HSC PDHPE – CQ3 DP4 CQ3 – What role do preventative actions play in enhancing the wellbeing of the athlete?

What role do preventative actions play in enhancing the wellbeing of the athlete? Students learn about: Students learn to: taping and bandaging preventative taping taping for isolation of injury bandaging for immediate treatment of injury. demonstrate taping and bandaging techniques, including taping the ankle, wrist and thumb   evaluate the role taping plays in both the prevention and treatment of injury.

4. taping and bandaging

4. taping and bandaging Taping uses adhesive, often rigid, tape, while bandaging uses non-adhesive, often elasticised, bandages. Taping and bandaging are used in sports to prevent injury and assist in injury treatment and rehabilitation. For taping and bandaging to be effective, the trainer or strapper applying the tape must have a thorough knowledge of sports injuries. They must also have an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body.

preventative taping

preventative taping Taping or strapping for injury prevention (known as prophylactic taping) involves the application of non-elastic adhesive tape that provides support and restricts any excessive movement that might result in injury. This type of taping can also be used to hold in place protective equipment, such as shoulder pads and shin pads. The use of taping for injury prevention is common in sports where specific injuries can be anticipated. Examples include: Volleyball and Australian football—Players often have their fingers taped to prevent dislocation and other tissue damage. Basketball and netball—Players tape their ankles to prevent ligament sprains and tears.

preventative taping Taping can never provide the joint with the same stability and support as are supplied by the body’s natural supports; that is, connective tissues and muscles. Athletes should therefore be encouraged to undertake strengthening exercises for the sites of the body where injury is likely. They should not rely only on taping.

preventative taping An additional advantage of taping is that when a joint over-extends, the tape pulls on the skin of the athlete, and this can make the athlete aware of the joint position more quickly. This will allow the athlete to initiate muscle action to correct the situation. Taping can also be used during the rehabilitation phase to provide strength, stability and support, thus preventing re-injury.

preventative taping (handout) The following guidelines should be followed for effective preventative taping: Use tape that is the correct width and length for the body part. Avoid the use of elasticised bandages as they do not provide effective support. Ensure both the player and the person applying the tape are in a comfortable position. The person applying the tape must pull it from the roll and not use the player’s limb as an anchor. Maintain an even pressure when applying the tape—if the tape is too tight, circulation can be restricted; if too loose, it will be ineffective. Maintain uniform application of the tape by overlapping the previous tape by about a half of the width on each turn. Once the tape is applied, ensure that circulation is not being restricted. Remove taping immediately after training or playing.

preventative taping

preventative taping

taping for isolation of injury One of the major aims of taping is to limit movement, or allow only limited movement. When a joint has been injured, to prevent additional damage and to promote recovery, taping can be used to isolate or immobilise the joint. For instance, a sling can be applied to an injured shoulder. Attempts to limit the movement of an injured joint are not always effective. If done correctly, however, taping can isolate the joint and prevent any extreme movements that might have an impact on the healing process.

bandaging for immediate treatment of injury

bandaging for immediate treatment of injury Using bandages for immediate treatment of injuries can prevent further damage to the injury sustained. For a soft tissue injury, a bandage can compress a suspected sprained ankle to help reduce inflammation. Alternatively, bandages can immobilise a fractured leg by tying the legs together, or supporting a dislocated shoulder by giving pain relief and comfort.