Knowing Your Tapes

Here at Firstaid4sport we sell a tape for every sport. However, how do you know which tape is suitable for what job? We have put together this helpful guide to highlight the different types of tape that we sell, and how each one could be utilised to help you.

Kinesiology Tape This is often known as kinesio tape, and is recognisable as the bright coloured strips of tape often seen worn by top athletes. When applied correctly, it lifts the skin to create a small space between the muscle and dermis layers. That space takes the pressure off swelling or injured muscles. Unlike other tapes it has elastic qualities meaning that it contours and stretches with the skin making it an ideal solution for many athletes. Kinesiology tape has some unique qualities including having a 60% stretch and the wave pattern of the adhesive.

Zinc Oxide Tape

This is a rigid cotton sports tape, with a strong zinc oxide based adhesive. It is frequently used by physiotherapists and athletes to strap up joints where a degree of rigidity is required to immobilise joints. For example, depending on the taping technique used, zinc oxide tape can be used to completely immobilise the ankle joint, or only allow movement of the foot in an up and down motion, preventing the rolling side to side motion that could worsen a sprain. Zinc Oxide tape is reliant on its stickiness and tensile strength to rigidly support or immobilise joints.

Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB)

EAB is a strong cotton tape that has a limited amount of flex along its length. This means that it provides less support than a zinc oxide tape, however it is able to apply more compression. This make it an ideal solution to use on injuries that have almost recovered however would benefit from light support and compression to prevent swelling whilst the tissues rebuild strength. EAB is most commonly seen in rugby, used as a head band to pin the ears back, or around the thighs of a second row player to allow for extra grip when lifting in lineouts and kicking.

Tear Lite EAB

This is lighter weight than traditional EAB, it can be torn by hand making it easier and quicker to apply on pitch side. A must have for any kit bag!

Sock Tape

This is a versatile tape often used to support shin guards for footballers. Our PVC sock tape is quick and easy to apply and offers a slight stretch to ensure that the tape does not cause discomfort or restricted circulation. Sock tape comes in a range of colours as in accordance with FIFA rules the tape must match the kit. It is also commonly used within rugby to hold thigh and head dressings in placw, and within equestrian sports to hold boots.

Underwrap

This tape is used to protect the skin from tape and prevent the painful waxing effect that removing tape can have. Another very popular use for underwrap is to make hair bands that hold the hair back of the face, break if they become trapped, and prevent sweat running from the hair onto the face.

Cohesive Bandage

A self-adhering bandage that sticks to itself rather than the skin. It is an ideal solution for those with allergies to the ingredients found within the adhesive of other tape, or on particularly hairy areas of the body. It can be used in a similar way to underwrap, but providing more compression than an underwrap would. Cohesive Bandage is also a popular alternative to sock tape.

Crepe Bandage

This stretchy cotton bandage is also known as ACE or elastic bandage. Crepe bandage is most commonly used as a compression dressing because it conforms so well to the body, and has a slight stretch, which allows for the application of an even and sustained pressure to the injured area. Crepe bandage can also be used to apply pressure and padding to bleeding wounds.

Taping Accessories

We sell a range of taping accessories to help with taping, these include; safety pins, shears and pre taping sprays.