Bandaging and Taping Techniques

Reasons to Bandage and Tape Injury prevention Provide compression to minimize swelling Provide additional support to an injured structure Decreases range of motion (ROM)

Should never be used as a substitute for rehabilitation Bandaging and Taping Should never be used as a substitute for rehabilitation Rehab must be done to correct the problem and strengthen the area

Today and tomorrow… BANDAGING!  Later this week… TAPING! 

Elastic Bandages Reasons to use elastic bandage (Ace wrap) Compression of acute injuries – limit swelling Secure dressing/pad or ice pack Provide support to injured soft tissue structure

Length and width of bandages vary Lengths Single (5 or 6 yds) Double (10 yds) Widths – 2”, 4”, 6”

Elastic Bandage Application Pressure and tension should be even Body part should be flexed when wrapped Keeps wrap from being too tight Check circulation signs that it is too tight: cold extremities, blue fingers/toes, and tingling

Elastic Bandage Application Create an anchor: “dog ear” the first corner - corner should stick out 2-3 inches and fold it down over the bandage and cover it with next wrap

Elastic Bandage Application When wrapping to prevent swelling: Wrap distal to proximal “Push” the swelling towards the heart Overlap the bandage about ½ way each time Leave no gaps! Swelling will find its way to the gaps!

Types of Wraps: Ankle and foot spica Spiral Compression Compression with X Hip spica Groin Hip flexor Shoulder spica Elbow figure-eight Hand and wrist figure-eight

How can we prevent this swelling following an ankle injury?!

Spiral Compression Wrap Uses: Prevent Swelling Steps: Start distalproximal: “Pushing” swelling towards the heart If wrap is long, wrap back down toward starting point Hold end of wrap in place with tape Can use a foam or felt horseshoe pad underneath compression wrap to increase compression on area of swelling

How can we support this muscle strain?!

Compression Wrap with X’s Uses: Support muscle strain (calf, quad, hamstring) Steps: Anchor distally at smallest part Create X’s over the muscle strain by making the wrap go up and then down Use tape to hold end of wrap in place Can put a piece of rolled tape between skin and bandage to hold in place

How can we stabilize an injured joint?!

Elbow Figure 8 Uses: Stabilize elbow joint Position: elbow flexed 45-90 degrees and biceps flexed Steps: Anchor: wrap around the forearm 1-2 times Wrap diagonally upward across the front of the elbow; wrap 1 ½ times around the upper arm Wrap diagonally downward across the front of the elbow and 1 ½ times around the forearm Repeat; overlap the bandage each time moving more proximal each time

Hand/Fingers Figure 8 Uses: Stabilize wrist/hand Steps: Anchor: wrap around the palm 1-2 times Wrap diagonally across the hand and around the wrist Wrap diagonally across the hand and back around the palm Repeat as many times as needed

Spica: a bandage wrapped in a figure-eight pattern with one of the loops being larger than the other: Ankle/foot spica Hip spica Shoulder spica

Ankle/Foot Spica Uses: compression, hold pad or dressing, stabilization Size: 2- or 3-inch wrap (single) Position: sitting with foot extended over table edge Steps: Anchor at metatarsal arch Across instep (top of foot), around heel, back to start Repeat several times & overlap bandage about ½ way moving up the foot and toward the calf

Hip Spica – Hip Flexor Strain Uses: Supports hip flexor strain – helps lift the leg Size: 6-inch wrap (double length) Position: stand with weight on other leg, injured leg relaxed, slightly externally rotated and flexed Steps: Anchor: start at top of thigh and wrap laterally around thigh and back to start Pull the wrap “up and out,” go behind the back and around the abdomen staying below the belly button Go across the anterior (front) of the thigh and repeat the same pattern Secure the elastic wrap with tape Watch Video Remember pull “up and out” because it helps pull the leg up.

Hip Spica – Groin Strain Uses: Supports groin and adductor muscles – helps move the leg medially Size: 6-inch wrap (double length) Position: stand with weight on other leg, injured leg relaxed and internally rotated Steps: Anchor: start at top of thigh and wrap medially (toward middle) and around thigh and back to start Pull wrap across the abdomen and over iliac crest on opposite side Go around the back and then down and “in” across the front of the thigh toward the groin. Repeat the pattern Secure the elastic wrap with tape Watch video Remember pull “in” because the groin moves the leg in to the middle

Shoulder Spica – to prevent external rotation Uses: Supports muscles and joint Size: 6-inch wrap (double length) Position: standing in “tea pot” position Steps: Anchor: wrap 1 time around the upper arm – roll is going in toward the chest Pull wrap across the chest, under the unaffected arm, & across the back to the shoulder After crossing the top shoulder, go around the front or anterior side of the arm to the starting point and repeat Secure the elastic wrap with tape Flex Bicep muscle and take deep breath so it won’t be too tight Watch Video