Sports taping has emerged as an important technique when it comes to rehabilitation. It plays a pivotal role in facilitating the recovery of athletes and individuals grappling with injuries, ranging from sprains and strains to joint misalignments. This method involves the strategic application of adhesive tape to affected joints¹, fascia and muscle groups, alleviating pain and providing essential physiological support to facilitate the healing process while averting further damage.
Want to know exactly how this unassuming tape helps in the recovery process? Continue reading to find out more!
1. Support and Stability
Imagine a scenario, e.g., spraining your ankle while playing sports, a common injury that affects athletes and active individuals. Stepping in as the unsung hero, sports taping provides an external layer of support to the compromised joint. When applied correctly, the tape acts as a stabilising force, minimising unnecessary movement and granting protection against potential aggravation². This stabilising aid is crucial during the initial phases of the rehab process, especially when the affected region is vulnerable to further distress. With sports taping, anyone can embark on their road to recovery with greater confidence, knowing that their joints are being bolstered by this unobtrusive yet impactful method.
2. The Power of Compression
Swelling and inflammation often accompany injuries, casting a cloud of discomfort during the healing phase. The synergy between the efficacy of sports taping and the advantages of sports massage becomes evident in such instances, providing a viable avenue to alleviate these undesirable side effects. By applying tape with precision, therapists and trainers can create a controlled compression effect which reduces the accumulation of excess fluids and stimulates circulation, assisting the body’s natural mechanisms to work efficiently. Thus, individuals find solace in this dual-action approach that not only combats swelling but also promotes the revitalisation of damaged tissues.
3. Pain Relief
Irrespective of one’s pain tolerance, discomfort is universally recognised as a significant hurdle throughout the rehabilitation process. Sports taping, going beyond giving structural support and compression, aids in relieving pain. By stabilising the injured area and applying appropriate pressure, the tape reduces strain on nerves, resulting in decreased pain signals transmitted to the brain. Moreover, the compression exerted by the tape promotes enhanced circulation which aids in the elimination of toxins that often amass due to inflammation caused by injury. This, in turn, facilitates a reset within the body, creating an environment conducive to healing and recovery. When pain is reduced, individuals can regain confidence and engage more actively in their recovery routines.
4. Corrective Alignment
Joint misalignment, such as a misaligned patella aka kneecap, can impede an individual’s mobility and overall well-being. This is where the corrective power of sports taping takes the spotlight. By employing calculated patterns, therapists and trainers apply the tape to direct the joint’s realignment. As the tape adheres, it gently coaxes the joint back into its proper position, achieving a gradual and meticulous restoration process. Through this method, individuals regain their natural joint function and experience reduced discomfort, as the tape’s gentle embrace encourages internal healing.
Sports taping proudly stands as an. innovative method that has undeniably transformed the physiotherapy rehabilitation stage³. Through its multifaceted approach and meticulous tape application, sports taping serves as a testament to the remarkable healing potential encapsulated within the human body.
Types of Sports Tapes
Athletic Tape
This is used to support and stabilise joints and muscles during physical activities, limiting excessive movement and providing additional support.
Kinesiology Tape
Supports muscles and joints without restricting movement, which helps reduce pain and swelling while improving mobility and circulation.
Cohesive Bandage
It is used for securing dressings and providing support, and is easy to apply and remove without leaving sticky residues.
Sports Taping Methods
Shoulder Taping
- Applied around the shoulder to provide support to the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles
- Enhances mobility, reduces discomfort, and supports the healing process for shoulder injuries
Ankle Taping
- Reduces the risk of injuries such as sprains or strains.
- Wrapped around the ankle to limit excessive movement and protect the ligaments during physical activities
Knee Taping
- Wrapped around the knee to provide extra support to the ligaments and muscles, reduce pain, and improve alignment
- Helps in managing conditions such as patellar tendinitis, ligament strains, and general knee pain
Ready to experience the impact of sports taping for yourself? Visit The Movement Laboratory today, where expert therapists and professionals use this technique to maximise your recovery. Whether you’re an athlete or someone overcoming an injury, our physiotherapists offer personalised care that harnesses the power of sports taping. Contact us today to know more!
References
- Andrýsková, A., & Lee, H. (2020). The Guidelines for Application of Kinesiology Tape for Prevention and Treatment of Sports Injuries. Healthcare, 8(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare8020144
- Reneker, J. C., Latham, L., McGlawn, R., & Reneker, M. R. (2018). Effectiveness of kinesiology tape on sports performance abilities in athletes: A systematic review. Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine, 31, 83–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2017.10.001
- Cupler, Z.A., Alrwaily, M., Polakowski, E. et al. Taping for conditions of the musculoskeletal system: an evidence map review. Chiropr Man Therap 28, 52 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-020-00337-2