Chapter 11 Taping and Wrapping

Uses of Tape for Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries Temporarily or permanently closing lacerations Preventing blisters on areas of skin exposed to repeated friction Holding bandages, pads, dressings and splinting devices in place Securing splints for small fractures

Uses of Tape for Prevention and Treatment of Athletic Injuries Supporting bony anatomy and relieving stress on adjacent or supportive soft tissue Restricting motion to support and eliminate stress on ligaments Restriction of motion and compression to support muscle, tendon or stress injuries

Warning! If pain or soreness doesn’t decrease or go away, further evaluation and diagnosis will be needed. Adequate circulation is crucial.

Warning! If extremity changes color or starts to get cold, the taping or wrapping is probably too tight and must be redone to the athlete’s recommendations.

The Safe and Proper Use of Athletic Adhesive Tapes Prophylactic strapping of ankle Greatest single use of adhesive tape Tape must be applied with ease, speed, and consistency. Tape must afford protection and stability to the part being strapped.

Taping Guidelines The best taping procedure is done directly on shaved skin. Taping every day may cause the skin to become irritated. Use underwrap and skin adherent prior to taping. Make sure the athlete is not allergic to the tape or skin adherent.

Taping Guidelines The area to be taped should be clean and dry; remove all oils from the skin. Cover all cuts and blisters with an adhesive bandage containing some type of skin lubricant. Apply skin lubricant and foam padding on friction or pressure areas before applying underwrap.

Taping Pitfalls to Avoid If tape folds over, it is difficult to tear at the fold. Use scissors or tear the tape at a fresh edge. Turning corners over irregular anatomy can be a challenge.

Taping Pitfalls to Avoid Keeping tape smooth and wrinkle-free can be difficult. Inexperience can lead to the tape being too loose or too tight.

Removal of Adhesive Tape Use bandage scissors or a special tape cutter. Lubricant on the blunt edge of the scissors or cutter will allow sliding under the edge of the tape with ease. Move the scissors or cutter along natural channels or areas of greatest soft-tissue cushion. Avoid bony prominences.

Removal of Adhesive Tape Peel the tape off directly back against itself at an angle as close to 180° as possible. Careful observation allows the trainer to stop if evidence of blistering or skin being pulled off with the tape is seen.

Common Areas for Taping Basic ankle strapping Combination elastic and nonelastic tape ankle strapping Lower tibia taping Turf toe taping Arch taping Basic knee strapping Achilles tendon taping

Common Areas for Taping Elbow taping Wrist strapping Thumb taping Finger taping Restriction of thumb flexion, extension, and abduction Basic ankle wrapping

Common Areas for Taping Calf and knee wrapping Gastrocnemius (calf) wrap Knee wrap Thigh, groin and back wrapping Hamstring/quadriceps wrap Elbow, hand, and thumb wrapping Moleskin application Kinesio taping

Taping Supplies Establish a budget and understand the supplies needed. Use the athletic training pyramid.