Taping
It has been suggested that this article be merged into Athletic taping. (Discuss) Proposed since January 2014. |
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
- Calf
- Achilles' heel
- Preventive
- Alleviating
- Ankle
- Foot
- 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.