Sport strapping techniques focus on either preventing damage in weak areas of the body or helping a player with a minor injury continue to play. For example, strapping or taping an injured finger can allow you to continue playing soccer. If you have any persistent or painful injuries, speak to your physiotherapist or a doctor rather than strapping the injury yourself.
Ankle Taping
Ankle taping can help support the ankle and prevent injury to your lateral ligament, according to information from the Singapore Ministry of Defence. The technique involves sticking a piece of under-foam to the hollow area beneath the ankle bone. The person wrapping the ankle then uses underwrap bandages wrapped tight around the top and bottom of the ankle in a figure of eight style. Stronger tape, known as anchor tape, strengthens the top of the strapping. Stirrup tape runs vertically down from the anchor along each side of the ankle. Several more layers of tape, including a heel lock and mid-foot section, are applied before the overwrapping is added in a figure of eight style.
Thumb Strapping
Because of its prominent position, the thumb is frequently damaged during sports. Strapping stabilizes the thumb. It's a useful technique for sprains and bruising, but not for serious ligament damage or fractures, according to "Sports Taping" by Andreas Schur. Thumb-strapping technique involves creating an anchor of tape around the thumb just below the nail. More tape wraps around the wrist. Tape known as a check rein runs from the top of the thumb to the wrist. Another check rein stretches along the inside of the thumb, with tape securing both in place at the wrist. The thumb should point securely at around a 45-degree angle.
Thigh Strapping
SportsInjuryClinic.net suggests using the thigh strapping or taping technique in the early stages of a strain injury to provide suitable compression. However, if you're not experienced strapping a leg, then you should speak to a physician. The procedure works best with a shaved thigh. You need to arrange the injured leg so that the knee is bent. It's best to place a piece of foam over the injured region. Diagonal strips of 1-1/2 inch zinc oxide tape hold the foam in place and support the injury. Support strips don't wrap around the thigh, just around the front of the leg. The whole area is covered by a stretchy bandage.
Elbow Strapping
Elbow strapping suits minor sprains and muscle irritations. However, according to Schur, you should leave the straps on for no more than one week and avoid strapping altogether if your arm is fractured or seriously damaged. The technique prevents your elbow from moving too much. An anchor strap on the forearm and on your upper arm holds the strips of elastic in place. Diagonal strips of elastic cross over both sides of the elbow, stabilizing the joint and offering extra support.
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