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.