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Sports Tape

Ancient warriors had armor. We get tape.

We all need a little support sometimes. And whether you're a serious athlete, a weekend warrior, or just trying to stay in shape, athletic tapes can come in handy. Athletic tape provides support to spots that sprain easily during exercise, like your ankles. Some trainers use tape as a preventive measure, others only after an injury has occurred.

Designed to be tough, athletic tape comes in many widths and varieties. Adhesive, nonadhesive, cotton, moisture-resistant, elastic -- these are all attributes that help define the right athletic tape for your situation. Usually applied just before activity and taken off just after, athletic tapes help you exercise at your top potential 365 days a year.

Taping Can Be Tricky

Think of all the appliances and remote controls around your house held together with tape. Is taping up your body any different? Not really. The body is like an imperfect, fallible machine that needs tape once in a while when it can't stop and has to keep working.

Taping up your body is not as simple as taping broken glasses together -- there are a number of special techniques. You are best off seeking the advice of a seasoned trainer or healthcare provider.

Take Your Pick

There are three basic categories of athletic tape: pre-wrap tape, adhesive tape, and elastic adhesive tape.

  • You apply pre-wrap tape under adhesive tape to protect your skin from any irritation that can occur by placing skin in direct contact with other tapes.
  • Pre-wrap or underwrap tape should be thin, light, breathable and non-adhesive.
  • Non-elastic adhesive tape is used to tape up injuries.
  • Elastic adhesive tape is woven with elastic and is used for certain methods of taping.
  • The main purpose of adhesive tape is to push fluids that can collect around an injured area upwards to prevent swelling and provide compression and stability.
  • Tape also restricts movement to prevent further injury.
  • When used correctly, adhesive tape can also pull the skin away from the injured area to encourage increased circulation of fluids and blood in the injured area.
  • Tape is not meant to take the place of medical advice, braces, or other support devices. Most athletes use tape just before a game and remove the tape immediately afterward to receive proper medical attention.
  • Consult a physical therapist, doctor, or coach on proper taping technique.
Shopping for Tape

  • Athletic tape is available at pharmacies and sporting goods stores.
  • Coaches, athletic trainers, and physical therapists are good people to ask for advice regarding tape and taping as they have the most experience experimenting with the variety of products on the market.
  • A high-quality tape should not leave excessive adhesive residue on your skin upon removal.
  • Depending on the part of the body that needs to be taped, you may need tape of a particular durability, elasticity and strength.
  • Consider waterproof tape if you plan to come in contact with water frequently.
  • When shopping, consider whether or not you prefer easily-tearable tape. If your injury makes it difficult for you to tape yourself, you may want to get tape that can be torn by hand rather than tape that requires scissors.
  • Natural fibers are preferred, as they allow for more breathability.

Tape Is Not Always the Answer

  • Athletic tape is only a temporary measure to be used when active rehabilitation is not possible. As soon as the injured limb is able to rest, remove the athletic tape and take proper care of the injury.
  • Particularly when using the non-elastic athletic taping method, carefully weigh your choices. Taping moves fluid up and away from the injured area and reduces swelling. However it also reduces circulation and inhibits repair.

Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading

Books

1. American Medical Association.The American Medical Association: Guide to your family's symptoms. Washington, D.C.: American Pharmaceutical Association 1992.
2. Fauci, Anthony S. et al. Eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed. New York: MacGraw Hill 1998.
Find more books on health and wellness at barnesandnoble.com.

Articles

1. Rahman, Shireen."Sportin' slips: how to prevent and care for sports injuries". Diabetes Forecast; Vol. 48 1/1/1995.
2. Schwade, Steve."Bandage wrap-up". Prevention; Vol. 46 6/1/1994.
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