KT TAPE IS THE OFFICIAL
KINESIOLOGY TAPE OF
TEAM USA

KT TAPE IS THE OFFICIAL
KINESIOLOGY TAPE OF
TEAM USA

- KT Tape in Winter Sports -

KT Tape helps support muscles and joints under heavy load during winter sports. In cold conditions, it enhances body awareness and stability while relieving pain and muscle strain — so athletes can move freely and perform confidently.

+ IN COLLABORATION WITH OUR EXPERTS +

Dr. Shea Stark

Dr. Shea Stark, DC, CCSP, ICSC, EMT

Dr. Christopher Harper

Dr. Christopher Harper, PT, DPT, OCS

KT TAPE IS THE #1 DOCTOR RECOMMENDED BRAND OF KINESIOLOGY TAPE

LEARN MORE

Why athletes Tape

  • Muscle Awareness: Helps the body sense movement and joint position, even when cold temperatures dull nerve response.
  • Supports Recovery: Promotes circulation and lymphatic flow to reduce fatigue, soreness, and swelling after long or repeated sessions.
  • Manages Pain: Stimulates sensory pathways that can ease discomfort during training or competition.
  • Protects Against Impact: Lymphatic taping techniques can help minimize muscle soreness, bruising and swelling from falls or collisions.
  • Dr. Chris Harper’s Insight: “KT Tape enhances sensory input and helps muscles activate more efficiently in cold temperatures, where reaction time and stability can be compromised.”

Person in a snowmobile suit with a close-up of gloves on a gray background

KNEE STABILITY & IMPACT CONTROL

Why It Matters
Winter athletes generate huge forces on turns, landings, and push-offs. KT Tape helps support the kneecap’s tracking and reduce strain on surrounding tissues without limiting movement. 

Common Sports

  • Skiing: Impact on landings and carving forces 
  • Snowboarding: Rotational torque and uneven landings 
  • Speed Skating: Repetitive lateral loading 
  • Hockey: Quick direction changes and sustained flexion 

On-Air Talking Point
“You’ll notice that KT Tape around the kneecap — it helps maintain alignment during high-force movements, especially on landings and edge changes.” 

KT Pro Insight
“Most knee pain here comes from repetitive load and misalignment. KT Tape offers gentle reinforcement to keep the athlete tracking smoothly.”

Ski equipment and KT Tape with Team USA branding on a snowy background

PRO TIPS FOR WINTER CONDITIONS

  • Start with Warm, Clean Skin: Cold, dry skin makes adhesion harder. Athletes warm the area first and remove oils, lotion, or sunscreen before applying. 
  • Activate the Adhesive: Rub the tape after applying — KT Tape’s adhesive is heat-activated, so friction helps it bond securely even in snow and sweat. 
  • Adjust for the Cold: Slightly reduce stretch in tape tension for comfort, and always apply indoors or in a warm zone when possible. 
  • Lower-Body Priority: For events requiring repeated squats, turns, or landings, pre-cut and label knee and ankle strips for quick reapplication between runs. 

Pro Tip from Dr. Stark:
“Make sure the skin is clean and dry before applying. Winter weather often leads to dry skin, so avoid using lotions or oils prior to taping.” 

how kt tape is used for winter sport pain points and injuries

When KT Tape Went Viral

During past games, KT Tape started trending after skiers were seen applying it to their faces to create a barrier against icy wind and prevent wind burn.

While this was a creative adaptation, KT Tape does not recommend using the tape this way, as its durable adhesive could cause irritation if not removed with extreme care.

Still, we celebrate the athletes’ ingenuity and commitment to performance — a true testament to their resilience and the tape’s versatility.


Quick Reference — Application Best Practices 

  • Prep: Clean, dry skin — no lotions or oils. 
  • Application: Apply 1 hour before activity for best adhesion. 
  • Enjoy: KT Tape can provide support and remain in place for 5-7 days. 
  • Removal: Gently remove with baby oil or warm soapy water. 
  • Storage Tip: Keep tape in moderate temperature; avoid heated or freezing environments. 

You can find all of the instructions to apply KT Tape for common applications in winter sports and more here:

did you know?

kt tape has supported U.S. athletes during winter and summer games since 2012

proud to support  team usa KT IS

proud to support team usa

KT Tape is proud to support the incredible athletes of Team USA in their pursuit of excellence

The #1 doctor recommended brand KT TAPE IS

The #1 doctor recommended brand

In a 2025 survey of U.S. Doctors, KT Tape rose to the top as the kinesiology tape brand most likely to be recommended for patient use

Your trusted partner for pain relief KT IS

Your trusted partner for pain relief

Many athletes rely on KT Tape for quick support between events when hands-on therapy isn’t possible.

+ PROVEN CLINICAL RESULTS +

KT Tape Reduced DOMS 48-72 hrs after
workout, 50% reduction after 72 hours.

KT Tape improved anaerobic power recovery time*

*4 EFFECTIVE CLINICAL STUDIES. KT TAPE MUST BE WORN DURING, AND AFTER EXERCISE (UP TO 48 HOURS) FOR DOMS BENEFIT

KT TAPE is your trusted partner for pain relief and support - try it for yourself today!

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