Taping & Strapping

Taping and Strapping

  The application of tape to injured soft tissues and joints provides support and protection for these structures and minimises pain and swelling in the acute stage.
  Tape should reinforce the normal supportive structures in their relaxed position and protect the injured tissues from further damage. Many different techniques are used for injury prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, proprioception and sport.
  Initially, tape is applied to protect the injured structure, during the treatment and rehabilitation programme; To hold dressings and pads in placeTo compress recent injuries, thus reducing bleeding and swellingTo protect from further injury by supporting ligaments, tendons and musclesTo limit unwanted joint movementTo allow optimal healing without stressing the injured structuresTo protect and support the injured structure in a functional position during the exercise, strengthening and proprioceptive programme.

Taping is not a substitute for treatment and rehabilitation but is an adjunct to the total–injury–care programme. On return to activity the injured area is still at risk. Re–injury can be prevented by taping the weakened area, with the aim of restricting joint and muscle movement to within safe limits. This allows performance with confidence. Lax and hyper mobile joints may also be supported with adhesive tape in order to reduce the risk of injury during sport.

Purposes of Taping and Bracing Support of the ligaments and capsule of unstable joints by limiting excessive or abnormal anatomical movement.Enhance proprioceptive feedback from the limb or jointSupport injuries to the muscle–tendon units by compressing and limiting movementSecure protective pads, dressings and splints.