Have you heard the phrase pre-tapes before? If you have, then you'll likely know what we mean when we say Fix Tape.
SPORTTAPE Fixation Tape is our alternative to other dressing retention tape. Some people may know it as Hypafix, but whatever you call it, it's a dream of a tape! This is our quick and easy guide to explain exactly what it is, how to use it and what sort of difference it can make to your applications!
DRESSING TAPE ALTERNATIVE:
WHAT IS FIXATION TAPE?
Fixation Tape is strong, breathable and super sticky. Conforming easily to any area of the body with an adhesive designed to last, whatever your sport can throw at it. It’s quickly becoming an essential tape for every club therapist’s kitbag.
The acrylic adhesive is much kinder to the skin than Zinc Oxide glues too, making SPORTTAPE Fixation Tape perfect for sensitive or hairier areas of the body.
It's most commonly used around the shoulder, elbow, and knee and has been specifically designed with the pitch-side therapist in mind, offering a more affordable dressing retention tape.
Now let's look at exactly how you use it...
FIXATION TAPE FEATURES:
1. DRESSING RETENTION
We use hypoallergenic, non-woven synthetic fibres that are permeable to moisture, which sounds complicated, but it just means that the skin can breathe and air can circulate stress-free. Nowadays, it's used commonly in sports and medical settings to secure tapes, dressings and pads.
2. EASY PEEL
We us a backing paper that is cut down the centre of the tape, which makes it easy to remove and apply to dressings, gauze, pads or below Zinc Oxide Tape strapping applications. Nobody likes tape that's difficult to peel.
3. STRONG & BREATHABLE
Like we've already mentioned, Fixation Tape is specifically designed to be extra strong and as breathable as possible. As well as that, it conforms really easily to any area of the body with an adhesive designed to last through whatever your sport can throw at it.
The fixation fabric allows the skin to breathe properly and healthily, allowing for air can circulate through the tape. This makes the application less prone to peeling when you start sweating.
4. ADHESION
The acrylic adhesive that we use is quite a bit kinder to the skin than Zinc Oxide glues, making Fixation Tape an ideal option for sensitive areas of the body. Plus, it's easy to remove. One thing to note, we’d always recommend a test patch if you have a known history of taping allergies. Better to be safe than sorry.
5. 2 SIZES
Like most of the options on the market today, Fix Tape typically comes in two sizes. The 10cm width is perfect for wider muscle groups and joints, and holding dressings and plasters in place. The 5cm width is great for patella maltracking and for use in combination with some Zinc Tan.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIXATION TAPE AND UNDERWRAP?
Although both tapes are designed to protect the skin prior to taping, which one you choose will depend on the area that you’re taping, whether any glue is allowed to touch the skin and whether you have time to cut strips of Fixation Tape.
Underwrap is primarily used to protect your skin from the potential irritation of wearing adhesive tapes (i.e. Zinc Oxide & EAB). Acting as a thin barrier, Underwrap is applied before overlaying with strapping tape.
It’s also highly effective against tape chafing and alternatively, can be used to secure cold packs and bandages in place during use. It’s made from a lightweight foam that is porous, water-repellent and really easy to use.
Fix Tape is rigid and can’t be ripped by hand, so you’ll need a pair of scissors to cut your strips. Because it’s adhesive there’s no need to wrap an entire joint and you can use smaller strips as anchors to help Zinc Oxide Tape stay in place more effectively.
And that's it! That's our ideal dressing tape alternative for all the sports physios out there! If you have any other questions about Fixation Tape, Underwrap or want to learn more about exactly how and when it's used, get in touch! We'd love to help.
