1. Preventative and supportive
techniques

2. Assessing an Injury
Before any preventative or supportive
technique, a proper evaluation should be
completed

3. Only a qualified health care professional can
make recommendations concerning the
application of protective techniques.

4. Purpose of Taping & Wrapping
With proper application, taping & wrapping
techniques can be applied to:
 Shorten the muscles angle of pull
 Decrease joint ROM
 Secure pads, bandages, and protective devices
 Apply compression to aid in controlling
swelling

5. Adhesive Tape – Traditional tape marketed
as non-elastic or white tape.

6. Elastic Tape – a woven fabric that also allows
for expansion and contraction,
and it is used for compression
or supportive techniques.

7. Both adhesive tape and elastic tapes are produced
in a variety of widths.
Tape or Not to Tape That is the question?
Positives:
 Protection
 Comfortable
 Allows Full ROM
 Follow – up Athlete

8. Tape or Not to Tape That is the question?
Negative:
 Cost of Tape
 Tape loosens with sweat and use
 Weakens support structures
 Need an athletic trainer to apply; may not
always be available.

9. Purpose of Taping & Wrapping
With proper application, taping & wrapping
techniques can be applied to:
 Shorten the muscles angle of pull
 Decrease joint ROM
 Secure pads, bandages, and protective devices
 Apply compression to aid in controlling
swelling

10. Elastic Tape & Wrap Application
vs.
Adhesive Tape
With any tape application, proper angle, direction
must be considered.
Elastic tape has the ability to contract & expand
and is commonly used in areas that need
greater freedom of movement.

11. Elastic Tape is also Comfortable & Strong.
 It can be placed on the body part with fewer
wrinkles and at greater angles.
 When applying elastic tape, proper tension must be
applied.
 Elastic wraps are used primarily used in the
application of applying either compression of
support.

12. Taping Prep:
 Removal of Hair – ensures a good foundation.
 Tape just sticks better
 Cleanse the Area – make sure skin is clean &
moisture free
 Special Consideration – allergies, infections, or
open wounds.
 Spray Adherent
 Skin Lubricants – in areas of high friction.
 Heel & Lace Pads on Ankle
 Behind the knee (poplatiel space)
 Prewrap – used to improve compliance. Hold
Heel & Lace Pads.
 Can compromise the stability of tape job.

13. Application & Removal
 Although you try to describe it, you just got to
do it!
 To tear tape, the adhesive tape is held firmly on each
side of the proposed tear line.
 With proper tension on the tape, the free end is
pulled away at an angle so that the force crosses the
lines of the fabric of the backcloth at a sharp angle.
 The tear occurs sequentially through the backcloth.
 The quicker it is done, the more evenly tape edges
will be torn.

14. Application
Some brands of tape are not meant to be cut by
hand, but instead by scissors.
Removal
Again, obvious but not to those who are not on
the field.
Done with scissors or by a specially constructed
cutting device.
 Shark
 Zipper
 I you lubricate the tip it will make for easier cutting.

15. Removal
Seriously Now!
You do have to assure the athlete that you cannot
cut them
 Avoid bony prominences, move scissors /
“Shark” along the natural channels or areas of
greatest soft tissue cushion.
 Ankle – Just Posterior to the Medial Malleolus, along
the Posterior Tibialis

16. Elastic Wraps
 Supportive Wraps – utilized to aid muscle
function & support, reduces excessive ROM
 Usually used for short time periods, practice or
games
Spica Wraps – usually used around the hip or shoulder
Figure 8 – ankle, knee, wrist & hand joints
Pad/Protective Device Support – secures felt, foam
pads, & protective devices.

17. Compression Wraps
Utilized in initial injury treatment protocol (PRICES)
 Use a spiral pattern and begin distal to the injury,
cross the injured joint, and finish proximal to the
affected area.
 Removal & Re-application of compression wrap should
take place every 4 hours
 Always be aware of specific rules for that
particular sport governing body (FHSAA) has
regarding tape/or wrap application.

18. Braces & Special Devices
Primary purpose is to prevent an injury and to
protect injured area from further aggravation.
Adds:
 Additional protection
 Additional Support
 “ Stability
 “ Compression
Can be beneficial if used appropriately, fitted, &
properly applied.
Remember there are also rules governing the use
of braces as well.

19. Common Specialty Supplies
Foam: Can be adhesive or non adhesive, used with
various taping procedures to increase efficacy of
the technique.
• Keep in Mind Proper: size, thickness, shape, &
foam composition prior to application.
Thermoplastic: Used to protect the injury, like
contusions. Be aware of stringent rules against the
use of this materials in competition.

20. Common Specialty Supplies
Felt: Used with the same considerations as in foam
padding
When constructing a special pad the following 4
criteria should be considered:
1. Meets Specific Rules
2. Performs the function it was designed for
3. Will it make the injury worse?
4. Will it void the warranty of the manufactured
piece of equipment? (especially the helmet &
shoulder pads)

21. Tips
 Know what body part & injury you are
providing support
 Cover sensitive parts
 Tape from a stationary position (avoid fatigue)
 Position body part at elbow height when
possible
 When learning use elastic wraps till you
becoming proficient, then use tapes

22. Tips cont.
 Apply Proper Tension – do not cut circulation
 Overlap tape/wrap to avoid spaces that can
cause cuts & friction
 When applying a compression always start
distally and work proximately
 When applying tape to the foot/ankle, pull
tape lateral to avoid excessive
tension/compression on the 5th metatarsal area.
 Finally PRACTICE!