How to Prepare the Skin:
Before you apply the tape, you need to prepare the area to be taped by:
- Shaving the area - for best results, wet-shaving the skin 12 hours before or using an electric razor just prior.
- Cleaning the area by using a tape remover to remove the body oil.
- Covering any rashes or broken skin with a non-stick wound pad such as Elastoplast Soft Feel Compress.
- Applying an underwrap to the area, (optional). An underwrap, such as Elastoplast Sport Adhesive Underwrapwill help protect tape-sensitive skin.
How Tight Should the Tape Be?
- Flexing the muscles when applying the tape will help you get the correct tension.
- Check that the tape is not too tight by pinching the skin below the tape for a few seconds. The skin should return to its normal colour when released.
- If the tape is too loose, it will not support the joint.
- If it is too tight, then it could cut off the blood supply.
- If numbness and tingling result, remove tape or bandage and reapply with reduced tightness.
Where to Apply the Tape:
- Joints are normally strapped in their "at rest" position.
- Do not use the limb to pull against when getting the tape off the roll.
- Hold the roll in one hand and pull the tape off with the other hand, then apply gently OR cut off the required number of strips of the correct length before you start applying. Elastoplast’s Hand Tearable Elastic Adhesive Bandages make tape application quick and easy with no scissors required.
How Much Tape to Apply:
For maximum strength, overlap each layer of strapping tape by 1/3-1/2.
The amount you use depends upon the amount of support you need. If you use too little, then you are not providing enough support to the joint. If you use too much, then you could reduce the mobility of surrounding muscles.
When to Remove the Tape:
- Remove the tape as soon as you have finished training or playing.
How to Remove the Tape:
- Ideally, remove the tape using bandage scissors. Place the scissors over a soft part of the limb (not over the bone) then slide under the tape and cut.
- Peel down over the top of the tape. Do not peel at right angles away from the limb.
- Peel gently and evenly - do not rip.
- A tape remover can help to quickly and painlessly remove tapes and bandages. It also helps to remove any tape residue from the skin.
Which Tape to Use:
To restrict joint movement, it is best to use a rigid strapping tape, such as Elastoplast Rigid Strapping Tape.
| USE: | PRODUCT: |
| Preventative ankle taping | Rigid Strapping Tape 38mm or 50mm for large joints |
| Treatment such as injured ankle, elbow, fingers | Rigid Strapping Tape 25mm or 12.5mm |
| Treatment such as injured shoulder, knee, feet | Rigid Strapping Tape 50mm |
To compress and support joints or muscles, use an elastic adhesive bandage, like Elastoplast’s Elastic Adhesive Bandage.
| USE: | PRODUCT: |
| For strong compression when returning from injury, eg sprained knee. To be used over rigid tape. | Elastic Adhesive Bandage 75mm |
| For initial compression, eg, acute ankle sprain | Elastic Adhesive Bandage 50mm |
Always see your doctor if the wound is deep, bleeding or shows signs of infection like reddening, swelling or warmth.
Also make sure to seek medical help if you are not able to clean the wound properly.
In case you have diabetes a proper wound care is of special importance. Always discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor and/or podiatrist, even for the care of minor wounds and skin cracks – especially on your feet.
Please note that none of the above given tips or recommendations substitute medical advice. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products‘ packages. Important: consult a health professional in case of any uncertainty of treating your wound properly.
The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care or advice. If you have or suspect a health problem, you should consult your doctor. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it, because of something you have read on this website.
For further information regarding Elastoplast products, please contact us via email on anz.consumerservices@beiersdorf.com. Carefully read the instructions for use given in our products' packages.
Alright, let me dive into this. The concepts covered in this article revolve around the proper preparation, application, and removal of strapping tape for various therapeutic and preventive purposes. Here's a breakdown:
-
Preparing the Skin:
- Shaving the area: Wet-shaving the skin 12 hours before or using an electric razor just prior to taping.
- Cleaning the area: Use a tape remover to eliminate body oil.
- Covering rashes or broken skin: Use a non-stick wound pad like Elastoplast Soft Feel Compress.
- Optional step: Applying underwrap (e.g., Elastoplast Sport Adhesive Underwrap) to protect tape-sensitive skin.
-
Tape Tension:
- Flex muscles during application to ensure correct tension.
- Check tightness by pinching the skin below the tape; skin should return to normal color when released.
- Adjust tightness to avoid cutting off blood supply, numbness, or tingling.
-
Tape Application:
- Apply tape to joints in their "at rest" position.
- Avoid using the limb to pull against when getting tape off the roll.
- Use Elastoplast’s Hand Tearable Elastic Adhesive Bandages for quick and easy application without scissors.
-
Amount of Tape:
- Overlap each layer of strapping tape by 1/3-1/2 for maximum strength.
- The amount used depends on the required level of support, avoiding too little (insufficient support) or too much (reduced muscle mobility).
-
Tape Removal:
- Ideally, use bandage scissors over a soft part of the limb (not over the bone).
- Peel down over the top of the tape, avoiding right angles.
- Use a tape remover for quick and painless removal, also helping to eliminate tape residue.
-
Types of Tape to Use:
- Rigid Strapping Tape (e.g., Elastoplast Rigid Strapping Tape) for restricting joint movement.
- 38mm or 50mm for large joints.
- 25mm or 12.5mm for treatment of injured ankles, elbows, and fingers.
- 50mm for treatment of injured shoulders, knees, and feet.
- Elastic Adhesive Bandage (e.g., Elastoplast’s Elastic Adhesive Bandage) for compressing and supporting joints or muscles.
- 75mm for strong compression when returning from injury.
- 50mm for initial compression, e.g., acute ankle sprain.
- Rigid Strapping Tape (e.g., Elastoplast Rigid Strapping Tape) for restricting joint movement.
-
Additional Health Advice:
- See a doctor for deep wounds, bleeding, or signs of infection.
- Especially important for those with diabetes to consult a doctor or podiatrist for proper wound care.
Always consult a health professional for any uncertainties in treating wounds. These recommendations should not substitute medical advice, and proper product usage instructions should be followed.
