Strapping & Sports Tape
When should you use strapping/sports tape?
Taping and strapping can be used to restrict potentially harmful movements. This is best done with an adhesive non-stretch/rigid tape.
The two main applications are:
Injury prevention: Examples of this may be taping a shoulder in an AFL player or an ankle in a basketball player. Although the tape inevitably loses its rigidity through the course of a game, taping has been shown to improve proprioception. Whether it’s considered placebo or not, many athletes feel the strapping provides the support and confidence they need to play at a high level.
Injury management: Tape can also be applied during the rehabilitation phase. Using the example of a basketball player with a rolled ankle, taping can eventually be used to immobilise the joint and allow the sprained ligament(s) to heal. Taping may also allow the individual to walk with less pain.
Elastic tapes, such as K-Tape, do not provide any joint restriction. Instead, their application can be to facilitate movement. As with rigid tape, the benefits seem to be related to increases in proprioception.
Taping is never used in isolation as we do not want to rely on external supports for joint stability. Progressive active rehabilitation is always the gold standard. But tape may have a place in giving you the extra confidence you need to play.
- Brisbane Physiotherapy 💚
References: Brukner & Khan, Clinical Sports Medicine
