Sports Taping can be utilised for prevention of further injuries and to diminish pain, to alter neuromuscular activation patterns and to give security and stability. Strong evidence exists for the efficacy of taping as a component of the management of sports and musculoskeletal injury. Key features include application technique, type of tape used, ability of the skin to withstand long-term taping, and understanding the goals of the technique.
Three different areas will be covered and include practical examination and taping techniques:
1. Foot & ankle - Taping/strapping has clear benefits in preventing ankle inversion sprains in a previously injured ankle (McKay 2001).
2. Knee - Taping/strapping has been shown to improve function, level of pain and activation patterns in Patello-femoral Pain Syndrome (Crossley 2002).
3. Shoulder – Taping/strapping aides in optimising scapular position significantly improving range of pain-free shoulder movement in rotator cuff impingement.
Paul Visentini
Presented by members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association and supported by an Educational Grant from Elastoplast