1. INTRODUCTION TO TAPING & WRAPPING
SPORTS MEDICINE

2. PREVENTION & TREATMENT of athletic injuries!!!
Why tape & wrap?
PREVENTION & TREATMENT of athletic injuries!!!
Temporarily cover a cut or wound.
Prevent blisters.
Hold bandages, protective pads, dressings, and splints.
Secure splints for sprains or fractures.
Support.
Restrict motion to provide support and eliminate stress on ligaments.
Protect from injury or re-injury.
Compression to reduce swelling.

3. Step #1 – know the reason you are taping!!

4. Steps for success for taping & wrapping
FIRST, determine WHY you are taping.
Ask the athlete if they have any allergies to tape or skin adherent.
Make sure the area is clean and dry (Best results on shaved skin).
Select the appropriate type of tape (Elastic, Stretch, Athletic).
Properly position yourself, your patient, and the body part.
Apply the correct technique
Instruct your patient on how to remove the tape or wrap and give any further instructions needed.

5. Why is proficient taping important?
Taping is one of them most visible skills of an ATC.
An ATC skilled in the art of taping quickly earns a patient’s confidence and trust.

6. Different types of tape

7. Elastic bandage wrap (ace)
Used to provide compression for an injury (Example: ankle sprain).
Decreases swelling and provides support.
Always start distally (near the toes), then work proximal.
This pushes swelling away from the extremities into the core of the body to be absorbed.

8. Elastic bandage wrap steps

9. Thumb/Wrist Wrapping

10. Thumb/wrist wrapping

11. Taping terms/vocabulary
Anchor = establish the framework for a tape job. Small amount should lay on the skin.

12. Taping terms/vocabulary
Stirrup = supports the injured structure, limits lateral and medial movement.

13. Taping terms/vocabulary
Horseshoe = supports the injured structure, limits lateral and medial movement.

14. Taping terms/vocabulary
Figure Eight = Reinforce a joint, covers open spaces, covers tape ends.

15. Taping terms/vocabulary
Heel Lock = Reinforce a joint stability, but allows functional movement.

16. Taping terms/vocabulary
Closing = Cover open areas to decrease blisters, and unraveling of tape.

17. Taping rules Purpose: Every piece of tape must have a purpose.
Position: Have proper patient position and ATC position.
Overlapping & Tape Ends: Overlap ½ the width of what is below. If you don’t overlap tape will separate and cause friction, leading to blisters.
Close all loose ends.
Keep the tape in your hand at all times.
Smooth and mold the tape as you go.
Angles: Don’t force angles! Let the tape go with the angles of the body.
All taping techniques start with anchor and finish with a lock or closing.
Tape Timing: Tape closest to the game/practice as possible, but not too soon. Tape too long in advance – too loose. Tape too close – too tight

18. Practice makes perfect!