It takes about 1 week and 3 days till I felt better. I was very sore after surgery I actually thought a rib was broken. The worst was I had a reaction to the tape. Solid red back which burned and itching. It caused a lot of discomfort. I called but the person that answered the phone took it lightly. Oh that happens a lot! Just use Benadryl which did not help and I even take alprazolam to sleep. Someone local gave me prednisone and I used and aloe lotion.