As of 2005, professional sports teams, colleges, high schools and weekend warriors in the United States bought some $85 million dollars' worth of athletic tape each year, the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association calculated. Athletic tape is often to used to support the wrists of baseball players. Wrist taping can allow injured players to make an earlier return to the game following injury, and aid in the healing of wrist injuries. Taping also reduces the likelihood of new and recurring wrist injuries.
Wrist Taping Technique
Step 1
Purchase an adhesive, non-stretch, rigid athletic tape as well as a pre-wrap. Pre-wrap is the bottom layer used in wrist taping and is designed to prevent chafing, irritation and adhesive build-up caused by repetitive wrist taping. Pre-wrap is normally a hypoallergenic material. Athletic tape can be purchased at your local sporting goods store. When deciding on a wrist tape, consider the quality. Tapes that seem like a bargain may irritate your wrist or become ruined more easily.
Step 2
Tape your wrist using the pre-wrap. The pre-wrap should run from your wrist to your palm, at thumb level. Run the pre-wrap in a straight line as you make a circular motion around your wrist and hand.
Step 3
Apply athletic tape going in one direction. Tape should be applied just above the wrist, in the direction of your forearm, the PhysioAdvisor website instructs. Another piece of tape should be applied around the palm of your hand. These two pieces of tape are referred to as anchors.
Step 4
Keep your wrist in a neutral position --- bent backwards at about a 30-degree angle. Place another piece of tape starting at the base of your thumb; this piece of tape should be placed at an angle and be wrapped until it reaches the back side of your wrist, PhysioAdvisor explains. Another piece of tape should run from the base of your little finger across the top of your hand and end at the back of your wrist. Complete the same style of taping on the palm side of your hand and wrist.
Step 5
Reinforce your wrist taping. Tape starting at your wrist anchor and tape up to your palm anchor. The tape should be placed in straight lines.
Step 6
Apply straight lines of tape to the palm side of your hand. The tape should be run lengthwise from the wrist anchor to the palm anchor. Two pieces of athletic tape should complete these lines. They can overlap by approximately 50 percent.
Tips and Warnings
- Consider shaving your wrist and lower arm area before taping your wrist. Athletic tape can be difficult and painful to remove when it comes into contact with hair. Shaving 12 hours before taping can help prevent pain and irritation. When it comes time to remove the athletic tape, soap and water are useful in removing any adhesive remaining on your hand and wrist.
- If you experience wrist pain or an injury, consult your team's athletic trainer or your physician. Not all wrist injuries can benefit from wrist taping. Only your doctor can decide the best course of treatment for your wrist. If you have ever had an allergy to athletic tape, avoid taping your wrist. Those with circulatory problems should also avoid taping. If you are unsure on how to tape your own wrist, contact one of your baseball team's athletic trainers.
Things You'll Need
- Pre-wrap
- Athletic tape
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