1. Wrapping In Athletics

2. If done incorrectly you can cause further injury
Unless you have been thoroughly trained on how to wrap and tape injuries you should NOT do it
If done incorrectly you can cause further injury
If you want to tape athletes you MUST have additional classes/training)
Always have a certified sports medicine professional tape, wrap, or care for an injury

3. Reasoning Behind Taping/Wrapping In Athletics
Support and stability
Restriction
Compression
Injury prevention
Secure padding or brace
Protection
Emotional support
NEVER to substitute rehab

4. Things to consider…. Type of tape/wrap to use Evaluation
Preparation of site
Application
Evaluation
Type of injury
Severity
Location
Type of athlete
Anatomical variation
History

5. Elastic Wraps Used for: Various sizes and lengths Support Compression
Secure dressing/ice
Less restrictive
Create ‘X’ pattern
Used for:

6. Elastic Wrap Application
Circle body part for anchor
Distally -> proximally
Position of muscle contraction
More turns = better
Overlap by ½
Secure with clips/tape
Check circulation

7. Commonly wrapped areas:
Ankle Spica
ankle in neutral,
Metatarsal arch
Figure 8
moderate pressure and loosen as you move up the leg
Heel covered
Each spica is overlapped by ½
PRACTICE!

8. Commonly wrapped areas:
Shoulder Spica
Anchor around upper arm
“Dog ear” – edge sticks out 2-3”
Around chest and under unaffected upper arm, across back
Around upper arm again – overlap by at least ½
Back to anchor
AC joint sprain – wrap should cross directly over joint

9. Commonly wrapped areas:
Elbow Figure 8
Distally -> Proximally
Anchor over posterior aspect of elbow
Figure 8 crossing antecubital fossa
Overlap by ½
Back to anchor
Hand and Wrist Figure 8
Anchor around palm
Obliquely around hand and wrist back to anchor

10. Commonly wrapped areas:
Spiral Wrap
Hamstrings/Quadriceps/Lower Leg
- standing with leg forward
- distally -> proximally
- lock with circular turns

11. Commonly wrapped areas
Adductor Strain (groin)

12. Review
What is the purpose of using elastic wraps?