Pocketbook of Taping Techniques

Rose Macdonald

• Publisher: Churchill Livingstone
• Year: 2009
• eBook ISBN: 9780702042805
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Physiotherapy, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Functional taping is now recognised as a skill which is essential for those involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries and many other conditions such as muscle imbalance, unstable joints and neural control. This exceptional new Pocketbook of Taping Techniques takes the place of the highly successful text which was also edited by Rose Macdonald. It incorporates all the basic techniques vital to the practice of good taping but also includes chapters on new evidence-based procedures written by experts from around the world. To aid in the development of these techniques, this pocketbook demonstrates many new methods which may be used as indicated or modified to suit the clinical situation.

• Structured by body region with highly-illustrated descriptions of relevant taping techniques
• Covers all aspects of functional taping
• New techniques to alter muscle activity and proprioception based on scientific evidence
• Handy, portable size for easy reference in the field

Chapter 1. Introduction

R. Macdonald

CHAPTER CONTENTS

Role of taping4

Types of tape4

Taping principles6

Taping guidelines6

Storage8

Taping terms8

Other taping products9

The application of tape to injured soft tissues and joints provides support and protection for these structures and minimizes pain and swelling in the acute stage. Tape should reinforce the normal supportive structures in their relaxed position and protect the injured tissues from further damage. Many different techniques are used for injury prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, proprioception and sport.

Various techniques are illustrated in this manual, together with different philosophies expressed by the contributors – many of whom are eminent physical therapists in their respective countries.

ROLE OF TAPING

Initially, tape is applied to protect the injured structure during the treatment and rehabilitation programme:

• to hold dressings and pads in place

• to compress recent injury, thus reducing bleeding and swelling

• to protect from further injury by supporting ligaments, tendons and muscles

• to limit unwanted joint movement

• to allow optimal healing without stressing the injured structures

• to protect and support the injured structure in a functional position during the exercise, strengthening and proprioceptive programme.

It must be clearly understood that taping is not a substitute for treatment and rehabilitation, but is an adjunct to the total injury-care programme.

TYPES OF TAPE

Good-quality tape should adhere readily and maintain adhesion despite perspiration and activity.

Stretch adhesive tape (elastic adhesive bandage, EAB)

Conforms to the contours of the body, allowing for normal tissue expansion, and is used for the following:

• to compress and support soft tissue

• to provide anchors around muscle, thus allowing for expansion

• to hold protective pads in place.

Stretch tape will not give mechanical support to ligaments, but may be used in conjunction with rigid tape to give added support. Stretch tape is not normally tearable and must be cut with scissors, but there are now available very light-weight stretch tapes which may be torn by hand. Stretch tape is available in a variety of widths, from 1.25 to 10 cm, and sometimes even wider. Stretch tape may have:

• one-way stretch, in length or width

• two-way stretch, in length and width.

Stretch tape tends to roll back on itself at the cut ends, therefore it is wise to allow the last couple of centimetres to recoil before sticking it down.

Non-stretch adhesive tape

Has a non-yielding cloth backing and is used for the following:

• to support inert structures, e.g. ligaments, joint capsule

• to limit joint movement

• to act prophylactically

• to secure the ends of stretch tape

• to reinforce stretch tape

• to enhance proprioception.

Non-stretch tape should be torn by hand to maintain tension during application. It is important to be able to tear the tape from various positions – practice will help to attain a high level of efficiency.

Note: Leukotape P is an extra-strong non-stretch adhesive tape.

Tearing technique

Tear the tape close to the roll, keeping it taut. Hold the tape with the thumb and index fingers close together. Rip the tape quickly in scissors fashion. Practise tearing a strip of tape into very small pieces in both directions, lengthwise and crossways.

Hypoallergenic tapes

Hypafix/Fixomull offer an alternative to conventional zinc oxide adhesive tape, to which some athletes are allergic.

Waterproof tape

Also available in many widths.

Cohesive bandages

Are a useful product and may be used instead of stretch tape. The product sticks to itself and not to the skin, is waterproof and is reusable. These are most useful when applying spica bandages or as a cover-up for any tape procedure.

TAPING PRINCIPLES

The application of tape is easy, but if it is not carried out correctly it will be of little value and may even be detrimental. Therefore knowledge of the basic principles and practical aspects is essential if the full value of the technique is to be attained.

A thorough assessment is necessary before taping any structure. The following questions should be answered:

• Has the injury been thoroughly assessed?

• How did the injury occur?

• What structures were damaged?

• What tissues need protection and support?

• What movements must be restricted?

• Is the injury acute or chronic?

• Is immobilization necessary at this stage?

• Are you familiar with the anatomy and biomechanics of the parts involved?

• Can you visualize the purpose for which the ta...

Table of contents

• Cover Image
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contributors
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• Chapter 1. Introduction
• Chapter 2. Taping literature update
• Chapter 3. Taping for pain relief
• Chapter 4. Recent taping techniques to alter muscle activity and proprioception
• Chapter 5. Foot
• Chapter 6. Ankle and leg
• Chapter 7. Knee
• Chapter 8. Lumbar spine
• Chapter 9. Thoracic spine
• Chapter 10. Shoulder girdle
• Chapter 11. Elbow, wrist and hand
• Chapter 12. Fingers and thumb
• Chapter 13. Spicas and triangular bandages
• Glossary
• Index