The old elastic tourniquet has outlived its usefulness; it was replaced by a new sports equipment - tape tape. Today it is not a novelty, but a sports equipment that helps an athlete to maintain joints.
Taping tape - what is it?
A century ago, an elastic bandage was used for strong physical exertion, after an injury. With its help, the joint was fixed during rehabilitation and bone fusion in the movable part.
Today, tape (an analogue of a tourniquet) is used both in powerlifting and in kinesio taping.
The tape is a cotton tape with elasticity. It has a warming property, it does not hinder movements when worn.
Varieties of tape tape
Tapes are gaining popularity and there are many of them, they are divided depending on the type and variety of injuries.
There are:
- The size is 5 * 5 cm. This is the standard used by both therapists and athletes for injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
- 5 * 3 cm - specially designed for inexperienced people who are just trying the taping method.
- 2.5 * 5 cm - the best option for wrapping the phalanx of the finger, hand, neck.
- 3.75 * 5 cm - usually used in cosmetology.
- 7.5 * 5 cm - ideal for applying on wide injured areas of the body, with lymphodema or swelling.
- 10 * 5 cm - used on wide areas for lymphatic drainage.
- 5 * 32 cm - a kind of standard tape, it has a large length. These rolls are economical, especially for athletes who regularly tap the taping routine.
Tapes can be made from:
- cotton - as close as possible to the properties and elasticity of human skin, not allergens. Such tapes are coated with a hypoallergenic acrylic compound, the properties of this glue are activated when the body temperature rises;
- nylon, characterized by increased elasticity, especially valuable under heavy loads. Conserve energy and release it when relaxed;
- synthetic, made of artificial silk. Durable and thin for maximum fit and longer wear life. They are distinguished by high air permeability, they are not afraid of moisture;
- tapes with strong hold. Reinforced glue surface that is water resistant, very popular with swimmers and in areas of high sweating;
- the tape with soft glue is great for sensitive skin;
- fluorescent tapes have a cotton base coated with fluorescent dye.
Also, the ribbons have differences in color.
What is taping tape for?
Tape tape is universal and can be recommended by both a doctor and a sports trainer. It copes well with injuries and injuries.
The tape is widely used in sports, providing the ability to:
- Fix the kneecap before squatting. In addition, it is not recognized as part of the equipment, which means that it can be used even in competitions.
- Reducing the risk of injury.
- Reducing joint stress and minimizing joint fluid friction. Especially when working with heavy weights.
- Reducing pain syndrome.
- Minimizing eversion of the joint.
In addition to sports, tape teip has medicinal properties, which include:
- Minimizing pain, especially after injury.
- Protects muscles from overload.
- Heals injuries and diseases of the joint tissue.
- Reduces inflammation, removes hematomas.
- Prevents the development of hypotension and hypertonicity.
- Reduces menstrual pain.
- Prevents cicatricial skin changes.
- Relieves tension headache.
- Relieves puffiness.
How to properly glue the tape?
Ribbon options and locations may vary. There are about 1200 ways of gluing the tape. However, only correct adhesion guarantees a positive impact.
To make the result as good as possible, the tape is available in three well-known forms: I; Y; X.
The tension of the tape depends on what symptoms are expressed and to what extent. If it is necessary to stop the consequences of a bruise, muscle hematoma, with swelling or compaction, then the tape does not stretch.
If there is no swelling, the tape can stretch up to 30%. In this case, the direction varies, based on the area and shape of the product itself.
Before you start gluing, you need:
- Remove excess moisture from the skin 30 minutes before the procedure. If necessary, carry out depilation (with dense vegetation).
- It is necessary to prepare in advance the number of strips of the desired size, taking into account the fact that this section can be bent.
- Pasting - for this, carefully remove the tape from the substrate and stick it to the place. As it adheres to the skin, the tape is stretched.
- The patches are grouped as needed.
- Smooth the surface from above.
Contraindications for use
Any abuse - food, medicine, things - leads to a disastrous result, type tape is no exception. With its excessive use, the risk of irritation of the skin is not excluded. It is also dangerous to glue it without knowledge.
You should not use the patch if:
- There is an allergic reaction to acrylic.
- For skin diseases, including infectious.
- With kidney disease.
- With oncology.
- With skin pigmentation.
- On open wounds or trophic ulcers.
- During the first trimester of pregnancy.
- With deep vein thrombosis.
The best sports tapes for taping
Sports tape is primarily required for fixation and compression. Now there are both elastic and non-elastic options, which are divided into adhesive and non-adhesive.
They are also classified:
- Inelastic - classic. They are white, made of cotton, and do not contain synthetic fibers. Suitable for classic technique.
- Elastic - differ from the classic ones by their coefficient of elongation in the longitudinal direction. This effect makes it possible to increase the compression in the selected area.
- Adhesive have a high degree of adhesion, suitable for any surface. Suitable for intense loads and long workouts.
- Cohesive can stick to itself. They are used to prepare the taping area for the application of the tape itself. As a rule, not sports, they are used in everyday life.
Ares
- Made of special synthetic fibers, as close as possible to human.
- Ideal for use in extreme conditions.
- It has high elasticity and is durable.
- Dries quickly.
- It has an increased coefficient of air permeability, due to which the use is as comfortable as possible. It has a beautiful design and a wide range of colors.
BBtape
- It is considered a classic elastic patch, which is designed to gently envelop the joint.
- It is used if necessary to relieve pain.
- Does not reduce the risk of injury.
Crosstape
- The type is classic, elastic.
- Has excellent strength.
- Suggests use as needed to relieve pain.
Epostape
Suitable for cross-fit, but does not reduce the risk of injury. Not applicable to remove severe overload if necessary.
Kinesio
The type has a rigid base, is inelastic, has a high degree of adhesion and unwinding.
Medisport
- Classic, has excellent unwinding properties.
- Reduces pain syndrome, does not reduce the risk of injury.
- Suitable for swimming, made - 100% cotton.
- Has a paper backing with 15% stretch. Elasticity coefficient - 150%.
The adhesive consists of heat-sensitive medical grade acrylic, which allows the tape to adhere better to the skin surface.
The tape is popular in therapy and cosmetology as well as in sports. Universal plasters, depending on their type, are widely used. Possess positive properties. Their use, like any tool, requires a deliberate and knowledgeable approach.
