Athletes – whether professionals or amateurs – have a higher risk of injury than other people. If a sports accident occurs, there are several options for treatment, depending on the diagnosis. If a stiff cast that completely restricts movement is unnecessary, but on the other hand a normal bandage is not stable enough, the specialist usually applies a tape bandage. It supports the injured part of the body, but at the same time does not constrict it. Tapes can also be used prophylactically, for example to stabilize joints that are particularly at risk.
What is the tape bandage?
A tape bandage is a temporary inelastic bandage used by sports physicians, trauma surgeons and orthopedists to treat and prevent sports injuries. A tape bandage is a temporary inelastic bandage used by sports physicians, trauma surgeons and orthopedists for the treatment and prevention of sports injuries. The tear- and tension-resistant bandage consists of a self-adhesive cotton fabric that is coated with a zinc oxide rubber adhesive layer. On its long sides, the tape has serrations that allow the bandage to be easily split lengthwise and crosswise. Tapes are available in pharmacies, drugstores and specialized sporting goods stores. There, the customer can buy them as 10-meter rolls. Their standard width is 3.75 cm. However, there are also 2 and 5 cm wide bandages. They stabilize joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons and prevent damaging, painful and unnecessary movements. In this way, the rapid healing process is promoted. By avoiding complete immobilization of the injured body region, consequential damage such as muscle atrophy and edema is avoided. How much mobility the patient is then still capable of depends on the type of taping and the tape material used. To perform taping correctly, the following conditions must be met: The body part to be treated is externally intact. The taping is done according to the diagnosis of a medical specialist. The taping is performed by a professional competent in applying these bandages. Tapes for the treatment of injuries are generally applied only by medical professionals. If they are to be used for prophylaxis or performance enhancement in sports, the athlete concerned can also apply them himself with a little practice and good illustrated instructions. The tape used in the field of sports medicine and trauma surgery is to be distinguished from the Kinesio Tape, which is made with elastic adhesive strips.
Function, effect and goals
Depending on the diagnosis, taping must perform one of the following functions: Augmentation specifically supports joints and ligaments. Tapes designed to provide compression prevent tissue swelling. Thus, the working pressure on the injury is stronger than the resting pressure. Compression tapes are often applied as an immediate measure after sports accidents. However, they must then not remain on the skin for more than one hour. Tapes for fixation (splinting) connect injured bones and joints with the surrounding, uninjured bones and joints (buddy taping). This immobilizes the injury. Tape bandages, which are applied for proprioception reasons, are intended to improve the perception of one’s own movements and body awareness. They are usually applied prophylactically to emphasize certain movements. Preferred areas of the body are the joints. Medical indications for tape bandages include injuries to joints and ligaments (partial ligament tears), unstable joints, simple bone fractures, muscle injuries and damage caused by sports overuse (tennis elbow). The main areas of application of tape bandages are injuries of the ankle joint – it is the most frequently affected by sports accidents of all joints of the human body. Fingers, knee joints, elbows and wrists are also targets of taping treatment. The form in which it is applied depends on the diagnosis, the purpose (therapeutic or prophylactic), the intended duration of application, the specific requirements of the sport the patient is practicing (set of rules) and according to the principle of action (augmentation, compression, etc.). It is a prerequisite that the patient does not make any strong movements when applying the bandage, as they would jeopardize the treatment goal. The physician first brings the affected joint into the correct functional position. Then he places a skin protector (underlay) on this position. He cuts a foam pad and applies it to the painful joint with light pressure.Finally, anchors, reins, fixation, casing and safety strips are applied. The strips are not wrapped continuously as with an elastic bandage, but are measured individually and wrapped completely only once each. The tape dressing is removed by the physician tearing the adhesive strip at a suitable point with a tape cutter or bandage scissors at the teeth and then pulling it off in the direction of hair growth. If the tape dressing is applied for prophylactic reasons, then this is done to prevent future (repeat) injuries. If tapes are applied before competitions, they are intended to prevent ligament hyperextensions, strains and sprains. They are removed immediately after the sporting event is over. Proprioceptively applied tape dressings further improve overall athletic performance.
Risks, side effects and dangers
Typical complications that may occur after tape bandages are applied include skin irritation, circulatory problems, diminishing of the stabilizing effect and occurrence of compartment syndrome. Tapes must not be applied if the patient suffers from arthritis (joint inflammation), advanced osteoarthritis or gout in the affected joint. Other contraindications are: Numbness and tingling in the injured area of the body, severe increasing pain at the site of injury, open wounds (they must be treated before the tape can be applied! ), intense itching, discoloration of fingers and toes that does not disappear even when the patient is elevated, and severe swelling that does not go down despite elevation. In addition, tapes should not be applied to extensive hematomas.
