TAPING

cy of applications if treatment with tape is to be valuable and effective.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PATIENT ADVICE Following application of any taping technique, it is good practice to make a final safety check and remind the athlete of his/her

5

responsibility in undertaking this treatment. Always: ■ Re-check that the patient does not have allergies to adhesive, tape or elastoplast

■ Remind the patient that pain, tingling and numbness are NOT to be tolerated

■ Advise the patient that if adverse symptoms are noted to remove tape immediately and take appropriate action

■ Be explicit about when the tape should be removed ■ Clearly explain that taping is only a part of the overall manage- ment plan, and ensure the athlete is clear how taping fits in ■ Instruct the patient how to remove the tape safely.

REMOVING TAPE SAFELY Tape should not be left on for too long. The choice of how long it is left in place will depend on the injury management plan and the

BOX 2: GUIDELINES FOR SAFE APPLICATIONS

■ Plan for the safe application of tape ■ Thoroughly assess the need ■ Justify your choice of technique and material ■ Clean the area to be taped ■ Collect all materials and prepare ■ Position the athlete and the limb ■ Apply tape safely and appropriately ■ Use a familiar technique (and one which you are compe- tent in applying)

■ Ensure techniques are safe, effective and comfortable ■ When finished, re-check safety, comfort, effectiveness and function.

www.sportex.net

activity level of the athlete. However, it should not be left on for longer than 24 hours or skin breakdown may occur (8). A tape application will need to be regularly removed to facilitate other treatments in the early stages following injury eg. ice treatment and may also need to be reapplied more frequently after exercise as it may loosen and lose its effectiveness (2,3). When removing tape always remove any bandaging carefully by peeling the tape back on itself and by pushing the skin away (3). This reduces traction on the skin, making removal more comfortable, and is less likely to cause any damage. Use bandage scissors or a tape cutter, and de- hesive spray, or lotion to loosen if necessary. Once tape is removed check the condition of the skin and wash and clean the area.

SUMMARY The use of taping, strapping and bracing techniques has a firm place in sport and therapists are in an ideal position to influence good practice. Taping skills should be a core skill for those practis- ing in sport and therapists should adopt and promote a reasoned and justified approach to the safe and effective use of these tech- niques. All practitioners are strongly recommended to participate in regular practical workshops to initially develop handling skills but also to refresh knowledge and retain consistency of applications.

THE AUTHOR

Linda Mitchell is a chartered physiotherapist, a university lecturer and a mentor in sport. She is currently the chief physiotherapist for the British Paralympic Association, but has also worked at World University and Commonwealth Games, and Olympic holding camps. She was chief physiotherapist for the GB team at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games in 2002.

SPORTEX ‘GOLD STANDARD’ STARTER TAPING KIT sportEX has teamed up with Physique Management to create a ‘gold standard’ Starter Taping Kit containing all the items spec- ified under the Starter Pack section of this article. The kit is priced at £54.99 and comes packed in a smart field/therapy bag. For more information or to order the kit, telephone sportEX on 020 8287 3312 or visit the new ‘Gold Standard Products’ section in the shopping area of the sportEX website.

19