Sports taping has become an integral part of physiotherapy and sports medicine to allow athletes to continue to participate in rehabilitation, training and competition. Sports taping involves the application of adhesive tape to specific areas of the body, usually joints or muscles. The main aim of taping is to provide support and stability to a particular joint or structure while maximising its function. Taping can also be used to offload structures by restricting certain provocative movements or positions to augment recovery or be used as a sensory cue to facilitate desirable postures or movements during a certain activity.
Benefits of Sports Taping
Acute Injuries: Taping can provide immediate support for acute injuries, reducing pain and preventing further damage.
Chronic Conditions: For athletes with chronic conditions or overuse injuries, taping can help manage symptoms and improve function.
Preventative Measures: Taping is often used to prevent injuries in high-risk areas. It's especially valuable for athletes returning from previous injuries.
Conditions Treated with Taping Techniques
Some conditions where we may use taping as a treatment technique include:
· Acute ankle sprains
· Knee ligament injuries
· Knee pain in runners
· Plantar fascia pain
· Shin splints (MTSS)
· Back and pelvic pain
· Shoulder instability
· Wrist and hand injuries
While sports taping can be learned and applied by athletes themselves, the guidance of a skilled physiotherapist is invaluable. They can determine the most appropriate taping technique, ensure proper application, and offer advice on when and how to remove the tape safely along with additional precautions and contraindications.
Additionally, in many cases, taping is often used as an adjunct therapy in conjunction with a comprehensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy treatment plan and should not be solely relied on for returning to a sport or activity. Consult our Adelaide sports physiotherapists regarding your condition and we can discuss whether taping is a good option for you.
Body Fit Physiotherapy