The six P’s of sport taping

Sports taping is a skill set which may seem simple and easy to learn but in fact takes time to master taping techniques and there are six essential components to taping which are easy to get right but often done wrong.

Although this guide will not transform you into a taping master, it will make sure you are correctly doing the six steps correctly ensuring your taping will have the desired effect you are applying it for.

Step 1 – Preparation This step is preparing the area of the body to be taped. Before any tape is applied the area of the body and the skin should be clean and free of any oils, creams or lotions. Any sort of product or sweat will reduce the effectiveness of the tape’s adhesive. If you would like to increase adhesion, then a pre-tape adhesive spray can be used. The area may also be shaved making removal of the tape more comfortable, alternatively underwrap can be used.

Step 2 – Position To ensure the taping is fully effective the joint being taped must be in the correct position. The joint should be taped in a position of protection. A professional therapist will be able to identify the position in which a joint should be taped. 

 

Step 3 – Product A wide range of tapes are available to purchase. However, we recommend the higher quality or premium products will provide higher quality results. You can get your high quality and premium taping products here.

Step 4 – Not Perpendicular When taping a limb, for example applying an anchor, tape should not be applied perpendicular to the limb, because of the conical shape of the limbs applying the tape perpendicularly will cause uneven pressure at the top and bottom of the tape. This increases the chance of suffering from tape cuts.

Step 5 – Pull Amateur tapers may apply tape in just any direction without thought of what the taping is trying to achieve. Tape should be applied firmly with the consideration of the strength and the line of pull.

Step 6 – Pulse When taping you should always ensure that there is blood flow to the extremities distal to the tape. This is achieved via a pulse or even a more common capillary refill.