Article: Before applying any tape, make sure to wash your forearm, wrist and hand thoroughly with soap and warm water, then dry the entire area thoroughly with a clean towel. Leaving any moisture or oils on your skin will reduce the effectiveness of the adhesive (glue) on the back of the Kinesio tape. To remove all oils and grime, consider using some alcohol-based hand sanitizer after washing with soap and water. If you have especially hairy forearms and/or hands, then gently shave them at least one day before applying any tape so it will adhere to your skin better. If you bought the Kinesio pre-cut wrist kit, then set out the strips on a counter or flat surface. The special wrist kit includes three strips: a long light blue one about 12-inches long, and two shorter black pieces about 6-inches in length each. The longer piece is meant for your forearm / hand, whereas the shorter black pieces are meant to wrap around your wrist for support. Realize that the Kinesio pre-cut wrist kit comes with tape that has a paper backing over the adhesive material, which makes it easier to cut to suit your body proportions. If your wrists are thin, you may be able to cut one of the black pieces in half and apply the two pieces separately for more support (see below). Once you arm is clean and dry, the first piece of tape you apply is to your forearm. It should be long enough to run from just below your elbow, to halfway down the back of your hand a few inches away from your knuckles. In most people, the distance is about 12 inches, but it could be more or less depending on your size and proportions. The long blue "I-strip" with the pre-cut wrist kit fits virtually everyone, although it may have to be trimmed if your forearm is relatively short. There are cutting guides on the back of the tape to help you. Before apply the long strip of tape, flex your wrist down so that your forearm muscles are put into a position of stretch or tension. When applying the Kinesio tape, try not to stretch it too much. Remove the paper backing, apply it firmly and press down on your skin so that it sticks well. Once the forearm piece is firmly attached to your skin, a piece around your wrist needs to be applied as if it were a relatively tight bracelet. If you bought the pre-cut wrist kit, the black pieces are meant to wrap around your wrist. If your wrist is thin, cut a black strip in half and wrap your wrist twice for best support. Add a second band of tape to your wrist for better support, don't apply it too tight because you can cut off circulation (and nerve flow) to the hand and make your CTS worse. Apply Kinesio tape at least an hour before any physical activity in order to give the adhesive material (glue) enough time to thoroughly bind to your skin. Most Kinesio tape jobs can remain in place and be effective for three to five days with some athletic activity and normal bathing, although you may be able to get a week from it if you're inactive and really careful when washing. The point of taping your wrist is to provide continual support and pain relief from CTS, so when it feels loose and the symptoms get worse, it's time to re-tape it. Pulling the Kinesio tape off is usually pretty easy. If you're having trouble, try soaking your arm in warm water and/or using special tape-cutting scissors with blunt ends. CTS is a chronic condition, so you may need to tape your wrist for many weeks or months to get symptom relief if you can't find the cause. If the adhesive from the tape starts to irritate your skin, you may have to take a break for a few days or so to allow your skin to heal. Applying aloe vera gel can help skin heal quickly.
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Clean your forearm, wrist and hand. Set out the pre-cut strips of Kinesio tape. Apply a long piece to your forearm. Apply a shorter band around your wrist. Re-tape within a week.