POLAR FROST® Kinesiology Tape, 5m single roll

Kinesiology tape is an elastic therapeutic tape designed to replicate the mechanical properties of human skin. When applied with controlled tension, the tape's elastic recoil creates micro-convolutions (ripples) in the skin surface, lifting the epidermis away from the underlying fascia. This increases the interstitial volume, reducing pressure on pain receptors (nociception inhibition) and opening the initial lymphatic capillaries to drain inflammatory fluid. Unlike rigid zinc oxide strapping tape, kinesiology tape allows full range of motion during wear.

The key differentiators are the 160% elasticity ratio (engineered to exactly match human skin's natural elasticity), the 96% pure cotton construction (which prevents skin maceration during extended wear), and the sinusoidal (wave-pattern) adhesive coating (which allows the skin to breathe through the tape). Together, these features create the 'second skin' mechanical interface that makes Polar Frost tape effective for 3-5 day continuous wear protocols, including sport and showering.

Application direction determines the neuromuscular effect. When the tape is applied from the muscle origin toward the insertion (distal to proximal), the elastic recoil assists the muscle in generating concentric contraction, this is facilitation, used for weak or inhibited muscles. When applied from insertion toward origin (proximal to distal), the recoil creates a stretching force on the muscle – this is inhibition, used to reduce tone in tight or spasming muscles. Same tape, opposite technique, two distinct clinical outcomes.

A Fan cut is created by cutting the tape into 4-5 narrow fingers while leaving a solid anchor base of approximately 5 cm. The fan is then spread over an area of acute swelling, bruising, or haematoma. This configuration maximises the skin surface area covered by the lifting effect, aggressively opening the initial lymphatic capillaries over the entire swollen zone for maximum fluid drainage. It is the primary application for acute sports bruising, post-surgical swelling, and haematoma resolution.

Polar Frost® Kinesiology Tape is designed for 3-5 days of continuous wear. The breathable cotton matrix and wave-patterned adhesive allow moisture to escape, preventing the skin maceration that shortens wear duration with synthetic tapes. The heat activated adhesive strengthens with body temperature over the first 30-60 minutes. To maximise wear duration: apply to clean, dry, oil-free skin; round all corners; apply without stretch on both anchor ends; and avoid heavy rubbing of the tape against clothing immediately after application.

Yes. The cotton fibres are hydrophobically treated, they repel water rather than absorbing it. You can shower and swim with the tape in place. For best results after swimming or showering, gently pat the tape dry with a towel rather than rubbing. Avoid soaking in hot baths for extended periods, which can soften the adhesive.

The appropriate tension depends on the clinical goal. For lymphatic drainage applications (Fan cut over swelling): 0-15% stretch. For general muscle support and proprioception: 15-25% stretch. For decompression over specific areas: up to 50% stretch. Always apply zero tension on both the start and end anchor tabs - this prevents edge lifting and skin irritation at the anchor points.

No. The tape should never be applied over skin coated with gel, oil, lotion, or cream. All topical substances must be fully absorbed or wiped away before taping. The adhesive bond depends on direct contact with clean, dry skin. In clinical practice, the standard protocol is: apply Cold Gel, allow to be fully absorbed (or wipe away excess), clean the skin with an alcohol wipe, allow to dry, then apply the tape.