CHAPTER 5Preventative and supportive

techniques

Preventative & Support Techniques

Assessing an Injury

Before any preventative or supportive technique, a proper evaluation

should be completed

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Only a qualified health care professional can make recommendations concerning the application of protective techniques.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Purpose of Taping & WrappingWith proper application, taping & wrapping

techniques can be applied to: Shorten the muscles angle of pull Decrease joint ROM Secure pads, bandages, and protective

devices Apply compression to aid in controlling

swelling

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Adhesive Tape – Traditional tape marketed

as non-elastic or white tape.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Elastic Tape – a woven fabric that also allows

for expansion and contraction,

and it is used for compression

or supportive techniques.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Both adhesive tape and elastic tapes are produced in a variety of widths.

Tape or Not to Tape That is the question?

Positives: Protection Comfortable Allows Full ROM Follow – up Athlete

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Tape or Not to Tape That is the question?

Negative: Cost of Tape Tape loosens with sweat and use Weakens support structures Need an athletic trainer to apply;

may not always be available.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Purpose of Taping & WrappingWith proper application, taping & wrapping

techniques can be applied to: Shorten the muscles angle of pull Decrease joint ROM Secure pads, bandages, and protective

devices Apply compression to aid in controlling

swelling

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Elastic Tape & Wrap Application vs.

Adhesive TapeWith any tape application, proper angle,

direction must be considered.Elastic tape has the ability to contract &

expand and is commonly used in areas that need greater freedom of movement.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Elastic Tape is also Comfortable & Strong. It can be placed on the body part with

fewer wrinkles and at greater angles. When applying elastic tape, proper tension

must be applied.

Elastic wraps are used primarily used in the application of applying either compression of support.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Taping Prep: Removal of Hair – ensures a good foundation.

Tape just sticks better Cleanse the Area – make sure skin is clean & moisture free Special Consideration – allergies, infections, or open wounds. Spray Adherent Skin Lubricants – in areas of high friction.

Heel & Lace Pads on Ankle Behind the knee (poplatiel space)

Prewrap – used to improve compliance. Hold Heel & Lace Pads. Can compromise the stability of tape job.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Application & Removal Although you try to describe it, you just

got to do it! To tear tape, the adhesive tape is held firmly

on each side of the proposed tear line. With proper tension on the tape, the free end

is pulled away at an angle so that the force crosses the lines of the fabric of the backcloth at a sharp angle.

The tear occurs sequentially through the backcloth.

The quicker it is done, the more evenly tape edges will be torn.

Preventive & Supportive TechniquesApplication

Some brands of tape are not meant to be cut by hand, but instead by scissors.

Removal

Again, obvious but not to those who are not on the field.

Done with scissors or by a specially constructed cutting device.

Shark Zipper

I you lubricate the tip it will make for easier cutting.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Removal

Seriously Now!

You do have to assure the athlete that you cannot cut them

Avoid bony prominences, move scissors / “Shark” along the natural channels or areas of greatest soft tissue cushion. Ankle – Just Posterior to the Medial Malleolus,

along the Posterior Tibialis

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Elastic Wraps

Supportive Wraps – utilized to aid muscle function & support, reduces excessive ROM Usually used for short time periods, practice or

gamesSpica Wraps – usually used around the hip or

shoulderFigure 8 – ankle, knee, wrist & hand jointsPad/Protective Device Support – secures felt,

foam pads, & protective devices.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Compression WrapsUtilized in initial injury treatment protocol

(PRICES) Use a spiral pattern and begin distal to the

injury, cross the injured joint, and finish proximal to the affected area. Removal & Re-application of compression wrap

should take place every 4 hours

Always be aware of specific rules for that particular sport governing body (FHSAA) has regarding tape/or wrap application.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Braces & Special DevicesPrimary purpose is to prevent an injury and to

protect injured area from further aggravation.Adds: Additional protection Additional Support “ Stability “ Compression

Can be beneficial if used appropriately, fitted, & properly applied.

Remember there are also rules governing the use of braces as well.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Common Specialty Supplies

Foam: Can be adhesive or non adhesive, used with various taping procedures to increase efficacy of the technique.

• Keep in Mind Proper: size, thickness, shape, & foam composition prior to application.

Thermoplastic: Used to protect the injury, like contusions. Be aware of stringent rules against the use of this materials in competition.

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Common Specialty Supplies

Felt: Used with the same considerations as in foam padding

When constructing a special pad the following 4 criteria should be considered:

1. Meets Specific Rules2. Performs the function it was designed for3. Will it make the injury worse?4. Will it void the warranty of the manufactured

piece of equipment? (especially the helmet & shoulder pads)

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Tips Know what body part & injury you are

providing support Cover sensitive parts Tape from a stationary position (avoid

fatigue) Position body part at elbow height when

possible When learning use elastic wraps till you

becoming proficient, then use tapes

Preventive & Supportive Techniques

Tips cont. Apply Proper Tension – do not cut circulation Overlap tape/wrap to avoid spaces that can

cause cuts & friction When applying a compression always start

distally and work proximately When applying tape to the foot/ankle, pull

tape lateral to avoid excessive tension/compression on the 5th metatarsal area.

Finally PRACTICE!