Taping: What are common challenges for patients?

Taping is a highly effective treatment strategy for patients managing an existing injury or for those who have previously sustained an injury and are looking to minimise the risk of re-injury. Taping is used for the following purposes:

  • Relieve pain
  • Facilitate postural change and promote better alignment of body structures
  • Increase confidence
  • Provide compression to assist with the management of swelling

For many, there are ongoing challenges which threaten the ability for taping to have the desired effect for patients away from the clinic. These include:

  • Understanding which tape is best/was used by the health practitioner
  • Limited sports trainers available to tape at training and on match day
  • Limited time
  • Understanding of how to perform a taping technique

It is our role as your local health practitioners to overcome these challenges and enable taping to have its desired effect so you can achieve your desired goals.

What types of tape are available?

Rigid tape

This form of tape is the most widely recognisable form of tape, and is a strong supportive tape. There are a variety of widths available for this tape

Fixomull

This is a waterproof form of tape commonly used as an under dressing for rigid tape to protect vulnerable areas of skin against the uncomfortable sensation of rigid tape and can be easily removed with less discomfort. There are a variety of widths available for this tape.

Self-Adherent wrap (blood tape)

This is a tape that sticks only to itself and is used to secure dressings, protect wound sites and provide compression. There are a variety of widths available for this tape.

Kinesio-tape

If you’ve ever watched volleyball, you’ve probably seen this tape. This is a therapeutic tape used to provide support, retrain correct muscle function, reduce pain and swelling, as well as enhance performance.

What are some common taping techniques and terminology?

There are many different taping techniques out there from your standard ankle heel locks and sixes’ to Crosses to improve low back posture. However, there may be some terminology that you may not have come across before, such as McConnell and Mulligan taping techniques.

McConnell taping

This taping technique used for patients with anterior knee pain to improve the alignment of the knee cap in order to reduce pain.

Mulligan taping

Physio principles of pain reduction by providing specific joint mobilisation during a painful movement can be facilitated by this particular taping technique applying directional forces on the joint.

How long does tape last?

The life-span of tape can range from 3 days to 1 week after application. Although, if you notice any skin irritation under or around the site of the tape you must remove the tape immediately.

Is taping for everyone?

Do not tape if you have any of the following

  • Open wounds
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Active cancer
  • Lymph node removal
  • Allergy
  • Fragile skin

What services do we provide with regards to taping?

Not only do we provide taping as part of our consultations (where appropriate), but we also offer 15-minute appointments for returning patients who require taping alone!
Please contact the clinic on 5254 2668 if you would like to learn more.

 

 

Taping