Taping is usually used for sports persons as an adjunct or temporary technique.
Most athletes,in the presence of an existing injury, often use taping as a protective mechanism. Taping restricts the movement of injured joints and soft tissue compression to reduce swelling. It is used to support anatomical structures, and also as protection from re-injury. Taping is also used as the means of rehabilitation or prophylaxis where support and stability are needed, as a first-aid tool, for the prevention of injury and protection of an injured anatomical structure while healing is taking place.
Physiotherapists use the tape to:
- ease pain
- improve joint stability
- boost athlete confidence
- limit injury reoccurrence
- prevent injury
- reduce strain on injured or sensitive tissues
- rectify improper biomechanics
- compress in the presence of edoema or lymphatic drainage
- impede muscle movement
- assist muscle motion
- enhance proprioception
Some of these goals could be achieved by using a combination of the following tape effects:
- consequences of mechanical nature
- psychological effects
- neuromuscular effects
There are several types of tape that can be used:
- Stiff strapping tape, often known as "sports tape" or "athletic tape," is a rigid type of strapping tape that is commonly used in taping or strapping.
- When less rigidity or support is necessary, elastic strapping tape can be utilised.
- Kinesiology tape is an upgraded kind of elastic sports tape that helps your muscles function more dynamically.
Tape can be used to:
- Stabilize and support an injury
- De-load fragile or uncomfortable structures to relieve pain.
- Make typical movement, muscle activation, or postural patterns easier to achieve.