Introduction
Tape bandages are a method widely used in sports medicine, orthopaedics and trauma surgery to treat various muscle, ligament and bone injuries or to prevent them. Depending on the area of application, there are various methods of applying a tape bandage to achieve maximum effect. Torn ligaments can also be treated with the help of a tape bandage.
It should be noted, however, that taping is not the treatment of first choice for torn ligaments. Particularly in the case of complicated injuries of the capsule-ligament apparatus and in young patients who engage in sports, surgery or splinting of the torn ligament is more likely to be indicated, as this is the only way to ensure optimal healing of the injury. However, tape bandages are very well suited to support the ligamentous apparatus after healing has already occurred, especially for athletes.
Functionality of tape dressings
Properly applied tape bandages are able to considerably strengthen the holding function of the capsule-ligament apparatus of a joint. If the tape is applied to the skin along the course of the ligament, the tensile forces acting on the ligaments are absorbed and transferred to the skin. In addition to this purely mechanical effect of the tape, proprioception (the perception of body movement and position in space) is also supported.
Athletes thus perceive undesired movements more strongly. In contrast to other conservative treatment options, such as a splint or a plaster cast, tape bandages also allow a certain degree of mobility of the joint. The mobility of the joint is allowed within its own limits, but harmful movements that exceed the healthy level are prevented.
For this reason tape bandages are also called functional bandages. The degree of movement restriction depends on the material of the tape and the taping method. Another effect of a correctly applied tape bandage is the compression of the underlying tissue, which is achieved by slightly stretching the tape strips. This can significantly reduce swelling of the joint as a result of a torn ligament.
Instructions
In order to be able to tape a torn ligament effectively, a few things should be considered before applying the tape strips. First of all, tape should only be applied to non-irritated skin; minor non-irritated injuries can be covered with plasters or a wound dressing beforehand. The skin should also be dry and clean; oily lotions should be thoroughly removed before application.
If the skin is very hairy, the area should be shaved afterwards to ensure that the tape adheres well. A tape bandage is usually applied about 20 – 30 minutes before the sporting activity. It is helpful to first place the tape strips in the planned position on the joint before applying the tape.
Rounding off the ends of the tape ensures a better hold. In general, with kinesiologic tapes, the middle of the strip can be pre-stretched before application to enhance the stabilizing effect of the tape. In some cases, however, this can cause slight skin irritation and should not be done with the ends of the tape as this will reduce the adhesion.
In general, the adhesive surface of the tape should not be touched during application. Use the protective film to hold the tape in place. Once the tape has been applied to the skin, it should be rubbed several times over it; only then does the polyacrylic adhesive develop its full effect.
Tape bandages are best removed in the shower. Special adhesive sprays are also available to make removal even easier. The tape is best removed in the direction of hair growth and as close to the body as possible.
The technique described below for taping the foot with kinesiologic tape is very often used for foot sprains, but is also ideal for supporting the ankle joint after torn ligaments. To apply the bandage, the foot should be positioned at 90° to the lower leg. The first strip of tape is stuck to the outside of the lower leg about 10 cm above the outer ankle and then applied over the ankle and the outer edge of the foot to the sole.
From there it should now run over the inner edge of the foot over the inner ankle. The second strip of tape is now applied lengthwise to the inner edge of the foot. Running over the inner ankle, it is led over the Achilles tendon around the heel and over the sole of the foot so that it ends on the outer edge of the foot.
Using the same technique, but starting at the outer edge of the foot, the third strip is now first stuck over the outer ankle, around the heel, over the sole of the foot to the inner edge of the foot. The knee is a very complex joint and has a whole range of different ligament structures. Depending on which ligament is affected and is to be supported by a tape bandage, different taping techniques are used.
A taping method for “full knee support” is described here as an example. This bandage, which is intended to provide support for the entire knee, is suitable for various torn or overstretched ligaments. This taping bandage is applied in a 90° position of the knee.
A total of 3 strips of kinesiologic tapes are required. First, a tape is applied crosswise directly under the kneecap. It should run from the middle of the outer side to the middle of the inner side of the knee. The second tape is applied to the outside of the thigh and is stuck under slight stretching over the outside of the kneecap to the inside of the lower leg 15 cm below the kneecap. Finally, the third strip of tape is applied using the same technique from the inner side of the thigh over the inner side of the patella to the outer side of the lower leg.
