Guide to strapping, bandages and braces: Which should you use?

Strapping tapes, bandages (including gauze), and braces play a vital role in managing injuries whether it’s a sprained or twisted ankle, muscle strain, or joint instability. They help manage pain, reduce swelling, and provide stability during recovery. Knowing how to bandage an ankle (or how to bandage a sprained ankle) using elastic adhesive or gauze bandages offers immediate compression to minimise inflammation. Meanwhile, rigid strapping restricts harmful movement, and braces offer ongoing structural support to weakened areas. Together, these tools guide the healing process while allowing safe return to daily activity or sports.

When you use bandage tape, braces, or compression wraps, you’re applying principles that help the body heal faster and more safely. These supports work by:

• Compression
  Elastic bandages and tape apply gentle pressure to help limit swelling and inflammation in the first hours by limiting fluid buildup around the injured area. This can be a critical step in early care after a sprained or twisted ankle.
• Stability
  Rigid strapping tape and braces restrict harmful movement and protect joints and muscles from further injury, especially in areas like the back, knee, or ankle.
• Controlled Movement
  While limiting excessive motion, braces and elastic supports allow controlled movement and partial mobility. This supported movement enhances circulation, prevents stiffness, and supports tissue repair.

Strapping tapes and bandages have two distinct roles when it comes to protecting an area of your body after it has been injured:

1. Strapping tape, in particular Rigid Strapping Tape, is designed to help you stabilise your joints and restrict joint movement.

You would need to do this post injury to protect yourself from injuring yourself further when you’re ready to get back into exercise or your preferred sport.

Rigid strapping tape can also be used to prevent injury. It does this by supporting your joints and tendons to minimise painful or excessive movement during vigorous physical activity. For extra support, you can use an Elastic Adhesive Bandage on top of your rigid strapping tape.

For best taping practice, we recommend using a three-step routine:

• Underwrap: Apply a layer of Elastoplast Pre-Taping Underwrap for added comfort and protection of your skin.
• Tape: Use Elastoplast Rigid Strapping Tape to stabilise, prevent and treat an injury.
• Bandage: Finish with an Elastoplast Elastic Adhesive Bandage for strong compression and extra support.

Kinesiology tape works like a second skin to improve your blood flow and speed up recovery from minor injuries. You can use it to reduce muscle fatigue and swelling.

2. Elastic Bandages such as the Cohesive Compression Bandage and Hi-Stretch Compression Bandage are designed to compress and support injured joints or muscles as well as secure wound dressings.

One example where you would use a bandage, like the Cohesive Compression Bandage, instead of strapping tape is immediately following an injury. You would do this to help reduce swelling and support your joints or muscles while they make their way through the initial stages of healing and to reduce pain.

Cohesive Compression Bandage will provide a higher level of compression and it is particularly useful in conjunction with the RICER (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral) technique. For example; overlap the bandage by a half to two thirds in a spiral bandaging technique formation on clean and dry skin. When bandaging around a joint (i.e. knee or ankle) use a figure 8 bandaging technique. At the end be careful not apply any stretch/pressure on the last 10cm of application. This will help to secure the bandage. Finally, check that the bandage is not too tight.

In another example, you would use a crepe bandage to keep a wound dressing intact. Elastoplast Crepe Bandages are strong support crepes for medium to long-term bandaging requirements and can also help you support a strain and provide compression to alleviate swelling.

They come in two weights depending on how much compression your injury needs:

• Medium weight is ideal for keeping dressings in place, stemming bleeding and providing light compression.
• Heavy weight provides moderate compression and increased support for strains and sprains in joints and muscles.

There are four main differences between strapping tape and braces:

1. The role they play in supporting or preventing an injury:

• Strapping tape helps to stabilise joints and restrict joint movement. It also enables you to design your taping procedure for a customised fit specifically for your injured joint. This provides faster treatment, maximum support and protection.
• A brace improves stability in joints that are weak or recovering from an injury. It will support rather than restrict movement using targeted stabilisers.

In conjunction with adequate rest, using a brace can improve your mobility and prevent re-injury. A brace is also anatomically contoured and compressive to activate your muscles, provide warmth and reduce and prevent pain in your joints and tendons.

There are three main ranges of braces to choose from:

• The everyday range provides moderate compression for weak and injured joints
  E.g. Everyday ankle support, Everyday elbow support, Wrap around wrist support
• The thermal range provides warmth and compression for arthritic joints.
  E.g. Adjustable knee support, Adjustable wrist brace
• The functional range provides support and protection when you participate in sports. These braces are designed to provide support and relief from a specific injury.
  E.g. Protective knee stabiliser, Tennis Elbow Support, Knee strap

2. Their effect on sensitive skin:

• Strapping tape can cause some consumers’ skin to react, however this can be prevented through the use of Pre-Taping Underwrap.
• A brace doesn’t leave an adhesive residue. This makes it less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

3. The skill level required to use each one:

• Strapping tape can be confusing so some consumers. Many people have little to no knowledge of the proper taping techniques for their injuries.
• A brace is much easier to learn how to use and apply without the help of a professional. It doesn’t cause any pain when it is removed either.

4. Their cost considerations:

• Strapping tape generally costs less for a single unit.
• A brace can be more economical for a chronic or long term injury as it is durable and reusable.

Finding the right support isn’t just about recovery, it’s about prevention and confidence in every movement. Whether you’re returning to sport, staying active at work, or managing everyday discomfort, Elastoplast offers reliable products you can trust. Remember, each injury is unique, so always consider the type, location, and severity before choosing between strapping, a bandage, or a brace.

If you are unsure, the pain persists or you feel restricted in your movement, consult a healthcare professional for guidance on proper use and treatment.