Taping Procedures

Protective Taping for the Prevention of Injury

Always perform a thorough clinical evaluation of the injury to determine impairment and function.
Have a good working knowledge of biomechanics and joint motion to determine if protective taping could be effective.
Athletic taping can prevent injury or facilitate an athlete’s return to play.
Taping should limit abnormal or excessive movement.
Taping may provide some proprioceptive feedback during activity.
Taping should be used in conjunction with the rehabilitation program whose goals are to restore ROM, strength and motor control.

Most governing sport associations govern the degree of restriction you can provide through taping.

If the part to be taped is a joint, place in a position for maximum protection. Overlap the tape at least half the width of the tape from the previous strip.
Avoid continuous taping.
Smooth and mold the tape as it is laid on the skin.
Allow the tape to fit the natural contour of the skin.
Where maximum support is needed, tape directly on the skin.