Strapping is widely used amongst physiotherapists. There are many types of strapping available as well as many techniques which can be used. It is very important to match the correct strapping with the correct technique depending on what you wish to achieve with the strapping. It is used for different purposes which include preventative or therapeutic.
A more rigid tape is used to provide support to a joint by limiting excessive movement in cases such as a sprained ankle, knee or other ligament injuries.
A popular strapping currently is Kinesio tape and can be recognised as the bright coloured tape worn by many sports players. When using this tape it is very important to use the correct technique so that the strapping is effective. If the tape is simply applied to the skin without knowing the correct technique it may have no therapeutic effect.
Strapping provides pain relief by raising the skin which is attached to the tape, creating a space so that pressure is taken off the underlying structures. This allows for an increase in the blood supply to the area, and decrease in your pain.
According to the way the strapping is used you can either inhibit movement so that to prevent further injury or facilitate the muscle which allows for the muscle to work at its optimum
Strapping may also be used for drainage purposes when an area of the body is swollen. It does this by creating channels to direct the fluid causing the swelling to the nearest lymph duct. For example a lateral sprained ankle will have thin tapes from the injury going up to the leg to the above lymph nodes.
Compression to an area can the created with strapping with either a simple crepe bandage or non-rigid strapping. This type of strapping is used usually post injury to minimise swelling.
Strapping should not be used if you have poor skin integrity, open wounds, recent scars, and allergy to tape or over an ankle with deep vein thrombosis. If the area that has been strapped becomes red, and itchy remove the strapping immediately as it means you are allergic to the tape. Most types of strapping can be used for 3 days however kinesiotape can be used until the corners start peeling off.
It is always important to be strapped by a person who is qualified to strap. Incorrect techniques or type of strapping could lead to further injury or worsening of your condition. Physiotherapists are trained practitioners in different strapping techniques, so it would be advisable to contact your physiotherapist if you are unsure of which technique or strapping to use.
