Athletic tape is a useful tool that is now a need in every athlete’s equipment bag. Athletic tape can help you perform better and prevent injuries whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete. In this post, we’ll examine the several advantages of athletic tape, as well as its proper application and sources of supply.
Table of Contents
What is Athletic Tape?
Sports tape is a thin, sticky tape that supports muscles and joints during exercise. Both injury prevention and injury recovery can be aided by it for athletes. Sports tape can also help athletes perform better by strengthening and stabilizing weak or damaged joints.
How Athletic Tape Works
Compressing the soft tissue around a joint with athletic tape helps to support and stabilize the joint. Also, it aids in reducing joint motion, which can assist stop additional damage. By applying compression to the affected area, athletic tape can also aid in the reduction of discomfort and edema.
Types of Athletic Tape
Pre-wrap tape, stiff tape, and elastic tape are the three primary varieties of athletic tape.
Pre-Wrap Tape
Pre-wrap tape is a thin, foam-like tape that shields skin from sports tape’s adhesive. It is frequently applied to the wrist or ankle to avoid skin irritancy.
Rigid Tape
Strong, non-elastic tape known as rigid tape gives joints the most rigidity and support possible. It is frequently used to support weak joints or avoid injury around the ankle, knee, or wrist.
Elastic Tape
Stretchy tape known as elastic tape gives joints a moderate amount of stability and support. It is frequently used to support weak joints or prevent injury around the ankle or knee.
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How to Use Athletic Tape
Applying Athletic Tape to Ankles
- To prevent skin irritation, begin by wrapping the pre-wrap tape around the ankle.
- Wrap a strip of athletic tape around the ankle in a figure-eight manner, applying it just above the ankle bone.
- Wrap a second piece of athletic tape around the ankle in a figure-eight manner, slightly below the ankle bone.
- To offer more support, wrap one or two more athletic tape strips around the ankle, overlapping the first ones.
Applying Athletic Tape to Wrists
- To prevent skin irritation, begin by wrapping the pre-wrap tape around the wrist.
- Wrap a strip of athletic tape around the wrist in a figure-eight pattern, applying the tape just above the wrist bone.
- Wrap a second piece of athletic tape around the wrist in a figure-eight manner, applying it just below the wrist bone.
- To offer more support, wrap one or two more athletic tape strips around the wrist, overlapping the first ones.
Benefits of Athletic Tape
Preventing Injuries
Sports tape is a useful technique for avoiding sports-related injuries. It offers assistance and stability to weak or hurt joints, preventing additional harm. In high-impact sports like basketball or soccer, for instance, taping the ankle can help prevent sprains or twists.
Supporting Weak Joints
Moreover, weak joints can be supported with athletic tape. Taping might give the injured joint in athletes with recurring diseases like tendinitis or arthritis more support and stability. This can lessen discomfort and stop the joint from suffering additional harm.
Improving Performance
The support and stability that athletic tape gives muscles and joints can help an athlete perform better. Athletic tape can assist an athlete regulate and coordinate their movements better by limiting the movement of the joint or muscle. Better performance on the field or court may result from this.
FAQs About Athletic Tape
How long can I wear athletic tape?
Wearing athletic tape for prolonged periods of time is not advised. To avoid skin irritation or harm, it is advised that the tape be removed 4-6 hours after application.
Can I shower or swim with athletic tape on?
It is not advised to bathe or swim while wearing sports tape since water might make the tape lose its adhesion. The tape should be taken off before taking a shower or swimming.
Where can I buy athletic tape?
The majority of sports goods stores, as well as online merchants like Amazon or Dick’s Sporting Goods, provide athletic tape.
Conclusion
Athletic tape is a multipurpose item that can support weak joints, aid prevent injuries, and enhance an athlete’s performance. Athletic tape can help athletes perform at their best by giving muscles and joints support and stability. Athletic tape should be a part of your equipment if you’re an athlete wanting to improve your performance.
