Are you a South West Coast Path walker?
Rolled your ankle? Weak in the knees? Tight calves? Tired legs?
That’s no fun. Maybe we’ll cross paths, maybe some strips of kinesiology tape can make a difference!
Free? Yes, for free, for the love of walking (and practice)!
There is no financial gain for me: as a tourist, I cannot make money in the UK. Additionally, I am not sponsored in any way. Kinesiology taping is something I offer for free for South West Coast Path walkers I encounter along the way or those who happen to stay on the same campsite as me. As a trained sports masseuse, kinesiology taper and fellow SWCP walker, I know how unfortunate it is when you feel something in your legs or feet but the path is ‘calling you’. For the love of walking and small acts of kindness, I wish for everyone to have the best experience possible. If some tape and skill might help you conquer that extra mile (with a smile 😉 ), I’m happy to help!
Follow me on Instagram @ thewritingrambler to find out if we’ll cross paths! (I only reply on Instagram)
Pre-tape checklist: Make sure …
- Your skin is clean (no body lotion, no sweat, no salt from a quick dip in the sea)
- Remove hair (so the tape will stick and not tug)
- You’re not too picky with colours; maybe you can choose, maybe you can’t.
- Keep me updated on how it evolves as a ‘Thank you’.
Another reason I’m doing this is to gather some practice, evaluate the results of kinesiology/medical taping and effects on muscle tightness, fatigue, instability, immobility, and pain so I can use the experience to my benefit in NL.
However, sometimes, I won’t be able to help you.
For example, when, one or more situations/conditions apply to you:
- Pregnancy.
- Open wounds, surgical wounds: tapes may only be applied to intact and undamaged skin.
- Fresh injuries, unexplained complaints, broken bones (please contact a doctor or therapist!)
- Allergies (e.g. to plasters) and skin diseases.
- Sensitive, thin skin.
- Use of medication: caution is advised when taking certain medications when taping, such as when using blood thinners. Injuries to the skin may occur.
- Varicose veins.
- Thrombosis/thrombosis risk.
- Tumours.
- Fever.
Always consult a doctor or therapist if the pain is severe and persistent.
Also, I won’t be helping you, when …
- The campsite I’m staying at doesn’t permit free services being offered on their land (understandable; I’ll always respect their rules!)
- You have high expectations. I’m not a miracle worker: sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn’t. Usually the effect is subtle, yet notable.
- I say no (not likely, but possible).
- I’m busy (talking on the phone, cooking, writing, sleeping, whatever).
- I’m out of tape (I only packed a few rolls before leaving NL).
General (important) notice
Please, listen to your body when it tells you it’s too much. Pain can be an indication you are building up to injury. It’s a signal. Injuries take longer to heal than taking a break and going easy before it can ‘grow’ into one. Prevention is always better than cure.
NB: Me applying kinesiology tape on your body (i.e. legs, feet) after your consent is at your own risk. I’m in no way liable for anything that happens next. By consenting and letting me apply tape on you, you agree to the above mentioned: it is solely and completely at your own risk.
What is kinesiology taping (also known as KT/medical taping/elastic therapeutic taping) exactly?
Well, go on ahead and Google it! There is a lot of information available online on this topic. Or ask me your questions in person if we cross paths.