Learning to use strapping tapes isn’t rocket science, all it takes is a little practice and, if you want to get really good, really fast, a checklist to follow. Whether you're a physio, or just a player, understanding how strapping tapes work and how they can be applied is a really helpful skill to have.
There's a lot to get in to, so follow this 5-step process, from WRU Physio Ben Warburton, whenever you're taping, and your strapping applications will get better and better each and every time.
HOW TO USE STRAPPING TAPES:
WHAT ARE STRAPPING TAPES?
Let's just make sure that we're all clear what we mean when we say 'strapping' tapes.
Very simply, strapping tapes are tapes that you'll use to immobilise or facilitate movement in a joint. They have a lot of uses, but that's how they're most commonly used by sports physios. They're particularly popular in rugby, given that it's such a high-contact sport, but they're typically used for all manors of exercise.
The two most common tapes that you'll see being used for a strapping application are Tear EAB and Zinc Oxide.
Tear EAB can be used for everything, from providing light support and compression, to protecting thumbs and wrists. If you pair it with a Zinc Oxide Tan, then you've got yourself a perfect strapping combination. Together, they can restrict movement and help your body feel strong and secure.
Let's take a look at exactly how they're used and what you should be asking yourselves...
1. WHAT NEEDS SUPPORTING OR PROTECTING?
The first step towards taping and strapping greatness is to do a patient assessment (it sounds more formal than it has to be). The level of assessment will vary greatly based on your setting, time and level of taping experience.
The most important thing is that you get an understanding of what joint you need to tape/strap and if there are any particular areas that you need to avoid. Of course, this doesn't mean avoid entirely, but if there's a heavily bruised area that you're trying to protect, you're not going to want your tape to be putting too much pressure on it.
Build a blueprint in your mind of exactly what needs strapping.
2. WHAT MOVEMENTS NEED PROMOTING OR RESTRICTING?
Once you’ve checked out the area and built your imaginary blueprint, the next step is to decide what you’re actually trying to accomplish by taping, and likely, strapping.
Do you want to restrict movement completely in a joint or certain area or do you want to allow a little bit of flexibility? It's a lot more important than you might think. If a lateral movement (side to side) is painful for your player/patient then you are likely going to want to tape the joint in order to prevent that lateral movement in a game.
Establish which movement needs that extra help or restriction.
3. DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO USE TAPE AT ALL?
You might be thinking, that sounds like a strange thing for a tape company to say, but you should always be questioning if tape is in fact the best mechanism in that situation. Is there a chance that something else in your medical bag may be more effective? Are you creating reliance on tape that could be an issue in the long term?
Whatever the case, it's still important to consider, because there's absolutely no point taping if it isn't going to do anything, right?
4. WHAT’S THE BEST TAPE TO USE?
Like picking a winner at the Grand National (not us, ever), picking the right tape can be tricky business and a lot of physios might tell you different things, but that's okay, there isn't one way to tape.
Do you need a rigid tape to immobilise movement? If that's the case then you're going to want to take a look at the two that we mentioned earlier - Tear EAB and Zinc Oxide Tape.
Maybe you just need some sort of compression bandage for basic flexibility? You can still use your Tear EAB here, but if your player wants something a little bit lighter, then you may want to actually try a Cohesive Bandage.
There's a lot of options when it comes to strapping, but typically, you're going to want to stick to that EAB and Zinc combo.
5. BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR STRAPPING
No strapping application should be treated as a paint-by-numbers. What we mean is, you’ll have to adapt your applications to various players and clients depending on anatomy and personal preference. There's no one set of rules. Everyone tapes differently. So don’t be afraid to go off-piste, who knows what you might discover.
If you want to get some tips on how we use strapping tapes, check out our learn page now.
And that's it! Those are our quick and easy tips to help you perfect your strapping applications. It's going to take some practice and, like we said, taping and strapping is a very individual thing, find a technique that works best for you!
If you fancy learning more, head to the learn page or if you have any questions for us, get in touch! We'd love to help.
