Should I be using tape?

Have you sustained an injury recently and are you unsure of whether or not you should be using tape, there are a number of benefits of using tape, but you must be fully aware of the injury you have sustained before applying any tape.  If you are unsure of whether you should be applying tape or avoiding it, there are several benefits associated with using taping techniques on injuries. Tape can offer a great level of support and protection whilst remaining great value for money, making it an extremely popular choice for many people. However, in order to gain these benefits from taping, you must have the knowledge of the injury that you are dealing with, before applying any tape. A medical professional should assess the injury, this can be done by comparing the range of movement of the injured limb and the uninjured limb. Any skin conditions or allergies should be considered, as if the person is affected by any condition taping may not be advised. We recommend using only high-quality tape, applied by a qualified and experienced professional. Poor quality tape can cause several problems including blisters, tape cuts and biomechanical issues, making the taping an unpleasant experience. A top tip from us here at Firstaid4sport is to remove any hair from the area before applying tape, as hair free skin will provide a better surface for the tape to adhere to as well as making the removal of the tape an easier process.  If you don’t feel like hair removal or a waxing feeling when removing the tape is from you, then an under-wrap can be used prior to the application of the tape. When and why I should use tape?

• Tape is an effective way to hold dressings in place, over injuries such as cuts, burns and blisters.
• Tape is effective when needing to immobilise joints or prevent unwanted or painful movements.
• Tape can be used to compensate for weak muscles or lax ligaments within joints.
• Tape can be used to protect against impact or irritation.
• Tape should only be applied when the injury has been assessed by a professional.
• Tape can increase kinaesthetic feedback and sensitivity in joints, helping to decrease the chance of injury re-occurrence.

When not to use tape?

• You should not use tape when you don’t have a good understanding of the injury and what you are aiming to achieve through taping.
• Taping should be avoided if you are experienced or not working on the advice of a professional.
• Do not use tape if the skin of the injured area is cracked or broken.
• Avoid tape if you are allergic to any components found within the tape.

You can read our guide to the full range of tape we stock, and also you can shop our extensive range of tape.