Taping has been used in sport for decades to help reduce the likelihood of injury, provide support to an unstable joint, and assist with circulation, swelling and more. In this fortnights blog, we’ll be providing you with a bit of information on the different types of tape and how they can help you in your training.
Please note: We are not health care providers, nor are we attempting to provide you with any medical advice. If you have any injuries or ongoing pain affecting your training, please book an appointment with a doctor or physiotherapist.
Rigid Tape
Rigid tape is just that - rigid, meaning it does not stretch. When applied correctly, rigid tape will physically support a joint by holding it in a particular position to support the soft tissue and limiting movement. You’ll often see it used on ankles, wrists, shoulders, knees, and elbows. Rigid tape is primarily used post-injury when an athlete returns to sport (for example, returning to training after an ankle sprain).
Kinesiology Tape
Kinesio tape is a little bit different to rigid tape in that it is stretchy. After kinesio tape is applied, it “bunches up” in a way that is not visible to the eye, which lifts layers of skin to assist with swelling and circulation whilst providing support. Kinesio tape does not limit the movement of a joint like rigid tape does, but instead provides feedback to the brain to assist with positional awareness and awareness of engagement. Kinesio tape is great for rehabilitation, assisting with old injury flare-ups or simply providing some extra support to a weak joint.
Both rigid and kinesiology tape are extremely helpful and effective when applied correctly. We’d always recommend reaching out to a physiotherapist if you’d like some more in depth information on taping and how to correctly apply it to yourself.
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