Italian taping technology by Sixtus Italia Sixtus Italia · Made in Italy For physiotherapy, sports care and rehabilitation
DREAMK professional kinesiology tape
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Practical taping guide

How to apply Dream K kinesiology tape carefully.

A good result starts with the correct indication, calm preparation and appropriate tension. This guide explains the general foundation for safe, careful work.

Before you begin

Dream K is elastic kinesiology tape. It does not restrict movement in the way rigid sports tape can. The direction, cut shape and applied tension all influence how the application is experienced. A medical or therapeutic application should be performed or instructed by an appropriately qualified professional.

Perform a patch test if in doubt

Apply a small test strip without additional tension to intact skin. Remove it immediately if an adverse reaction occurs. A “latex-free” claim does not exclude sensitivity to every other material.

Application in eight steps

  1. Define the objective first
    Select the taping technique, shape, direction and tension on the basis of a professional assessment. General online guidance does not replace an individual treatment protocol.
  2. Check the skin
    Apply tape only to intact skin. For sensitive skin or an unknown response, first apply a small test strip and observe the skin.
  3. Clean and dry
    Remove oil, cream, sweat and dirt. Allow the skin to dry completely. Long hair may be trimmed carefully; shaving immediately before taping can increase irritation.
  4. Measure and cut
    Measure the required length without stretch. Cut the strip along the lines on the backing paper and round every corner to reduce catching on clothing.
  5. Create an anchor
    Tear or fold the backing paper so that you touch the adhesive as little as possible. Starting and finishing anchors are generally applied without stretch.
  6. Use appropriate tension
    Apply only the tension required by the chosen technique. More stretch is not automatically better and can increase stress on the skin.
  7. Rub the tape
    Rub the applied tape gently. Warmth and friction help activate the acrylic adhesive. Do not rub irritated skin aggressively.
  8. Check and instruct
    Check comfort, skin colour, circulation and freedom of movement. Remove the tape immediately if pain, itching, burning, blisters or increasing redness occurs.

When should you not apply tape?

Do not apply kinesiology tape to open wounds, active skin infections, severe skin irritation or an area with a known allergic reaction. Take extra care with fragile skin, reduced sensation, circulatory problems or when a person cannot clearly indicate how the tape feels.

Remove immediately if warning signs occur

Remove the tape if pain, numbness, discolouration, swelling, itching, burning, blisters or severe redness increases. Consult a qualified healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

After application

  • Apply the tape preferably 30 to 60 minutes before exercise or showering.
  • Gently pat wet tape dry; do not rub it hard with a towel.
  • Trim only a loose corner when the surrounding skin remains calm.
  • Check the skin every day, including along the tape edges.

Removing Dream K

If necessary, wet the tape or use a suitable tape remover. Support the skin with one hand and slowly roll the tape back with the other, keeping it low and moving in the direction of hair growth. Do not pull the tape quickly and vertically away from the skin.

Read more practical questions about Dream K

Dream K applications in pictures

Different cuts, colours and placements.

These examples show how kinesiology tape can be cut and positioned in many ways. They are illustrative only: the appropriate technique, direction and tension depend on the person, objective and professional assessment.

Blue Dream K kinesiology tape in a long Y shape on the abdomen and chest
Abdomen and chest · blue
Blue Dream K kinesiology tape in three strips along the neck and shoulder
Neck and shoulder · blue
Blue Dream K kinesiology tape running from the heel along the back of the calf
Heel, Achilles tendon and calf · rear view
Blue Dream K kinesiology tape running from the heel along both sides of the calf
Heel, Achilles tendon and calf · side view
Blue Dream K kinesiology tape applied horizontally at shoulder blade level
Shoulder blade · blue
Blue Dream K kinesiology tape applied diagonally across the shoulder and back
Shoulder and back · blue
Yellow and blue Dream K kinesiology tape across the shoulder blade
Shoulder blade · yellow and blue
Yellow Dream K kinesiology tape applied horizontally across the lower chest
Chest · yellow
Yellow Dream K kinesiology tape in three strips on the front of the shoulder
Neck, chest and shoulder · yellow
Yellow Dream K kinesiology tape in a long Y shape from the chest along the neck
Neck and chest · yellow
Yellow Dream K kinesiology tape in several strips across the shoulder blade, back and neck
Shoulder blade and neck · yellow
Pink Dream K kinesiology tape from the thigh around the knee
Thigh and knee · pink
Pink Dream K kinesiology tape in two strips along the side of the neck
Neck · pink
Black, blue and yellow Dream K kinesiology tape across the shoulder blade
Shoulder blade · black, blue and yellow
Black Dream K kinesiology tape in a Y shape across the upper arm and shoulder
Upper arm and shoulder · black

Do not use these photographs as a stand-alone treatment protocol. Medical or therapeutic applications must be assessed and instructed by a suitably qualified professional.