How Sports Strapping or Taping Works

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a weekend warrior, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of preparing for a game, match, or race. However, as the sports season kicks off, so does the increased risk of injuries. This is where sports strapping or taping steps in. Strapping with an adhesive tape like the Bodichek® Sports Strapping Tape equips athletes with a valuable tool to help prevent injuries and manage recovery. But how does it work?

Sports tapes provide enhanced stability by securely wrapping around joints, muscles, and ligaments. This stability not only reduces the risk of injury during physical activity but also allows athletes to perform with confidence. The strong adhesive tape also means that it can stay in place and withstand the demands of rigorous physical activities.

Guide To Proper Taping Techniques

In the realm of sports, ankle and knee injuries are prevalent and debilitating. Whether it’s a sprain, strain, or ligament damage, these injuries can significantly impact an athlete’s performance and overall well-being. Proper taping techniques are essential, whether it’s to prevent an injury or support recovery from one, to allow athletes stay in top form and get back in the game.

Step-By-Step Guide To Taping An Ankle

1. Clean and dry the ankle area to ensure proper adhesion of the strapping tape.
2. Apply anchor strips above the ankle bone. Anchors are used to provide an attachment point for all of the strapping tape pieces as they are applied during the process. Bodichek Sports Strapping Tape or fixation tapes can be used as an anchor.
3. Apply the stirrups by tearing off a length of sports strapping tape, long enough to wrap from one side of the ankle to the other side and to reach the anchor point. Alternatively adhere the tape to the anchor and then pull the tape roll under the ankle as shown and tear off the other sides. It’s ideal to apply 3 stirrups in this application. The second stirrup should be approximately 25% overlapping and the 3rd overlapping both the 1st and 2nd layer.
4. Prepare a figure 6 pattern and repeat both medially (from the inside), and laterally (from the outside). Ensure the tape is firmly applied and adheres to the skin and there are no folds or significant creases in the tape application.
5. Prepare a heel lock and repeat on both sides for mild to moderate sprains. Start again on the medial (inside of the ankle) and follow around the ankle and heel as shown in the video, following the tape line and finishing over where the tape started. Repeat this on the lateral side and ensure to pat down all tape between each heel lock and when finished.
6. Place an additional anchor to secure all tape in the same position as the first lock.

For additional support, especially in more acute situations, apply an Elastic Adhesive Bandage in either 50 or 75mm width on top of the taped ankle. Use a figure 8 pattern to cover the entire area and finish over the anchor point for added stability.

Step-By-Step Guide To Taping A Knee Injury

1. Clean and dry the knee area to ensure proper adhesion of the strapping tape.
2. Prepare the anchor strips. Tear off two lengths of either a Bodichek Sports Strapping Tape or fixation tape. The top strip should be long enough to go around the lower part of the thigh, while the bottom strip should be long enough to go around the calf.
3. Apply two lengths of sports strapping tape firmly to go over each of the anchor strips in Step 2.
4. Tear off a length of tape, long enough to wrap from one side of the first anchor across the knee and adhere to the other anchor, resembling a J formation. Repeat 2 – 3 times each way, alternating the direction of the taping, applying a reasonable amount of pressure with each taping.
5. Following the same taping method, cover with Elastic Cohesive Bandage or Cohesive Bandage, avoiding the back knee joint. Secure the edges with the sports strapping tape to prevent bandages from coming loose.

Medical Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any injury or condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider before using any strapping or taping techniques, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or concerns. Please do not dismiss or delay seeking professional medical advice based on the content of this blog. The information provided in this blog is based on general principles and may not be suitable for every individual.