Sports Strapping Tape – Preparation and Removal

Sports strapping tape is used to support and stabilise muscles, joints, and ligaments during physical activity, helping to prevent injuries or manage existing ones like sprains and strains. It's commonly applied before sport or exercise to reduce strain on vulnerable areas, and during recovery to support healing tissue. Getting the preparation, application, and removal right is just as important as the taping itself. Proper technique ensures the tape stays secure and effective, while careless removal can irritate the skin or undo the support it's meant to provide. 

Proper preparation can help the tape adhere securely and provide the intended support.. It helps the tape adhere securely for the duration of activity while reducing the risk of skin irritation or premature lifting. Taking a few extra minutes before application also ensures you get the right tension, placement, and coverage for the joint or muscle you're supporting.

Before you apply the tape, you need to prepare the area to be taped by:

• Shaving the area - for best results, wet-shaving the skin 12 hours before or using an electric razor just prior.
• Cleaning the area by using a tape remover to remove the body oil.
• Covering any rashes or broken skin with a non-stick wound pad such as Elastoplast Soft Gauze
• Applying an underwrap to the area (optional). An underwrap, such as Elastoplast Pre-Taping Underwrap, will help protect tape-sensitive skin.

• Flexing the muscles when applying the tape will help you get the correct tension.
• Check that the tape is not too tight by pinching the skin below the tape for a few seconds. The skin should return to its normal colour when released.
• If the tape is too loose may not provide the intended level of support. If it is too tight, then it could cut off the blood supply.
• If numbness and tingling result, remove tape or bandage and reapply with reduced tightness.

• Joints are normally strapped in their "at rest" position.
• Do not use the limb to pull against when getting the tape off the roll.
• Hold the roll in one hand and pull the tape off with the other hand, then apply gently OR cut off the required number of strips of the correct length before you start applying. 

• For secure and consistent application, overlap each layer of strapping tape by 1/3–1/2.
• The amount you use depends upon the amount of support you need. If you use too little, then you are not providing enough support to the joint. If you use too much, then you could reduce the mobility of surrounding muscles. 

• For maximum strength, overlap each layer of strapping tape by 1/3-1/2 to keep the support consistent along the muscle or joint.
• Avoid applying excessive layers, as too much tape adds unnecessary bulk, restricts movement, and can reduce mobility in the surrounding muscles.
• The amount of tape you use should reflect the level of activity; high-impact or high-intensity sports generally need more support than light activity or everyday movement.
• Adjust the amount based on the support required: if you use too little, the joint won't be adequately stabilised; if you use too much, you risk limiting natural movement and circulation.
• If you’re unsure how much support you need or how to apply the tape, consult a healthcare professional.

• Timing: Remove the tape as soon as you've finished training or playing, rather than leaving it on for extended periods.
• Cutting: Use bandage scissors placed over a soft part of the limb, not over the bone, then slide under the tape and cut.
• Direction: Peel down over the top of the tape rather than pulling it away at right angles from the limb.
• Technique: Peel gently and evenly, taking your time. Ripping the tape off can damage the skin or pull-on body hair.
• Tape Remover: Use a tape remover to loosen the adhesive, especially on sensitive skin. It helps lift the tape quickly while clearing any residue.

Rigid strapping tape and adhesive bandages offer different levels of support depending on the injury and activity. Rigid tape provides firm, non-stretch support that restricts movement in a specific direction, making it ideal for stabilising joints during high-impact sports or limiting motion after an injury.

Cohesive compression bandage, on the other hand, provides adaptable support and compression that sticks to itself, not skin. The material conforms to contours to the body and movement without bunching or rolling down, making it great for tricky areas and easy to wrap securely. As a general guide, rigid tape may be suitable when firmer joint support is needed, such as during sport or activity involving sudden changes in direction, while a compression bandage may be preferred for general support where comfort, flexibility and mobility are important.

To help restrict excessive joint movement and provide support and stabilisation, use a rigid strapping tape, such as: Elastoplast Rigid Strapping Tape
   

USE:	PRODUCT:
Preventative ankle or knee taping	Rigid Strapping Tape 38mm or 50mm for large joints
Supporting areas such as injured wrists, elbow, fingers	Rigid Strapping Tape 25mm or 12.5mm

    
To compress and support joints or muscles, use an Cohesive Compression Bandage, like Elastoplast's Cohesive Compression Bandage:
   

USE:	PRODUCT:
For gentle compression and quick support. Holds dressings and gauze without the need of fixation tape.	Cohesive Compression Bandage 75mm x 4.5m

• Applying tape too tightly: Overly tight tape can restrict circulation, causing numbness, tingling, or discolouration in the area below the tape.
• Taping over dirty or wet skin: Skin that isn't clean and dry reduces adhesion, causing the tape to lift or slide during activity.
• Using damaged tape: Do not use tape that is damaged or past its expiry date. Always follow the information on the product packaging.
• Restricting circulation: Wrapping too many layers or applying tape too firmly around a joint can cut off blood flow rather than supporting it.
• Leaving tape on for too long: Follow the recommended wear time and remove the tape as directed. Prolonged wear may increase the risk of skin irritation.