Taping

This article is about the medical treatment. For the process of writing on a cassette, see Recording.

Taping on quadriceps femoris muscle of Ivet Lalova

Taping is a form of strapping. It is a procedure that uses tape, attached to the skin, to physically keep in place muscles or bones at a certain position. This reduces pain and aids recovery. Taping is usually used to help recover from overuse and other injuries.

Role of Taping

Taping has many roles such as to support the ligaments and capsules of unstable joints by limiting excessive or abnormal anatomical movement. Taping also enhances proprioceptive feedback from the limb or joint. Finally taping can support injuries at the muscle-tendon units by compressing and limiting movement and secure protective pads, dressings and splints

List of Applications

Upper limbs and chest (thorax)

• Shoulder
  • Shoulder
  • Shoulder including the arm

• Thorax
• Upper limb
  • Elbow
  • Wrist
  • Wrist only
  • Wrist including thumb
  • Fingers
    • Thumb
    • Finger

Inferior limbs

• Thigh
• Knee

Main article: Knee taping

In the case of Runner's Knee

The knee-cap is taped in place.

• Calf

For shin splints.

• Achilles' heel
  • Preventive
  • Alleviating
• Ankle

Sprained ankle can cause considerable discomfort. 2% of sprained ankle involve broken bones. Often, ligament injuries occur. See physiotherapist to get treatment for the ankle, including taping.

• Foot

In the case of heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis) or Heel spurs.

Where the bottom of the foot is taped in sections.

• Toes
  • Hallux valgus (bunion)

Alternatives

Wraps and braces can be used instead or with taping to stabilize the affected area. Braces might alter muscular activity, where tape might not. Renowned Athletic Trainer, Mark "Digger" Wagners ATC, is infamous for his controversial refusal to tape ankles citing massive hematomas to the Peroneus brevis and Peroneus longus.

External links

• Figure-8 Ankle Taping
• Various Taping Techniques