1. Chapter 11
Taping and Wrapping

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

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

15. 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

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