Chapter 8: Bandaging and Taping

Bandaging

Will contribute to recovery of injuries

When applied incorrectly may cause discomfort, wound contamination, hamper healing

Must be firmly applied while still allowing circulation

Materials

Gauze- sterile pads for wounds, hold dressings in place (roller bandage) or padding for prevention of blisters

Cotton cloth- ankle wraps, triangular and cravat bandages

Elastic bandages- extensible and very useful with sports; active bandages allowing for movement; can provide support and compression for wound healing

Cohesive elastic bandage- exerts constant even pressure; 2 layer bandage that is self adhering;

Elastic Bandages

Bandage selected should be free from wrinkles, seams and imperfections that could cause irritation

Elastic Bandage Application

Elastic bandages can be used to provide support for a variety scenarios:

Cervical Arm Sling

Designed to support forearm, wrist and hand injuries

Bandage placed around neck and under bent arm to be supported

Shoulder Arm Sling

Forearm support when a shoulder girdle injury exists

Also used when cervical sling is irritating

Sling and Swathe

Combination utilized to stabilize arm

Used in instances of shoulder dislocations and fractures

Taping

Tape- Injury Care

Tape- Injury Protection

Non-elastic White Tape

Great adaptability due to:

–Uniform adhesive mass

–Adhering qualities

–Lightness

–Relative strength

Help to hold dressings and provide support and protection to injured areas

Come in varied sizes (1≤, 1 1/2≤ , 2≤)

When purchasing the following should be considered:

Tape Grade

Adhesive Mass

Winding Tension

Elastic Adhesive Tape

Preparation for Taping

Tape directly to skin

Prewrap (roll of thin foam) can be used to protect skin in cases where tape is used daily

Prewrap should only be applied one layer thick when taping and should be anchored proximally and distally

Proper taping technique

–Tape width used dependent on area

–Acute angles = narrower tape

Tearing tape

–Various techniques can be used but should always allow athlete to hold on to roll of tape

–Do not bend, twist or wrinkle tape

–Tearing should result in straight edge with no loose strands

–Some tapes may require cutting agents

Rules for Tape Application

Removing adhesive tape

Taping Supplies

Common Foot Taping Procedures

Arch Technique 1
(to strengthen weakened arches)

Arch Technique 2
(for longitudinal arch)

Arch Technique 3
(X teardrop arch and forefoot support)

Arch Technique 4
(fan arch support)

LowDye Technique
(Management of fallen arch, pronation, arch strains and plantar fascitis)

Sprained Toes

Bunions

Turf Toe
(prevents excessive hyperextension of metatarsophalangeal joint)

Hammer or Clawed Toes

Fractured Toes

Common Ankle Taping Procedures

Routine Non-Injury Taping

Routine Non-injury taping

Closed Basket Weave

Open Basket Weave

Closed Basket weave (Gibney) Technique

Continuous-Stretch Tape Technique

Common Leg & Knee Taping Procedures

Collateral Ligament

Patellofemoral Taping (McConnell technique)

Common Upper Extremity Taping Procedures

Elbow Restriction

Wrist Technique 2

Sprained Thumb