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Sports Athletic Tape Buyers Guide

Mueller Sports Medicine – A Trusted Brand for Athletic Tape

Mueller Sports Medicine has been a leader in athletic tape and sports injury products for over 60 years. Founded in 1961 by Curt Mueller, the company quickly became known for its high-quality athletic tapes used by professional and amateur athletes alike. Mueller tapes, like the popular Mueller MTape, are made from durable cotton that provides firm support without restricting motion. This makes them ideal for common injuries like sprained ankles or wrists.

One reason that athletes trust Mueller tape over generic brands is their rigid quality control standards. Mueller tests all of their athletic tapes to ensure they maintain optimum elasticity and adhesion throughout games, practices, or workouts. This consistent grip can help prevent reinjury and provide peace of mind. Additionally, the dyes used in Mueller’s vivid colors like navy blue, neon pink, and Vegas gold are specially formulated to avoid staining skin or uniforms.

Over the decades, sports medicine professionals and athletic trainers have come to rely on Mueller’s tapes for everything from preventative taping to emergency on-field care. The company is now the official licensed supplier of athletic tape for many major leagues like the NFL and MLB. They offer a diverse range of tapes for different taping jobs, from lightweight Mueller Flash Tape for fingers to extra rigid Mueller Tuf-Skin for ankles. Custom bulk packs are available for team orders.

Of course, Mueller isn’t just about athletic tape. They also produce high-quality kinesiology tape, braces, hot/cold therapy products, and other sports medicine supplies. However, their tapes remain the foundation that built their trusted reputation. With proper taping technique, Mueller’s athletic tapes can support weakened joints, improve proprioception, and reduce the risk or severity of common athletic injuries.

Top Mueller Athletic Tapes for Different Sports and Injuries

Mueller Sports Medicine produces a wide selection of athletic tapes designed for specific sports, taping techniques, and injury needs. Their diverse tape offerings set them apart from generic one-size-fits-all brands.

For example, soccer players may prefer Mueller’s Soccer Tape that adheres well even in wet, muddy conditions. The water-resistant backing prevents the tape from sliding or loosening during rainy games. The stretchy 3-inch tape is also perfect for securing shin guards in place. Soccer teams can order custom color Soccer Tape to match their uniforms.

Mueller’s Rigid Tape provides maximum stability for vulnerable ankles. The non-elastic tape tightly immobilizes the joint to prevent rolling injuries. It works well over ankle braces and is thick enough to wear comfortably in cleats or skates. The super rigid tape is also great for taping wrists, thumbs, and arches.

For blister-prone sports like tennis or CrossFit, Mueller Blister Tape protects hot spots before they form. It cushions friction areas with a soft, wool-felt inner layer and strong outer binding. Preventing blisters helps athletes stay active through tournaments or intense training sessions.

Runners and hikers often use Mueller Train Tape to support their feet and knees. This sturdy athletic tape has extra reinforcement built in for motion control and impact absorption. It provides arch support and relief from common running ailments like plantar fasciitis. Lightweight and breathable, it holds up mile after mile.

Mueller’s array of vivid colors helps coaches, parents, and fans identify taped players from the sidelines. Choices like neon orange, lime green, and bright pink stand out against most uniforms. Custom team color packs are great for group orders.

While standard tan remains popular, dark navy blue tape looks great with black jerseys or cycling kits. It’s also easier to leave in place between games since the dark color hides dirt well. Navy blue, black, and grey tapes are ideal for less conspicuous taping jobs.

Mueller Sports Medicine tests all their tapes extensively for just the right balance of flexible support. Athletes can choose the best tape for their sport knowing it will perform consistently game after game. With the proper taping techniques, Mueller athletic tape provides effective injury prevention and management for athletes of all levels.

Mueller MTape – Preferred by Pro Athletes for Ankles and Wrists

Mueller’s MTape is one of their most popular athletic tapes trusted by professional athletes for ankle, wrist, and thumb support. The thin, flexible tape provides a precise level of compression without restricting motion. This makes it well-suited for pro sports where dexterity and high performance matter.

MTape’s cotton backing features spandex fibers woven throughout for enhanced stretch and recovery. This gives it just the right amount of “give” to move naturally with the joint. The tape provides firm support when needed but won’t cause discomfort or circulation loss. Its breathable, moisture-wicking properties also prevent irritation and blisters.

The precision tape tears easily by hand without fraying or curling at the edges. This allows athletic trainers to custom cut tape strips on the fly to perfectly fit each athlete’s size and taping needs. MTape also features a zinc oxide adhesive formulated for reliable grip throughout games and practices. It sticks well even on sweaty skin.

NBA stars like LeBron James rely on MTape for extra wrist support during high-flying dunks. The flexible tape provides compression to the tendons and ligaments without limiting shooting, dribbling, or passing. Quarterbacks like Tom Brady use it to stabilize throwing thumbs. The snug tape allows full motion while preventing hyperextension.

For lower extremities, MTape shines for ankle taping. Figure skaters require extreme side-to-side ankle flexibility combined with forward stability for jumps and spins. A simple figure-eight tape job with MTape allows full plantarflexion/dorsiflexion while preventing dangerous rolls or sprains. The NBA’s high-intensity pace places similar demands on basketball ankle joints.

While novice athletes often default to drugstore brands, pros understand the performance difference elite tapes make. Mueller MTape’s thoughtful design provides customizable support, comfort, and breathability. It’s trusted by the world’s best athletes for consistency and reliability under pressure. Whether jumping on the court or throwing on the field, MTape has their back.

Caring Tips – Applying, Removing and Reusing Athletic Tape

Getting the most out of quality athletic tape like Mueller brands requires proper application and care. Following some key tips will help the tape stay securely in place and last longer.

Always tape a clean, dry surface by washing skin and drying thoroughly. Smooth any leg hair down and apply pre-wrap under the tape to limit skin irritation. Mueller TUF-SKIN pre-wrap creates a smooth surface so tape adheres better and removes easier.

Apply tape from the center of the injury outward to anchor over the injury site first. Use proper overlapping techniques and rip tape by hand; do not cut it with scissors which can cause it to fray. Stretch tape 50-75% of its max while applying for ideal compression and support.

Mueller M-Wrap, designed for wrists and thumbs, applies easiest when athletes make a fist first to contour the tape shape to the wrist bones. Use anchor strips around the thumb joint before wrapping. Athletes should test range of motion before play to ensure flexibility isn’t restricted.

During play, avoid adjusting taped areas as this compromises adhesion. Carry extra tape for quick repairs if needed. After play, use tampons and rubbing alcohol to gently loosen edges of the tape during removal. Never rip tape directly off skin.

To reuse tape, carefully unwind and store on its original roll if possible. Keeping it stretched slightly maintains elasticity. Storing in a sealed bag prevents dust and lint from contaminating the adhesive. Mueller tape can often be reapplied 1-2 times if cleaned properly between uses.

Check tape before reapplying for any weakened areas and replace rolls regularly. Optimal tape tension helps compress tissue and prevent further injury. Reusing worn-out tape that’s lost elasticity provides little support. Fresh Mueller tape rolls ensure reliable, consistent taping.

With proper preparation, application, removal, and storage, high-quality athletic tape like Mueller can be reused effectively, saving athletic programs valuable budget. Follow these tips to safely maximize tapes, keeping athletes supported through full seasons of play.

When to Replace Old Athletic Tape with Fresh Rolls

Athletic tape is a staple for most sports medicine kits and training rooms. But at what point should old, worn tape be replaced with fresh rolls? Here are some signs it’s time to swap out tape.

Adhesion is critical for athletic tape to provide support and stabilize joints. If old tape is no longer sticking well to skin, its effectiveness is compromised. Typical signs of poor adhesion include the tape not adhering right away, edges peeling up during play, and the need to apply extra pieces to reinforce it.

Elasticity is another key tape attribute. Mueller Sports Medicine engineers their tapes like Mueller MTape to offer just the right amount of stretch and compression for different taping jobs. However, over time and reuse, tapes lose their tension and ability to recoil back after stretching.

To test elasticity, gently pull a short length of tape and release. Fresh tape will snap back instantly. Old, worn out tape will droop and deform. Non-elastic tape cannot appropriately immobilize injuries or provide joint support during play.

On visual inspection, athletic tape that is frayed along the edges, covered in lint and dirt, or deformed in the roll should be discarded. Discoloration or stains may indicate the tape is breaking down. Mueller’s vivid dyes are specially designed not to run, so color bleeding is a red flag.

For preventative taping, set a conservative tape replacement schedule based on usage levels. High school teams may get 2-3 weeks of heavy use from quality Mueller tape. Pro athletes using tape daily should swap rolls weekly. It’s also wise to start seasons or tournaments with fresh tape.

While athletic tape can often be reused short-term, its integrity degrades over time. Performance, support, and injury prevention capabilities fade. When adhesion, elasticity, or appearance become compromised, play it safe and replace athletic tape. A few dollars spent on fresh rolls can prevent lost play time and aggravation from taping failure.

Athletic Tape vs Kinesiology Tape – Key Differences

Athletic tape and kinesiology tape are both popular for injury support, but have distinct differences. Knowing when to use each can optimize benefits.

Athletic tapes like Mueller MTape are made of tightly-woven, non-stretch cotton. Traditional athletic tape provides rigid structural support and compression to immobilize injuries. It restricts range of motion when wrapped circumferentially.

Kinesiology tape is constructed of elastic, 100% latex-free materials. It only stretches longitudinally, not circumferentially. When applied along muscles in a specific manner, it can support injuries while still allowing full range of motion. The elastic tape lifts the skin microscopically to improve circulation and lymph drainage.

For unstable joint injuries like a sprained ankle, standard athletic tape works best to immobilize the injury and prevent further damage. The non-stretch tape also offloads stress from the injured soft tissues when wrapped correctly. It provides external joint support during the acute injury phase.

For chronic overuse injuries or during rehabilitation, kinesiology tape is preferred. It can be worn for days at a time and provides constant stimulation to the injured tissues to promote healing without restricting movement. This makes it ideal for injuries like plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, or bursitis.

Athletic tape is applied in circular rings anchoring over the injury site to limit motion. Unidirectional kinesiology tape uses strips applied in ways that encourage lymphatic drainage for inflammation reduction. The stretch allows a full range of motion.

Both tapes have benefits if used judiciously for the right injuries and taping goals. Athletic tape immobilizes and offloads acute injuries. Kinesiology tape facilitates healing while permitting movement. Knowing when to use each can optimize recovery.

Finding the Best Prices on Mueller Athletic Tape Online

Mueller makes some of the best athletic tape available, trusted by pros and amateurs worldwide. But quality tape does come at a price. Here are some tips for finding the best deals on authentic Mueller tape online.

Check Mueller’s website first – they often run site-wide sales or product specials that discount their tape rolls. Sign up for their newsletter to receive discount codes. The company also sells factory seconds/blemished tapes at a steep discount on their clearance page, though selection is limited.

Look for free shipping offers when ordering direct. Shipping costs can add up when ordering team packs of tape rolls. Mueller offers free ground shipping on orders over $100. For expedited shipping, look for coupons from carriers like UPS and FedEx.

Check Amazon for deals, especially if you have Prime shipping. Compare prices across different vendors. Some may run periodic sales. Bundle smaller multi-packs instead of bulk cases to reach free shipping minimums.

Watch for coupons and cash-back offers through affiliate programs like Rakuten to offset costs. RetailMeNot and other coupon sites sometimes have codes for sports retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods that apply to Mueller tape purchases.

Buy previous year versions of discontinued tape while supplies last. Models like Mueller Green Athletic Tape still work fine though newer versions now exist. Closeout retailers often deeply discount past seasons’ colors/style.

Consider splitting bulk team orders with other teams to earn volume pricing discounts. Coaches can organize joint purchasing to save. Don’t over-purchase tape that might go unused though.

With some savvy shopping, it’s possible to find deals on premium Mueller athletic tape. Their quality and performance justify the investment for serious athletes. Take some time to search and compare prices across multiple vendors to keep your team covered, without paying more than necessary.

Important Factors When Choosing Athletic Tape

With so many athletic tape brands on the market, it can be tricky choosing what works best for your needs. Here are some key factors to consider:

Adhesion – The tape must stick firmly to skin without needing constant reapplication or adjustments. Sweat-resistant adhesive is crucial for sports use. Mueller tapes like Mueller M-Tape use zinc oxide for strong grip without irritation.

Elasticity – Tape that stretches slightly to wrap joints provides just the right compression and support without restricting mobility or circulation. Mueller MTape blends cotton with spandex for flex without sagging.

Strength – Athletic tape needs to stand up to tugging, motion, and impact without shredding or loosening. Synthetic non-woven tapes are more durable than basic cotton options for intense sports like football, MMA or basketball.

Breathability – Tape worn for hours gets hot, so breathable, moisture-wicking cotton fabrics like Mueller Kinesiology Tape keep skin cooler and drier to prevent itchiness. Avoid plastic or vinyl tapes that don’t breathe.

Comfort – Rigid tapes can restrict movement but tapes that are too stretchy provide little support. Find tape with tailored stretch for the body part you need to tape. Soft, non-abrasive fabric helps prevent irritation.

Convenience – Tapes that tear easily by hand without tools are convenient for quick taping. Those that unwind easily and don’t stick to themselves make taping hassle-free.

All Mueller tapes are subjected to rigorous testing for optimized performance in key areas like grip, flexibility, and comfort. Athletes can trust them to stay securely taped up for safer play and faster recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Athletic Tape

Athletic tape is a staple for many sports, but new athletes often have questions. Here are answers to some common FAQs.

How tight should athletic tape be applied?

Tape should be stretched 50-75% of its maximum while applying. This provides firm support without restricting circulation. Tape wrapped too loosely defeats the purpose while overly tight taping cuts off blood flow.

Can you get an allergic reaction to athletic tape?

Some people are sensitive to adhesives and get skin irritation from athletic tape. This is preventable by applying tape over underwrap, using hypoallergenic paper tape, and proper removal technique. Seek medical help for severe reactions.

How do you wrap athletic tape around fingers?

Tear strips of tape slightly longer than the finger. Anchor one end under the finger on the palm-side then wrap around the finger spirally up to the nail leaving the nail exposed. Wrap back over itself and finish off the palm again.

Can you shower with athletic tape on?

It’s best to keep tape dry and redo it afterward. But if needed, use waterproof vinyl tape or reinforce with plastic wrap. Avoid soaking taped areas long-term. Remove and re-tape after significant wetness.

How long can you leave athletic tape on between changing?

It depends on the location, sport, and activity level. Sweat and motion loosen tape faster. In general, athletic tape should be replaced every few days max, or sooner if peeling edges or reduced support are noticed.

Ask your athletic trainer or sports medicine doctor if you have additional questions about proper taping techniques and products like Mueller tape for your sport.

Alternatives to Athletic Tape like Compression Sleeves

While athletic tape is effective for injury support, alternatives like compression sleeves provide more convenience in certain situations.

Tape works well for short-term stabilization and protection right before or after athletic activity. However, taping and re-taping multiple times a day can become a hassle. Tape applied for too long also starts to loosen and require replacement.

Compression sleeves can be worn anytime, including under clothing for all-day use. They provide constant stability and pressure. Sleeves also hold up better than tape through showers, activity, and repetitive motion.

For chronic injuries like tennis elbow or patellar tendinitis, a compression sleeve lets an athlete train and compete with continuous pain relief and support. Rather than taping for just practices or games, the sleeve manages inflammation around the clock.

Velocity ankle sleeves offer side-to-side support and stability similar to an ankle tape job but without restricting plantarflexion/dorsiflexion. This makes them ideal for skaters or basketball players who need medial/lateral support but full flexion.

Knee sleeves compress and warm the joint for arthritis and tendinitis relief. They’re easier to take on and off than taping over the bend of the knee and won’t catch or come undone with movement.

That said, nothing immobilizes an acute injury like tape. It can create rigid support and structure that stabilizes vulnerable joints post-injury or surgery. For this purpose, tape is still an athletic training essential.

Consider combining tape and compression sleeves – taping right after injury or games for protection then using sleeves for daily stability. Alternating offers the versatility of both for injury prevention and non-restrictive support during training.

Final Tips for Getting the Most from Athletic Tape

Here are some final tips to help you maximize the benefits from quality athletic tape like Mueller brands:

– Always prepare skin properly by shaving hair, applying protective pre-wrap, and cleaning oil/dirt so tape adheres better.

– Test range of motion after taping to ensure flexibility isn’t overly restricted based on your sport.

– Carry extra tape to practice and games for quick repairs. Having it on-hand saves time versus re-taping entirely.

– Avoid getting tape wet as moisture compromises adhesion. Use waterproof vinyl tape if needed for water sports.

– Remove carefully by gently lifting tape edges rather than ripping it off to prevent skin trauma.

– Unwind and store used tape correctly on its original roll while keeping it slightly stretched.

– Inspect tape before reapplying and discard rolls with poor adhesion, loss of elasticity, fraying or stains.

– Start each season or tournament with new, fresh tape for optimal support and injury prevention.

– Consult your athletic trainer, physical therapist or sports medicine doctor for proper taping techniques specific to your sport and injury.

With the right taping practices, high-performance tape like Mueller can support weakened joints, prevent recurrent injuries, and improve athletic stamina and longevity throughout whole seasons and careers.

Buying Athletic Tape in Bulk for Team Sports

From youth leagues to pro teams, athletic tape is an essential supply for practices and game days. Buying quality tape like Mueller brands in bulk offers big savings for sports programs and athletic trainers.

Bulk cases of tape rolls provide enough supply for a full season of taping ankles, fingers, arches, and other body parts. Trainers don’t have to constantly reorder tape or worry about running out unexpectedly.

Mueller offers custom bulk packs of athletic tape in team colors/logos for unified appearance and branding. Having team tape builds pride and identity. It’s also easier to quickly ID taped players on the field.

Buying 20-50 roll cases provides volume pricing discounts, maximizing tight athletic program budgets. The per-roll cost drops significantly compared to individual retail packs. Shared orders between multiple teams increase savings further.

Bulk packs keep the training room stocked with fresh tape so players’ support and injury prevention doesn’t lapse. Old, worn out tape loses its grip and elasticity. Fresh tape ensures consistent stabilization and compression.

Ordering early before seasons start locks in the best bulk pricing. Custom team orders require 4-6 weeks lead time for production. Setting up accounts with vendors like Mueller also speeds reordering.

While bulk buying does require upfront budget, the tape savings over a whole season is significant. Partnering with booster clubs or parent groups can help fundraise bulk purchases.

For multi-sport high schools, ordering bulk tape for all teams prevents payng retail. Proper taping improves performance and safety for athletes while controlling costs.

Caring Tips – Applying, Removing and Reusing Athletic Tape

Getting the most out of quality athletic tape like Mueller brands requires proper application and care. Following some key tips will help the tape stay securely in place and last longer.

What is Athletic Tape and Why Athletes Use It

Athletic tape is a thin, stretchy, breathable cotton tape used to prevent injuries and provide joint support during sports. It has a myriad of uses for athletes.

Athletic tape stabilizes vulnerable joints like ankles, knees, and wrists by limiting range of motion. Taping an already injured ankle or sprained finger immobilizes the area to prevent further injury. The rigid support helps compensate for weakened tendons and ligaments.

Trainers also tape major joints prophylactically before practices and games. This protects injury-prone body parts before they get hurt. Basketball players often tape ankles preemptively to avoid rolls and sprains from abrupt cuts and jumps.

Tape also offloads stress from overworked tissue by compressing and supporting inflamed areas. Runners tape arch pain spots and tennis elbow sufferers tape forearm extensor muscles for relief. The compression reduces micro-tears that cause chronic pain.

By activating sensory receptors, athletic tape helps improve proprioception – awareness of joint position in space. This enhances mechanics, control and reaction time. Fighters tape wrists to better sense hand positioning. Quarterbacks tape throwing fingers to refine release points.

Tape provides heating benefits as well, especially kinesiology tape. The insulation effect increases blood flow to injured areas. This speeds recovery and healing through improved circulation.

Brands like Mueller design athletic tapes for specific body parts and injuries. Proper taping improves performance and prevents lost play time due to avoidable injuries. While taping methods vary by sport, high-quality tape is essential for athletes in all disciplines.