Chapter Ten Sports taping

Learning outcomes

Correctly apply sports-taping knowledge and procedures of joints that are commonly injured during sport.

1. List contraindications and precautions for taping.

2. Demonstrate effective preventive taping of an ankle.

3. Demonstrate effective preventive taping of a thumb.

4. Demonstrate effective taping of fingers.

5. Demonstrate the safe removal of tape from an athlete.

6. For Level 2 Sports Trainers, demonstrate the application of effective preventive taping of the knee and shoulder.

Assessment of outcomes

Underpinning knowledge

You may be asked a number of written or oral questions related to precautions and contraindications for sports taping. You may also be asked to complete an online task or workbook with related activities.

Practical demonstration

You will be asked to demonstrate effective preventive taping of an athlete’s ankle, thumb and fingers. For the Level 2 Sports Trainer course, you will also be asked to demonstrate preventive taping for the knee and shoulder joints.

You will be asked to demonstrate the safe removal of tape from an athlete.

Scenario

You may be asked to perform preventive taping of a number of athletes in a simulated sporting environment.

Introduction

Taping is a skill commonly used by sports trainers to prevent injury and reduce the severity of injury. It involves the application of non-elastic (rigid) or elastic adhesive tape to restrict the range of movement at a particular joint. Historically, taping has been an important part of the sports trainer’s role. Sports trainers must be proficient in this area of expertise at all times.

Aims of taping

The aim of taping is to:

prevent injury

limit further injury

provide support

limit pain

limit specific movements at a joint

allow desired movements at a joint.

Taping a joint to prevent injury should not replace a strengthening or rehabilitation program. Tape provides additional support only; it cannot replace the stability provided by natural structures. Thus, if an injury or joint weakness is present a rehabilitation program provided by a health professional is necessary.

Only trained personnel, such as a sports trainer or physiotherapist, should apply adhesive tape. Taping that is applied incorrectly may aggravate an existing injury or cause a new injury.

Materials

Adhesive tape

Modern adhesive tapes can be non-elastic (rigid) or elastic and have a number of qualities that make them suitable for use in sport and for treatment of sports injuries. They possess a uniform adhesive mass and relative strength and are lightweight. All these qualities are of value in supporting injured joints and holding wound dressings in place.

Tape grade

Rigid adhesive tape is often graded according to the number of longitudinal and vertical fibres per centimetre of backing material. The heavier and more expensive tapes contain more strengthening fibres than the lighter and less expensive tapes. However, a lighter tape may prove more suitable for those athletes with sensitive skin.

Rigid adhesive tape

Rigid adhesive tape is the most commonly used tape for prevention of injury. This tape is available in a variety of widths, such as 12 mm, 25 mm, 38 mm and 50 mm. It is important for the correct size to be used for each specific taping procedure.

Figure 10.1 Rigid adhesive tape

Elastic adhesive tape

Elastic adhesive tape is also sometimes used in sports medicine. Elastic adhesive tape stretches and readily conforms to uneven surfaces. There are many different products sold under different names and with differing claimed or intended benefits. Some forms of elastic adhesive tape are not intended to limit joint movement in the same way as rigid sports tape; they use the elastic properties of the tape to assist muscle activity or stimulate some other physiological processes. Other types of elastic adhesive tape can be used for holding dressings in place and covering tape/dressings on irregularly shaped surfaces. Elastic adhesive tape is available in a variety of thicknesses and with widths ranging from 15 to 100 mm.

Care should be taken not to apply elastic adhesive tape too tightly as it can impair circulation; it should not be used on joints to restrict the range of motion due to the risk of it being applied too tightly.

Rigid adhesive tape prevents ankle, thumb and finger sprains more effectively than elastic adhesive tape when used correctly.

Tape storage

When storing tape, a sports trainer must ensure that it is:

stored in a cool place (such as a low cupboard)

stacked so that it rests on its flat side so that it does not become distorted.

Tape characteristics

All adhesive tape should:

maintain its adherence to the skin despite perspiration and activity

contain as few skin irritants as possible

be able to be removed without leaving a residue on the skin or pulling away the skin.

Tape selection

Adhesive tape should be selected according to:

the size of the athlete

the size of the joint being taped

– narrower tape is better for smaller joints such as fingers and thumbs

– wider tape is better for large joints such as the ankle and shoulder

the duration and type of activity.

Associated materials that may assist taping

Elastic under-wrap

Some athletes may be allergic or sensitive to the adhesive on the tape. Always ask the athlete if they have used tape before and if they reacted to it. If this is the case and the athlete wants to proceed with the taping, gain consent and cover the area to be taped with an elastic under-wrap.

Figure 10.2 Tapes and associated materials

To enhance the effectiveness of taping over under-wrap:

the area must be free of body hair

if gauze pads are to be used, apply them as described in the section below.

Using under-wrap can reduce the effectiveness of the taping.

Gauze pads

Areas where the skin is loose to allow movement are susceptible to cuts from tape. The most commonly cut areas are over the Achilles tendon and across the anterior aspect of the ankle joint. A small amount of petroleum jelly and then a gauze pad can be applied to these areas prior to taping to prevent tape cuts. If there is a tape cut or any other skin injury in the area to be taped, it is essential that the wound be covered with gauze pads prior to taping.

Cushioning foam

Foam may be used to prevent blisters or to cushion tender areas due to large bumps (protuberances), such as the malleoli on each side of the ankle joint. When applying foam, cut a horseshoe or doughnut-shaped ring and place it over the bump to take the pressure off the highest point.

Tape adhesive

Spray-on tape adhesive is often used to ensure the tape is effective, especially when the athlete sweats or is likely to get wet. Use it with caution as it often has a strong odour and can be toxic if inhaled.

Tape remover

Tape remover is a spray-on or soaking solution that allows tape to be removed easily.

Using adhesive tape for sports injuries

When using adhesive tape for sports injuries, the main considerations for sports trainers are:

preparation for taping

appropriate positioning of the athlete for the body area to be taped

the proper application and method of taping

tearing the adhesive tape

post-taping checks and warning the athlete regarding precautions

removing the tape.

Preparation for taping

Applying adhesive tape directly onto the skin provides maximum support. To provide maximum support to the athlete, ensure:

the application area is clean and dry with no dirt, oil or lotions

hair has been removed from the application area at least 12 hours prior to taping if possible

padding has been applied to areas that require protection

tape is only applied when the application area is at normal body temperature

a tape adhesive is applied if additional adhesion is required

under-wrap is applied if the athlete is allergic or sensitive to the adhesive on the tape

the area is free of body hair when applying under-wrap and tape adhesive is used prior to applying it.

Appropriate positioning of the athlete for the body area to be taped

For the best possible application of tape, it is important to ensure the body area to be taped is placed in an optimal position to enable the required movement or restrict it, as applicable. The athlete needs to be positioned so that they are safe and comfortable. They should be encouraged to maintain their position during the taping application as movement of the area being taped may render the taping technique ineffective.

Proper application and method of taping

There are many considerations and opinions on the best taping technique. It is, however, important to consider the following in all instances:

Select appropriate sized tape for the area and for the degree of restriction of movement required.

Place the joint in the appropriate position to achieve your objective.

If taping over a muscle, allow for contraction and expansion of the area.

Avoid continuous taping. Make one circle at a time to prevent constriction.

Overlap the tape by a half to a third of the width of the tape below.

Tape from the roll whenever possible. Tape laid from the roll will conform to the area better and your speed, proficiency and efficiency will be improved.

When taping from the roll, ensure the tape is laid on and smoothed out and not pulled too tightly.

Allow the tape to fit the contours of the area. Rigid tape will not bend around acute angles. Do not allow wrinkles or gaps as they will irritate or cut the skin.

Start taping with an ‘anchor’ piece. The anchor provides a stable base for the strips that follow.

Finish with a ‘lock’ piece. The lock ensures the supporting strips will not peel away during activity.

Tearing adhesive tape

Sports trainers use a variety of different methods for tearing adhesive tape. Whichever method is used, the sports trainer should be able to keep the tape roll in their hand most of the time. The following is a suggested procedure:

1. Hold the tape roll in the preferred hand with the index finger pressing its outer edge.

2. With the other hand, grasp the loose end between the thumb and the index finger.

3. With both hands in place, pull both ends of the tape so that it is tight.

4. Next, make a quick, scissor-like move to tear the tape. In tearing tape, the movement of one hand is away from the body and that of the other hand is towards the body. Do not try to twist or bend the tape in attempting to tear it.

Some people do not possess the strength or skill to tear tape effectively or the tape may be too rigid to tear manually. In this case, using a knife, scissors or razor blade may be warranted. Ensure such items are used with care around athletes to prevent unnecessary injury.

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