TAPING C The first strip of StrappalTM starts from

the distal anchor, on the medial aspect, then goes along the medial border of the foot, around the back of the heel.

Continue along the lateral

border of the foot, returning to the same anchor (Fig.1)

D Start medially from the proximal anchor. Form a stirrup by taking this strip down under the heel and pulling up laterally to finish on the lateral side of the proximal anchor. The tape should not lie flat against the lateral side of the calf

E The next strips are copies of (c) and (d), interwoven to give the basket weave effect. Take each successive horizontal strip progressively higher by 1/2 a strip (Fig.2)

F Cover the whole basket weave with 7.5cm ElastoplastTM

, commencing on

the dorsurn of the lower anchor, 50 per cent overlapping the bandage to the upper anchor (Fig.3 & 4)

(OPTION – Basket weave could be ‘closed in’ with separate horizontal strips of StrappalTM

)

Ankle locks

Indications: The ankle locks are used on lateral ligament sprains (lateral ‘heel lock’), medial ligament sprains (medial ‘heel lock’), or general ankle laxity (both sides). The locks can be used on the pitch on lesser injuries to allow the player to continue. They may also be used during rehabilitation or for chronic ankle problems if less support is needed than is provided by the basket weave technique.

Tape: • 1 x 4cm or 2.5cm StrappalTM

tape

• 1 x 5cm ElastoplastTM bandage

elastic adhesive

Start: • Hold the ankle in slight dorsi-flexion and eversion

• If the locks are not done to reinforce a basket weave technique, spray the area to be taped

• You may choose to protect the Achilles tendon with petroleum jelly or a piece of gauze

• Horizontal strips should not impinge on the Achilles tendon.

• Petroleum jelly bathed gauze could be applied over lower Achilles tendon and anterior tibial tendons for protection.

• Vertical stirrups must be over the fat pad of the heel and must not impinge on the insertion of the plantar fascia.

B Take the tape diagonally down across the front of the lower leg, above the lateral malleolus, then down behind the ankle passing from the lateral side over the Achilles tendon onto the medial aspect of the calcaneus (Fig.2)

C Continue under the foot to emerge on the lateral side of the heel (Fig.2)

D Take the tape over the dorsum of the foot, to finish on the medial aspect of the lower leg (Fig.1)

E Start the second strip, antero-laterally, one third of the way up the lower leg (Fig.5)

F Take the tape diagonally across the front of the lower leg above the medial malleolus over the Achilles tendon and

These taping techniques were taken from course material contained within ‘Taping Techniques for Sport’. The courses are run by the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine (ACPSM) in conjunction with Smith and Nephew Healthcare. For further details contact Kate Kerr on 0115 840 4881.

SportEX 29 zinc oxide

Technique:

A Start the strip antero-medially one third of the way up the lower leg (Fig.1)

• These locks can also be used to reinforce a basket weave technique.

• They can be used in isolation or reinforced with further overlapping strips. The number of strips is dependent on the degree and direction of the stability required (Fig.3&4).

• They could be reinforced with additional strips of StrappalTM (Fig.3&4). The technique can be used in isolation using ElastoplastTM

.

onto the lateral aspect of the calcaneus (Fig.6)

G This time, pass the tape down under the foot to the medial side of the calcancus (Fig.6)

H Take the tape over the dorsum of the foot to finish on the lateral aspect of lower leg (Fig.5)

TIP

TIP