Product of the Month: Tape

As physiotherapists our aims with tape include; to stabilise and support your joints, relieve pain by offloading different structures or to help facilitate normal movements and biomechanics.
Taping for injuries is a temporary technique that we use, as we also want to improve your strength, so that your muscles are capable of providing the support rather relying on than tape.
Tape can be used for relieving pain, supporting joints, restricting movement, confidence, decreasing injury reoccurrence, preventing injury and improving biomechanics.

It is often used by athletes, but is also something that can be used to help you continue with your normal day to day activities. Commonly taped joints include ankles, knees, shoulders, backs and hands, but there are many other joints and conditions that tape can be used for.

Types of Tape:

• Rigid tape – is the most commonly used. It is very good for supporting joints, preventing movement or holding your joint in a specific position to decrease pain.
• Kinesiology tape (K-tape) – this tape is stretchy which means we can use it to help facilitate your muscle activation and allow your joints move within a certain range. This stretch is also a great feedback mechanism and can be used to help with improving posture.
• Elastic adhesive bandage (EAB) – we commonly use this on top of rigid tape for extra support and it is easy to use because of the stretch it has.
• Hypoallergenic adhesive underwrap – this is important for anyone who’s skin has reacted to tape before or reacts to things like plasters. This can be used under all tape to prevent irritation and reactions (note: some people can still react to this).

Come see us at Physio4u to talk to us about your injuries and whether tape may be something to assist with them. We can show you how to tape your joints or even book a taping appointment before your sports games to get yourself prepared to play your best.