Sports Taping : uses for different tapes
Fixomol is a self-adhesive, non-woven fabric sheet for secure and rapid fixation. It is a wide area adhesive tape, especially suitable for use on frequently mobile and highly contoured parts of the body.
The tape stretches to allow movement without the lift of the tape off the skin. It is used in hospitals in burns patients to seal the skin but also allow the skin to breathe. With the tiny holes you can wash the injury without removing important new fresh skin as the body heels.
As a preventative taping it is used in two ways : 1. for prevention of blisters, cut and applied in a certain way to ensure there are no folds in the tape. Helps prevent blisters by providing a barrier between skin and other surfaces like shoes. Here is a great video on taping the feet for blister protection CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO
2. as an underlayer to rigid taping, protects the skin on tape removal, adds a layer between rigid tape and the skin which many people have allergies to due to the type of adhesive used.
What it should not be used for : DO NOT USE for trying to tape an injury, it provides no structural support or benefit when applied alone.
KINESIOTAPE Kinesiotape is a rehabilitative tape that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion
Latex-free and wearable for days at a time, successfully treats a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions.
Kinesio Tape alleviates discomfort and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation, reducing pressure while enabling a more effective flow of lymphatic fluid in and out of the target area.
Uses : Post injury : - Swelling, Oedema and Bruising : applied in a particular way by cutting the tape into strips and laying down in a criss cross manner the tape assists in the reduction of swelling and the healing process taking place underneath by improving circulation
Joint Support : Its unique elastic properties allow it to provide dynamic support, protecting muscles and/or joints, while still allowing a safe and functional range of motion.
Rather than being wrapped completely around injured joints or muscle groups (like rigid tape), kinesiology tape is applied directly over and/or around the periphery of these areas. This non-restrictive type of taping allows most applications to be worn for 4-5 days, allowing therapeutic benefits to accumulate 24/7 for the entire time they’re worn.
Kinesiology tape can be worn during intense exercise, showering, bathing or swimming, and dries quickly after a quick pat with a towel.
Kinesio tape is a great addition to your sports bag for preventing injury and providing support during sport.
RIGID TAPING Rigid taping is a very common form of taping that has been used for many, many years especially within sport. It has a very different function to kinesiology tape in that it is often applied to restrict movement, support joints and inhibit muscle activation.
Rigid tape is often used to prevent re-injury by restricting a joint from going into a range that will cause injury. If a ligament or muscle has been sprained or strained the tape can be applied to take pressure and load off those structures.
Soft tissue structures can weaken or atrophy when not in use for periods of time so this form of strapping & taping should be applied when the area in question will have an increase load or be more vulnerable, during an activity. BUT NOT TO BE USED for long periods of time. Great for things like rolled / sprained ankles, dislocations of kneecaps, dislocation of shoulders and fingers.
Rigid taping should not be seen as a fix all to weak ankles, shoulders, or knees. An appointment with a physiotherapist who can implement a solid rehabilation program will help restrengthen these weak areas.
Long term use of rigid tape within sport where load and force is going through the body constantly is NOT RECOMMENDED. It weakens ligaments over time, that are meant to work to stabilise the area. Rigid tape is a PREVENTATIVE, not a cure or fix for weakness. Constant use will make areas weaker and create further long term injury and pain.
If you are still not sure which tape is right for you, or even if tape is appropriate for your injury make the time to see a professional who can assess and point you in the right direction.
