Tape tapes: what are they and how to use them? * Crossfit

Today we will talk about sports equipment, which has replaced the old elastic bandage, namely, tape tapes. What is it and does a modern athlete need it at all, what are they and what are they used for? Well, and, perhaps, we will give an answer to the most important question: is kinesio tape tape really a good assistant in training or just a popularized piece of fabric?

What are they for?

So, tapes are far from being new. For the first time they started talking about as a special equipment for maintaining joints, almost a century ago. Only then it was the simplest elastic bandage. It was used exclusively after injury, it could help fix the joint during the fusion of bones in the moving parts of the body. However, its use was then noticed in professional powerlifting. In view of this, she began to gradually evolve, reaching modern forms and types.

As for kinesio taping, it is a method of prevention and treatment of injuries to joints, ligaments and tendons, which consists in fixing the problem area. At the same time, kinesiotaping does not limit the mobility of the joint and nearby tissues so much, which distinguishes it from conventional tapes. That is why this method has become widespread in CrossFit, due to the preservation of general mobility while fixing the joint.

So, what is a tape tape for in sports:

Fixation of knee joints before squatting. Unlike other types, it is not sports equipment, therefore, it can be used in some competitions.
Reducing trauma during exercise.
The ability to deal even with joint injuries (which, of course, is not recommended).
Allows you to avoid unnecessary friction in the joints when working with large weights.
Reduces pain syndrome.
Reduces the possibility of eversion of the joint and related injuries associated with this aspect.

Naturally, different types of tape are used for different purposes. How to use the tape correctly and which one to choose for your purposes? It all depends on which place is problematic for you, whether you need prevention or, conversely, treatment:

For prevention, a classic tape is suitable.
To increase performance in training, you need a tape of increased rigidity.
For treatment while maintaining mobility, the ideal solution is liquid tape, which usually includes an additional local anesthetic.

Important! Despite all the stated effects and numerous positive reviews, taping does not have any significant evidence base. Numerous independent studies indicate either a complete lack of effect, or that the effect is so small that it cannot be clinically useful. That is why it is worth thinking carefully before using this equipment.

How to apply?

Here, everything is somewhat more complicated. The method of application and removal may differ depending on the type of tape. Let's consider how to properly glue the tape of the classic design:

To begin with, you need to fix the joint in a position that will least hamper movement.
Further, starting to unwind the tape, carefully glue its edge from the fixed part of the joint.
We wrap the joint tightly in such a way as to create a fixing tension.
Cut off the rest of the tape.

However, it is strongly recommended not to apply the tape yourself, but to trust professionals - doctors and specially trained instructors. This is the only way to ensure that there is no negative effect.

There is a liquid tape - what is it? The polymer composition is completely identical to the classic tape. The only difference is that it hardens only by oxidizing in the air, which allows it to be applied to hard-to-reach places, for example, using it for the foot, eliminating pain without a strong constriction for the leg.

The best tapes for sports

Considering sports tapes in sports, you need to understand that with the increase in the popularity of these products, a huge number of fakes or simply products of insufficient quality have appeared, so you need to choose the best of the best, but you need to know if the federation is allowed to use such a tape for muscles during competition.

Model	Tape type	Unwinding	Help with exercise	Fixing	Density	Is it allowed by the federation	Wearing comfort	Overall score
Apes	Classic elastic	Excellent	Does not help with exercise, only reduces pain syndrome in case of severe overload when taking heavy weights.	Does not fix the joint, only gently envelops it. Does not reduce the risk of injury when performing crossfit complexes.	Resistant to tearing	Banned by the federation, as it reduces the load and technically allows you to take more weight on the projectile.	Good	7 out of 10
BBtape	Classic elastic	Bad	Does not help with exercise, only reduces pain syndrome in case of severe overload when taking heavy weights.	Does not fix the joint, only gently envelops it. Does not reduce the risk of injury when performing crossfit complexes.	Resistant to tearing	Banned by the federation, as it reduces the load and technically allows you to take more weight on the projectile.	Middle	3 out of 10
Cross tape	Classic elastic	Excellent	Does not help with exercise, only reduces pain syndrome in case of severe overload when taking heavy weights.	Does not fix the joint, only gently envelops it. Does not reduce the risk of injury when performing crossfit complexes.	Low density - not tear resistant	Banned by the federation, as it reduces the load and technically allows you to take more weight on the projectile.	Good	6 out of 10
Epos rayon	Liquid	–	Does not help with exercise, only reduces pain syndrome in case of severe overload when taking heavy weights.	Does not fix the joint, only gently envelops it. Does not reduce the risk of injury when performing crossfit complexes.	Low density - not tear resistant	Banned by the federation, as it reduces the load and technically allows you to take more weight on the projectile.	Does not feel after 10 minutes of wearing	8 out of 10
Epos tape	Classic elastic	Excellent	It does not help with exercise, only reduces pain syndrome in case of severe overload when taking heavy weights.	Does not fix the joint, only gently envelops it. Does not reduce the risk of injury when performing crossfit complexes.	Resistant to tearing	Banned by the federation, as it reduces the load and technically allows you to take more weight on the projectile.	Good	8 out of 10
Epos tape for WK	Hard inelastic	Bad	Helps with exercise, works as a fixing tape, which allows you to throw an additional 5-10 kilograms of weight on the bar.	Fixes the joint. Reduces pain syndrome, is intended for rehabilitation therapy, somewhat reduces the risk of injury during exercise.	Low density - not tear resistant	Banned by the federation, as it reduces the load and technically allows you to take more weight on the projectile.	Doesn't feel after 10 minutes of wearing	4 out of 10
Kinesio	Hard inelastic	Excellent	Does not help with exercise, only reduces pain syndrome in case of severe overload when taking heavy weights.	Does not fix the joint, only gently envelops it. Does not reduce the risk of injury when performing crossfit complexes.	Resistant to tearing	Banned by the federation, as it reduces the load and technically allows you to take more weight on the projectile.	Good	5 out of 10
Kinesio classic tape	Hard inelastic	Bad	Helps with exercise, works as a fixing tape, which allows you to throw an additional 5-10 kilograms of weight on the bar.	Does not fix the joint, only gently envelops it. Does not reduce the risk of injury when performing crossfit complexes.	Low density - not tear resistant	Banned by the federation, as it reduces the load and technically allows you to take more weight on the projectile.	Middle	8 out of 10
Kinesio hardtape	Hard inelastic	Bad	Helps with exercises, works as a fixing tape, which allows you to throw an additional 5-10 kilograms of weight on the bar.	Does not fix the joint, only gently envelops it. Does not reduce the risk of injury when performing crossfit complexes.	Resistant to tearing	Banned by the federation, as it reduces the load and technically allows you to take more weight on the projectile.	Middle	6 out of 10
Medisport	Classic elastic	Excellent	Does not help with exercise, only reduces pain syndrome during severe overload when taking heavy weights	Does not fix the joint, only gently envelops it. Does not reduce the risk of injury when performing crossfit complexes.	Resistant to tearing	Banned by the federation, as it reduces the load and technically allows you to take more weight on the projectile.	Good	9 out of 10
Medisport tape classic	Liquid	–	Does not help with exercise, only reduces pain syndrome in case of severe overload when taking heavy weights.	Fixes the joint. Reduces pain syndrome, is intended for rehabilitation therapy, somewhat reduces the risk of injury during exercise.	Low density - not tear resistant	Permitted by the federation due to its specific impact.	Doesn't feel after 10 minutes of wearing	9 out of 10
Weightlifting tape	Liquid	–	Does not help with exercise, only reduces pain syndrome in case of severe overload when taking heavy weights.	Fixes the joint. Reduces pain syndrome, is intended for rehabilitation therapy, somewhat reduces the risk of injury during exercise.	Low density - not tear resistant	Permitted by the federation due to its specific impact.	Does not feel after 10 minutes of wearing	10 out of 10

Tapes and treatment

Using kinesio tape is a therapeutic method that can treat all types of clinical conditions, such as orthopedic, neurological and even vegetative pathologies in age groups. Application guidelines help normal blood circulation and lymph flow, normal muscle function, remodeling of fascial tissue, and can improve joint balance.

Classic bandages and ribbons have a lot in common. The thickness of the tape is approximately the same as that of the epidermis. This design element was intended to reduce the distraction of finding the tape on the skin when applied correctly. After about 10 minutes, conscious tape recognition decreases, however proprioceptive contributions to the body and brain continue.

The fibers of the sports elastic band are designed to stretch in length up to 40-60%. This is the approximate stretch of normal skin in areas such as the knee, lower back and foot.

The heat activated acrylic adhesive adheres to the fabric in a wave-like fingerprint. Breathability and soft glue allow reapplication without skin irritation. Like leather, tape is porous. The combination of loose cotton latex fabric and wave pattern adhesive improves patient comfort by allowing skin to breathe. The water-resistant protectorate applied to cotton fibers resists moisture penetration and allows "quick drying". This ensures that the patient can keep liquid and sweat out of the tape and the tape will remain effective for three to five days.

Outcome

And finally, we will tell you how you can replace the tape tape? The answer is extremely simple. If you are in training, an elastic bandage will suit you, which is somewhat more effective than the classic tape. In addition, it will preserve not only your joints, but also your ligaments. Relieve them from hypothermia or stretching due to increased stress.

The only reason why elastic bandage is not always applicable is federation prohibitions. After all, if you tighten the key joints correctly, you can provide yourself with additional strength in strength-oriented exercises. For CrossFit, however, an elastic bandage is not at all suitable due to the fact that it reduces mobility.