In the market there are variety of tapes available but yoy have to choose the best one which gives a proper support to the injured structures. Good-quality tape should adhere readily and maintain adhesion despite
perspiration and activity. So before buying, you should consult with your sports physiotherapist.
Here i will tell you some categories of tapes which are available in the market, Dont worry i wiil give you the detail information.
1. Stretch adhesive tape (elastic adhesive bandage, EAB)Conforms to the contours of the body, allowing for normal tissue expansion, and is used for the following:
• to compress and support soft tissue
• to provide anchors around muscle, thus allowing for expansion
• to hold protective pads in place.
Stretch tape will not give mechanical support to your ligaments, but may be used in conjunction with rigid tape to give added support. Stretch tape is not normally tearable and must be cut with scissors, but there are now available very light-weight stretch tapes which may be torn by hand. Stretch tape isavailable in a variety of widths, from 1.25 to 10 cm, and sometimes even wider. Stretch tape may have:
• one-way stretch, in length or width
• two-way stretch, in length and width.
Stretch tape tends to roll back on itself at the cut ends, therefore it is wise to allow the last couple of centimetres to recoil before sticking it down.
2. Non-stretch adhesive tape It has a non-yielding cloth backing and is used for the following:
• to support inert structures, e.g. ligaments, joint capsule
• to limit joint movement
• to act prophylactically
• to secure the ends of stretch tape
• to reinforce stretch tape
• to enhance proprioception.
Non-stretch tape should be torn by hand to maintain tension during application. It is important to be able to tear the tape from various positions
– practice will help to attain a high level of efficiency.
3. Hypoallergenic tapesHypafix/Fixomull offer an alternative to conventional zinc oxide adhesive tape, to which some athletes are allergic.
4. Waterproof tape Also available in many widths.
5. Cohesive bandagesAre a useful product and may be used instead of stretch tape. The product sticks to itself and not to the skin, is waterproof and is reusable.These are most useful when applying spica bandages or as a cover-up
for any tape procedure.
Hope this article will help you.
All the best.
