Core Concepts in Athletic

Training and Therapy

Susan Kay Hillman

ATHLETIC TAPING, PADDING, AND

BRACING

Identify the types of tape commonly used in athletic taping. Explain the “check reign” used in athletic taping and identify

different styles or shapes. Describe the five different taping techniques (spiral, figure 8,

teardrop, herringbone, and horseshoe) and give an application of each.

Identify the points to consider when developing preventive and protective pads.

Identify six basic products used in the construction of pads and braces for injury protection or prevention.

Explain why a fiberglass cast on a football lineman’s wrist should be padded for practice and games, regardless of rules.

Identify the three categories of knee braces and when each might be used.

OBJECTIVES

Athletic Taping and Bandaging is one of the more psychomotor skills of the A.T.Prevent injuryFacilitate injured persons return to physical activity Support ligaments and capsule of unstable joints

limit excessive or abnormal motion Enhance proprioceptive feedback from the injured limb

or joint Requires a great deal of practice

INTRODUCTION

Necessary to have understanding of anatomy and mechanism of injuries

Important to understand link between anatomical structure, mechanism of injury, and purpose for which the tape is being applied

Human anatomy is the foundation for everything you learn about athletic training

ANATOMY AND INJURY MECHANISM AS THE FOUNDATION FOR TAPING AND BRACING

Elastic tape, non elastic tape, elastic wraps, commercially manufactured bracesNon elastic

Standard white tape: porous, different sizes Optimal support to joints and strategically restrict

abnormal/excessive motion Elastic tapes/wraps

Support for body parts that require more ROM Apply compression to acute injury to minimize swelling

Braces Prevent injury Support unstable joints Reduce cost of athletic tape

MATERIALS FOR TAPING AND WRAPPING

Thorough injury evaluationNature and mechanism of injuryAssociated with appropriate rehabilitation program

Criteria of full return to activity has been metOptimal ROM, strength, progression of functional activity, psychological readinessSafety of athlete is #1 concern

PREREQUISITES TO TAPING AND BRACING

Ergonomic taping areaProper illumination, ventilation and free from

excessive heat and humidityArea should be coeducationalPatient should be willing participantArea to be taped should be clean and shaven

for optimal supportPrewrap may be applied

Tape adherent and friction pads over bony prominences or muscle tendons

PREPARING FOR TAPING

Creativity with taping techniques and supplies is valuable skill for A.T.

Various Application TechniquesSpiral: Used when padding, compression or general support of joints or soft tissue is the objectiveOverlapping circles, usually by 1/d tape/wrap widthDistal to ProximalPromote venous return and function

Commonly used for thigh (hamstring, quad), groin, hip, wrist and lower leg

APPLYING TAPE

Spiral Taping/wrapping

Check Reigns: Using strips of tape that cross a joint to limit normal or excessive movement Anchor strips applied proximally and distally are anchor points for various check reignsStacks

Strips of tape placed directly on top of each other to add strength to application

APPLYING TAPE

Proximal and distal anchors

with stack technique to

limit dorsiflexion

FanSimilar to stacking method, but one end is wider than the other

Allows for taping over a joint where proximal aspect is larger than distal or vice versa

Greater contact area=greater control of motion and support

The “X”Crisscross method to provide more control/support in one area and more movement in another

APPLYING TAPE: CHECK REIGN TECHNIQUES

The “Y” Type of stack check reign that is cut at 1 end and

split to facilitate attachment to anchor Split end can be cut long enough to be placed in

circular fashion

The “Double Y” Like “Y” but split at both ends Different from X because center is ore elongated

and covers larger area Often used for elbow hyperextension and Achilles

pathologies

APPLYING TAPE: CHECK REIGN TECHNIQUES

THE DOUBLE “Y”

Figure 8Foundational technique applied in numerous situations to benefit multiple joints

Limit motion or provide support to jointCircular and angular patterns crossing over itself while forming an “8” proximally and distally

Tape tension, joint placement, and type of tape are key factors

APPLYING TAPE

TeardropStrip of tape originates and ends in same spot to form an oval or “teardrop”

APPLYING TAPE

Herringbone Overlapping strips that cross over each other in

alternating and opposite directions Sequential support from overlapping strips Compression and support due to directional pull

applied

APPLYING TAPE

• Horseshoe (Stirrup)

Used during taping of ankle, heel and shoulder Used when circumferential tape application is

not possible Direction of pull, amount of tension, % of

overlap, and type of tape all affect the benefit of this technique

APPLYING TAPE

Valuable in preventing or lessening severity of injuries from sporting competition

Many different types of pads and protective equipment have been developedDifferent material

Moldable plasticFoamFeltCommercially manufactured padding

PADDING

a. Density Weight of product compared to its size Higher density offer greater protection and more resistant

to deformationb. Strength

Maximal external stress or load material can withstand Compression sleeve vs. ankle brace.

c. Rigidity Amount of bending or compression that occurs in response

to amount of applied stress Fiberglass splint more stiff and has less elasticity Aluminum splint less stiff and lower elasticity

d. Conformability Ease in which material forms to the body

PAD FABRICATION CONSIDERATIONS

e. Self-Adherence Strength in which material bonds to itself

Integrity and durability of the splint

f. Durability Ability to withstand repeated stress More durable=last longer

g. Ease of Fabrication Time, equipment and skill needed to shape material

for support and comfort

h. Availability and Cost

PAD FABRICATION CONSIDERATIONS

Type of density

High modulus of elasticity vs. low modulus

Custom vs. prefabricated

Boil and bite designed for custom fit

Closed Cell FoamHigher densityRegains original shape quickly after deformation

Provides better protection fro higher levels o impact

Stiffer foam, less comfortable

Can have adhesive backing for ease of application

Open Cell FoamLower densitySlowly regains shape after deformation

Better protection for low levels of impact

More comfortableCan have adhesive backing for ease of application

PAD CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Thermomoldable foamClosed or open cell that can be heated and molded to body part

Improves conformabilityGreat padding for cast and braces

FeltVarying thicknessUsed in conjunction with foam or other paddingCan have adhesive backing

PAD CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Gel Made entirely or partially with silicone or sorbothane

Effective in dispersing different levels of impact

Comfortable and increased ability to conform to body part

Can create adherence problems, must secure well

PAD CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

Heat and Moldable PlasticsActivated by heat or waterHard covering for foam or felt Increased absorption of high level of impactElevated strength levelsCan also be used for immobilization or ROM restriction

A.T. may vary how padding is usedDoughnut or bubble techniques

PAD CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

Prevent injury or support unstable jointsAnkle Braces

Knee BracesPreventative, rehabilitative, and functional braces

Shoulder BracesSupport unstable glenohumeral joints

Elbow BracesWrist Braces

ROLE OF BRACING