tape during application or skin folds are stuck down by tape;
– The use of medication, such as blood thinners;
– The incorrect removal of the tape;

There may sometimes be a problem with definition: the tape has a normalising effect on the blood circulation which means that reddish colouration of the skin is not necessarily skin irritation.

A vegetative overreaction of the body may occasionally occur.

In the event of doubt, the tape must always be removed!

The tape must be removed slowly and carefully to prevent skin irritation or damage. It can be removed in various ways.

If the skin is intact and firm enough to withstand pressure; hold the skin in place with one hand and remove the tape bit by bit in the direction of the hair growth. Ensure the hand is immediately behind the tape being pulled off. Wet the tape well beforehand, if required.

If the skin is more sensitive or in the case of children: rub the tape with (baby) oil and allow it to soak in thoroughly. The tape will then be easy to remove.

Another handy aid is Sterilium. Allow it to soak in so that the adhesive layer has the chance to dissolve and then remove the tape slowly.

The use of stinging substances is inadvisable, if there is any question of a lymph problem.

You must have adequate knowledge of the problem to be treated, as well as the correct taping technique in order to achieve a positive result.

Improper use can be counterproductive, or even cause new problems! We recommend that one should only apply tape to oneself, after a thorough explanation and good instruction from a therapist with adequate taping experience.

In the event of doubt or symptoms, you should always contact a physician or paramedic who has adequate knowledge of the Medical Taping Concept.

The tape may be left as long as it adheres to the skin, but eventually it will loosen. Tape will remain on for an average of 4 to 6 days. When applied to the hand or foot, it may detach more quickly.

The tape absorbs the heat of the skin and adheres optimally after approximately half an hour. The patient must therefore be dressed carefully the first time, to prevent the ends of the tape from loosening. Once the tape has reached skin temperature, it is less likely to stick to the patient´s clothing during dressing and undressing.

Tip: after applying the tape, rub it in with talcum powder. Talcum powder adheres to the edges of the tape so that it does not keep sticking to the patient´s clothing.

Some tape applications are highly inadvisable during pregnancy. We therefore recommend that taping should always be carried out in consultation with your attending therapist or doctor.

Please e-mail any such questions to our Help desk. Your questions will be answered by one of our expert and experienced instructors.