1. Preventative and supportive techniques
Chapter 5
Preventative and supportive techniques

2. Preventative & Support Techniques
Assessing an Injury
Before any preventative or supportive technique, a proper evaluation should be completed

3. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Only a qualified health care professional can make recommendations concerning the application of protective techniques.

4. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Purpose of Taping & Wrapping
With proper application, taping & wrapping techniques can be applied to:
Shorten the muscles angle of pull
Decrease joint ROM
Secure pads, bandages, and protective devices
Apply compression to aid in controlling swelling

5. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Adhesive Tape – Traditional tape marketed
as non-elastic or white tape.

6. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Elastic Tape – a woven fabric that also allows
for expansion and contraction,
and it is used for compression
or supportive techniques.

7. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Both adhesive tape and elastic tapes are produced in a variety of widths.
Tape or Not to Tape That is the question?
Positives:
Protection
Comfortable
Allows Full ROM
Follow – up Athlete

8. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Tape or Not to Tape That is the question?
Negative:
Cost of Tape
Tape loosens with sweat and use
Weakens support structures
Need an athletic trainer to apply; may not always be available.

9. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Purpose of Taping & Wrapping
With proper application, taping & wrapping techniques can be applied to:
Shorten the muscles angle of pull
Decrease joint ROM
Secure pads, bandages, and protective devices
Apply compression to aid in controlling swelling

10. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Elastic Tape & Wrap Application vs. Adhesive Tape With any tape application, proper angle, direction must be considered. Elastic tape has the ability to contract & expand and is commonly used in areas that need greater freedom of movement.

11. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Elastic Tape is also Comfortable & Strong.
It can be placed on the body part with fewer wrinkles and at greater angles.
When applying elastic tape, proper tension must be applied.
Elastic wraps are used primarily used in the application of applying either compression of support.

12. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Taping Prep:
Removal of Hair – ensures a good foundation.
Tape just sticks better
Cleanse the Area – make sure skin is clean &
moisture free
Special Consideration – allergies, infections, or
open wounds.
Spray Adherent
Skin Lubricants – in areas of high friction.
Heel & Lace Pads on Ankle- prevents blisters pad with lubricant
Behind the knee (poplatiel space)
Prewrap – used to improve compliance. Hold Heel & Lace Pads.
Can compromise the stability of tape job.

13. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Application & Removal
Although you try to describe it, you just got to do it!
To tear tape, the adhesive tape is held firmly on each side of the proposed tear line.
With proper tension on the tape, the free end is pulled away at an angle so that the force crosses the lines of the fabric of the backcloth at a sharp angle.
The tear occurs sequentially through the backcloth.
The quicker it is done, the more evenly tape edges will be torn.

14. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Application
Some brands of tape are not meant to be cut by hand, but instead by scissors.
Removal
Again, obvious but not to those who are not on the field.
Done with scissors or by a specially constructed cutting device.
Shark
Zipper
I you lubricate the tip it will make for easier cutting.

15. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Removal
Seriously Now!
You do have to assure the athlete that you cannot cut them
Avoid bony prominences, move scissors / “Shark” along the natural channels or areas of greatest soft tissue cushion.
Ankle – Just Posterior to the Medial Malleolus, along the Posterior Tibialis

16. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Elastic Wraps
Supportive Wraps – utilized to aid muscle function & support, reduces excessive ROM
Usually used for short time periods, practice or games
Spica Wraps – usually used around the hip or shoulder
Figure 8 – ankle, knee, wrist & hand joints
Pad/Protective Device Support – secures felt, foam pads, & protective devices.

17. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Compression Wraps
Utilized in initial injury treatment protocol (PRICES)
Use a spiral pattern and begin distal to the injury, cross the injured joint, and finish proximal to the affected area.
Removal & Re-application of compression wrap should take place every 4 hours
Always be aware of specific rules for that particular sport governing body (FHSAA) has regarding tape/or wrap application.

18. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Braces & Special Devices
Primary purpose is to prevent an injury and to protect injured area from further aggravation.
Adds:
Additional protection
Additional Support
“ Stability
“ Compression
Can be beneficial if used appropriately, fitted, & properly applied.
Remember there are also rules governing the use of braces as well.

19. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Common Specialty Supplies
Foam: Can be adhesive or non adhesive, used with various taping procedures to increase efficacy of the technique.
Keep in Mind Proper: size, thickness, shape, & foam composition prior to application.
Thermoplastic: Used to protect the injury, like contusions. Be aware of stringent rules against the use of this materials in competition.

20. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Common Specialty Supplies
Felt: Used with the same considerations as in foam padding
When constructing a special pad the following 4 criteria should be considered:
Meets Specific Rules
Performs the function it was designed for
Will it make the injury worse?
Will it void the warranty of the manufactured piece of equipment? (especially the helmet & shoulder pads)

21. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Tips
Know what body part & injury you are providing support
Cover sensitive parts
Tape from a stationary position (avoid fatigue)
Position body part at elbow height when possible
When learning use elastic wraps till you becoming proficient, then use tapes

22. Preventive & Supportive Techniques
Tips cont.
Apply Proper Tension – do not cut circulation
Overlap tape/wrap to avoid spaces that can cause cuts & friction
When applying a compression always start distally and work proximately
When applying tape to the foot/ankle, pull tape lateral to avoid excessive tension/compression on the 5th metatarsal area.
Finally PRACTICE!