1. Introduction to Taping

2. What is tape used for?
Protecting against acute injuries is a major use of tape support
Protection from chronic re-injury

3. Types of Tape
White Cotton
Stretch Tape

4. 4 Things to Consider Regarding Tape

5. 1) Tape Grade Number of longitudinal and vertical fibers per inch
Heavier = Costly
Lighter = Cheaper

6. 2) Adhesive Mass – “Glue”
Adhere easily when applied
Maintain adherence with sweating & activity
Contain few irritants
Remove easily without leaving a mass of residue
Shouldn’t pull skin

7. 3) Winding Tension Unwinding tension should be even and constant
Shouldn’t require extra effort to unwind
Cheaper tapes start off ok, but become more difficult to pull off towards the center of the roll
Throw it away – not cost effective

8. 4) Tensile Strength Tape Strength
Primary role of tape is to prevent injuries or to support existing injuries
Tape needs to be strong enough NOT to tear/rip under activity

9. Tape Storage Store in a cool place Store in a dry area
Extreme temperatures will cause changes in adhesive
Too Cold – Lose Adhesive Mass – No Stickiness
Too Hot – Adhesiveness Mass turns to goo
Store in a dry area
Moisture will cause mildew to form
Stack so that the tape rests on its flat top or bottom
Avoids distortion

10. White Cotton Linen Adhesive Tape
Very adaptable
Most common tape in the Training Room
Variety of sizes - 1", 1.5" and 2"
White and porous

11. Used for support & stabilization Used to secure Wound Dressings
Used to secure Equipment
Cost is roughly
$55-65/Case
32rolls/Case
Attempt to get 2 ankles per roll

12. Stretch Tape Conforming Qualities Used on small angular body parts
Used in conjunction with linen tape
2 basic types

13. Elastikon Conform Elastic Used for Support/Flexibility
Higher Tensile Strength than linen
Expensive
$120 Case
Conform
Holds protective equipment
Used with acute swelling
Expensive
$75 case

14. NOTE
SUPPORTIVE TAPE IMPROPERLY APPLIED CAN AGGRAVATE AN EXISTING INJURY OR DISRUPT THE MECHANICS OF A BODY PART, CAUSING AN INITIAL INJURY OR FURTHER INJURY TO OCCUR!

15. Basic Rules When Using Adhesive Tape

16. Keep area clean
Dress any wounds or blisters
Keep body part in proper position
Note if athlete is allergic to tape or tape adherent

17. If the athlete is taped directly to the skin
Shave area to be taped
Apply tape adherent
Apply skin lube to area where tape will be cut off
Apply protective padding, to reduce friction, to critical areas

18. If the athlete prefers not to shave
Apply tape adherent
Apply protective padding, to reduce friction, if needed
Apply layer of underwrap
Cover part to be taped
Apply only a thin layer

19. The Commandments of Tape Application

20. Body Part Must Be In the Correct Position
Joint must be in a position of stabilization
Consider your objective (reason for taping)
Must allow for muscle expansion and contraction
DON'T TAPE TOO TIGHT!

21. Always Overlap Tape One-Half the Width
This adds to the strength of the overall taping

22. Avoid Continuous Taping
Gets too tight and constrictive
Conform is the exception
KEEP AN EYE ON TIGHTNESS!

23. Keep the Tape in Your Hand
Don't worry about speed
It will come as you practice
When tearing, keep the end up
This gives you something to grasp for the next piece

24. Tape Must Fit To the Natural Contours of the Body
Pay attention to the angles of the body part
Tape Must Lie Smoothly On the Body Part
Wrinkles are often due to taping too fast or forcing the tape
Wrinkles will cause discomfort to athlete
cuts or blisters

25. Start with an anchor & End with a cover strip
Facilitates stabilization

26. Always Strive for Perfection
Learn from your mistakes!
Don’t repeat them
Watch others tape!
Learn from their failures and successes
Don’t worry about speed!
Practice to be perfect
When you have it – the speed will come

27. Taping: Why & When

28. Taping an extremity should be used to:
Taping should never be looked upon as a substitute for any part of a complete rehabilitation program.
Taping an extremity should be used to:
Hold pads in Place
Minimize unwanted joint movement
Provide support for tendons and ligaments
Reduce stress to the region injured

29. Taping should be used as part of the INJURY PREVENTION TREATMENT program to reduce the risk of injury or re-injury from reoccurring.
Taping should only be done under the SUPERVISION of an ATC

30. In Conclusion