Strapping and taping therapy are used to assist in the rehabilitation and healing processes following injury. Adhesive bandages or tape are applied to the skin by a trained health profession to stabilise or secure an injured joint or facilitate better muscle function. Strapping and tapping techniques are also effective in the relief of acute pain following a sporting injury such as a knee or ankle sprain, post dislocation and ligament injuries.
Quite often these terms are used interchangeable however, strapping refers to any technique used outside of a therapy program to immobilize an injured area whereas taping is used as part of the therapy program to assist in rehabilitation and pain relief.
Strapping Tape is used outside of rehabilitation such as after fracture or when playing sport. Strapping tape is used to protect injured/recovering joints during game play or to immobilise a joint following injury. It is also sometimes used to facilitate better muscle function. Taping is used as a part of the therapy regime to relieve pain or assist muscles during therapeutic exercise.
Strapping tape is effective for 3 days to 1 week following an application. Should you experience any irritation on your skin under the tape (like itching or burning) you must remove the tape immediately to avoid any further skin irritation. Damaged tape should be discarded after engaging in physical activity and be replaced by a new application if recommended by your health professional.
Strapping is very effective in the reduction of risk factors leading to injury during contact sport and effective in relieving pain following acute sporting injury. It is also extremely effective in facilitating muscle function when retraining movement.
