Chapter 23

1. Chapter 23 Protective Taping and Wrapping

2. Principles of Taping Procedures • Used to prevent injuries • Used to keep existing injuries from getting worse • Must be used only as indicated • Must understand • Contraindications of taping • Proper use of tape • Tape selection • Tape handling • Skin preparation • Taping techniques

3. Indications for Applying Tape • To provide support and stability • Taping can improve stability • Feeling of security • To provide immediate first aid • Usually to hold a bandage in place • Open basket weave – can provide compression • Reduces further movement

4. Indications for Applying Tape • To secure a pad or brace • Secures in place • Foam padding secured to body part • To secure straps of a brace if needed • To prevent injury • Restrict motion • To restrict the angle of pull • Limiting ROM • Limiting ROM can help reduce stress and prevent further injury

5. Indications for Applying Tape • To provide psychological assistance • More confident athlete • (Taping cannot replace strong ligaments and MM) • Taping should not be used as a substitute for proper treatment. • Many athletic trainers do no tape or wrap an athlete unless he/she first takes the time to receive proper treatment

6. Proper Use of Tape • Tape Selection • Linen tape • Most common • Varies in width (from ½” to 2”) • 1.5” most common • Can be torn by hand • Quality of product varies from manufacturers • Higher quality has more threads per square inch • Higher quality comes off spool more evenly

7. Proper Use of Tape • Tape Selection (cont.) • Linen tape (cont.) • Purchasing • Frequency of taping • Costs • Elastic tape • Can return to its original length after being stretched • Extra adhesive on one side • Usually has to be cut with scissors • Used when material of high strength is desired or when tape ends need to pull toward one another

8. Proper Use of Tape • Tape Selection (cont) • Hybrid tape • Combination of linen and elastic tape • Linen based with some elastic qualities • Can often be torn by hand • Usually applied to areas that have to move and expand • Slightly more expensive per roll than a similar quality of linen tape

9. Proper Use of Tape • Tape Selection (cont) • Moleskin • Thick • A lot of adhesive on one side • Sticks well to skin • Very strong • Used when added strength is needed • Rather expensive

10. Proper Use of Tape • Tape Handling • Smoothness and efficiency with which tape is applied depends on how proficient the ATC is at handling the product • Tearing • Hard for beginners • Grip in one hand • The strip to be torn is held between the thumb and index finger of opposite hand • A precise, quick movement must be used • Tape must not be pleated at the edge or the threads may not pull apart • If at first you don’t succeed, tear, tear again

11. Proper Use of Tape • Tape Handling (cont) • Proper winding • Refers to applying individual strips of tape rather than a continuous length of tape off the roll, which builds tension quickly and is likely to cut off circulation • If done continuously, the ATC must be careful to apply the tape at a proper tension without cutting off the circulation • Until trainers become skilled, applying individual strips is most appropriate

12. Proper Use of Tape • Tape Handling (cont) • Proper winding (cont) • Too tight if body part becomes bluish or athlete c/o body part going numb • Check circulation by checking capillary refill • Overlap • Refers to applying strips of tape so that half of the strip from one piece is covered by the next piece applied • If not overlapped, risk of gapping and creating areas of friction and irritation

13. Proper Use of Tape • Tape Handling (cont) • Applied to follow the natural contour of body area • Adapt angle of application of tape to shape of body part • Subtly alter angle of application of the tape to get desired direction and subsequent support without affecting the body contour or disturbing the purpose of the procedure • If ATC forces the tape into a change of direction too abruptly, it may create areas of high pressure or wrinkles, which can cause blisters, cuts, and even contusions, not to mention a very upset athlete

14. Proper Use of Tape • Skin Preparation • Skin must be washed and dried • Hair removed around body part • Tape Adhesive applied • Spray cans • Increase stickiness of skin • Allows tape to be applied more securely • Thin film of foam like material is applied to the skin • Helps prevent skin irritation • And helps prevent the tape from sticking to an athlete’s hair if he has neglected to shave

15. Proper Use of Tape • Skin Preparation (cont) • Apply heel and lace pads • Minimize friction and improve comfort • After game or practice, remove the tape with special scissors or tape shears, which have a protective end so he will not cut him/herself. • Clean area with soap and water while in shower • Taping techniques will be covered when discussing the various injuries the assist with.

16. Elastic Wrapping Techniques • Elastic Wraps • Injury • Compression • Support • Various widths and lengths • 2” • 3” • 4” • 6” • Used for musculoskeletal injuries • Sprains • Strains • Can be washed and reused • Less expensive then tape