Chapter 21 Taping and Wrapping

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

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

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

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 Taping or wrapping is probably too tight and must be redone to the athlete’s recommendations

Taping Guidelines Taping is best directly on shaved skin Prevent irritated skin Use underwrap and skin adherent prior to taping Make sure the athlete is not allergic to the tape or skin adherent

Taping Guidelines Area to be taped should be clean and dry Any oil on the skin should be removed Cover all cuts and blisters with an adhesive bandage containing some type of skin lubricant

Taping Guidelines Skin lubricant and foam padding Should be applied on any friction or pressure areas before applying underwrap

Problems for the Inexperienced Taper When tape folds over 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

Problems for the Inexperienced Taper 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 Allows it to slide under the edge of the tape Move scissors along natural channels Avoid bony prominences

Removal of Adhesive Tape Careful observation while removing tape Allows trainer to stop if there appears to be evidence of blistering or skin being pulled off with the tape

Most Common Areas for Taping Trainer will stabilize these areas most often by strapping or taping Require much practice Basic ankle strapping Combination elastic and non-elastic tape ankle strapping Lower tibia taping

Most Common Areas for Taping Turf toe strapping Arch taping Basic knee strapping Achilles tendon taping Elbow taping Wrist strapping

Most Common Areas for Taping Simple thumb taping Basic ankle wrapping Calf and knee wrapping Calf wrap Knee wrap Wrapping the thigh, groin and back Hamstring/quadriceps wrap

Most Common Areas for Taping Wrapping of elbow, hand, and thumb Finger taping Restriction of thumb flexion, extension, and abduction Applying moleskin