TAPING

Wherever this symbol appears it indicates an interactive feature in the online PDF version at www.sportex.net - underlined text indicates a hyperlink to relevant information. See the key at the end of the article for more specific details. To add online access to your paper subscription for just £10, call us on 020 8287 3312.

in length. Non-adhesive backed bandages do however stick to themselves, which usefully prevents slippage of applications. If bandages are not adhesive, they are reusable although some of these do tear (Fig.2). Adhesive bandages can be stretchy or non-stretchy. Elastic adhe- sive bandage (EAB) is stretchy in length but is for single use appli- cation. It does not tear. Zinc oxide or rigid strapping tape (RST) is not stretchy in any direction, however it is tearable by hand.

1

The properties of tape should be utilised by the therapist in the clinical and sports setting to address specific needs of the man-

agement of injury. The selection of a tape material is therefore like- ly to be influenced by the aim of treatment at that time. For exam- ple, a stretchy bandage material is more likely to be used for appli- cations in the early stages of injury when the limb diameter may increase due to swelling or alternatively to provide support to mus- cle whose bulk may increase when loaded. Conversely, the proper- ties of non-stretchy tape would be used effectively in applications to restrict range of movement in a joint.

2

Starter pack (see ‘sportEX Starter Taping Kit’ at end) A starter kit might include:

■ A pair of bandage scissors - for cutting and removing tape ■ A small jar of petroleum jelly for protecting friction areas ■ A pack of disposable safety razors - to shave the skin ■ Adhesive spray/lotion - to protect the skin and give a better grip between tape and skin

■ An ‘underwrap’ or ‘pre-wrap’ foam bandage - to protect the skin and bony points from friction, or to provide a degree of protec- tion from adhesive tape

■ At least two sizes of non-adhesive stretchy bandage (1 x 6cm and 1 x 8cm width) cohesive/crepe

■ At least three sizes of adhesive stretchy bandage (1 x 2.5cm, 1 x 5cm and 1 x 7cm width) elastic adhesive bandage (EAB)

■ At least two sizes of non-stretchy tape (2 x 2.5cm and 2 x 5cm zinc oxide), or rigid strapping tape (RST)

■ One sheet of orthopaedic felt/foam (5mm) ■ De-hesive spray/lotion/sachets - to remove excess adhesive ■ A triangular bandage - to elevate an upper limb ■ A finger splint. Additional items that might be required:

www.sportex.net

■ Simple wound dressings (and disposable gloves) - to cover any abrasions

■ Skin cleaning materials - for the athlete’s limb and for the ther- apist’s hands

■ Taping techniques manual/course notes ■ Treatment record cards.

Each therapist will need to decide how much tape will be required depending on the number of athletes and the needs and injury propensity of their sport.

ASSESSMENT AND INJURY MANAGEMENT A thorough assessment must be undertaken before applying any taping, strapping or bracing technique (1,3) (Fig.3). This assess- ment should adhere to the approach used by each professional dis- cipline but should include detail of the following: ■ How and when the injury occurred ■ History of any subsequent management/advice given ■ History of any previous injury or treatment to this injury site ■ A thorough physical examination of the injured part (and surrounding structures) to determine the damaged tissues, the likely extent of injury and current stage in the healing process

■ A justified and agreed management plan that may, or may not, include taping techniques

■ A written record of the assessment and any treatment given - this must be maintained and stored according to professional regulations

■ Discussion of any allergies, any previous treatments and respons- es with taping techniques.

The management plan Taping is indicated following assessment for three main reasons: ■ To control oedema and alleviate pain in the early stages follow- ing an injury

■ To support damaged soft tissues as they recover

■ To reduce load on soft tis- sue structures at any stage of healing.

Taping can also be used in a wider sense to unload struc- Figure 3: Assessing foot function

17