Strapping Tape is quite essential when athletes partake in sporting activities. The constant exercise and training is a great way to condition the body, however it is very important to take precautionary measures to avoiding injuries. By using good sports strapping methods, weak joints and muscles get the added support to keep them sound.
How to Best Apply Strapping Tape:
Locate Troubled Area on the Joints
Locate the troubled areas on the joints. The best way to proficiently tape weak ankles and wrists is with precision. When engaging in sporting activities, one needs to have a full understanding of the injury, in order to tape accordingly.
Aim To Avoid Injury
The aim is to avoid the injury, and not to treat it after it happens. This is why applying Sports Tape is so important prior to playing a sport such as football. One could easily injury an already weakened ankle or wrist without the right strapping tape.
Tape in one Direction
Always remember to tape in one single direction. The Strapping Tape should be applied far enough above the joint to secure it, but not too far. Adding pre-wrap prior to applying the adhesive tape is a great way to protect the skin but not always necessary.
Not too Tight
Remember to never apply tape too tight as to constrict blood flow, allow for some controlled movement of the joints being treated. Many top trainers are very knowledgeable about inner workings of muscle and joint weakness. They can best develop great techniques for taping to avoid injury.
Even Strapping Tape Overlap
It is important to apply the Strapping Tape evenly by wrapping the tape about the same thickness above and over like a figure “8”. This is called the “basket weave” technique.
In conclusion, if for some reason you are not sure how many layers to apply, or are confused about which direction to roll, it’s always best to get advice from the pro’s such as Physios, Trainers or your Doctor.
Liked this phrase ” The aim is to avoid the injury, and not to treat it after it happens” . The medical fraternity would be well advised to note this as opposed to treating the symptoms.
I too like the phrase “The aim is to avoid the injury, and not to treat it after it happens”.
As a frequent runner I have had the odd injury over the years & know just how important it is to take the necessary precautions in order to avoid running related injuries. Luckily I have not suffered anything serious so far & I intend to keep it that way!
Using strapping tape is a great way to protect ankles & joints by giving them added support during physical activities : )
Hi Sporty,
Thanks for the excellent tips. I use strapping tape to support any injuries I have. I find that it really gives that little bit of extra support to weak joints.
I try to use the ‘Figure 8’ method but I still can’t tape my own ankle as well as the physio. 🙂
I’m not an athlete but I can definately see the importance of applying strapping tape to avoid injury. Professionals put their bodies through some really tough things and anything to help them is an advantage.
Thank you for this post on the need to use strapping tape and how to apply it correctly. Being in the dance and fitness industry, I know a lot of dancers in our studio use it to prevent or alleviate injuries. It is an essential item in our First Aid Kit!
One of my sons has trouble with his an ankle when playing sport. My attempts at strapping look rather feeble to the way it should be done. The graphic is really helpful.
Hello Sport Strap,
As a mum who has a 16 year old and who loves all sports, we have used lots of strapping tape over the last 7 or more years. He always seems to hurt either his foot or his knee when plays sports, but I did not realise how important it was to strap it before a game.
Great tips that I will need to pass on to my son.
Cheers
Lisa
I can definately see the benefits in sports strapping tape, especially for athletes at an elite level, it can mean the difference between playing on, or game over.