By: Dr. Elizabeth Braley, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
If you have spent any time watching or participating in sports you have probably seen athletes using tape. I've heard a lot of people ask, "What does that tape do?" There are a lot of types of tape and the purpose and benefits are slightly different depending on the type of tape.
Athletic tape, most commonly white, is often used to support sprained ankles or wrists. It can help stabilize and protect a sprained ligament until it heals fully and surrounding muscles can be rehabilitated. Athletes may return to sports with added protection from athletic tape.
Leukotape is brown over a white barrier can help with stabilization. I use this most to stabilize the patella, a technique called McConnell taping, but I've also used it on other areas. The idea with this technique is that the Leukotape pulls a patella not tracking well into a better position.
*One form of McConnell taping for patellar instability- From Gait & Posture Journal
Then, there's the popular Kinesiology tape, including Kinesio Tape (KT), and another popular brand, Rock Tape. Beach volleyball Olympian Sara Hughes has her own limited edition "USA" tape. There are many different taping techniques. Kinesio Tape can be use as a postural reminder for patients with neck, back or shoulder pain. It can be used to support separating abdominals from diastasis recti abdominis in pregnant or postpartum women. There are also techniques that can help with swelling.
Thankfully tapes are not just for professional athletes and Olympians. When it is helpful, I've taught patients and/or families how to apply tape themselves as one part of their rehabilitation puzzle. Ask your therapist if or how taping my be helpful for your specific situation, and if so, what tape and taping technique they would recommend.
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