Sports Taping in Perth

We offer sports taping services to help keep athletes of all levels performing at their best. Our experienced staff will work with you to determine the best type of tape for your needs and ensure that it is applied correctly for maximum benefit.
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Carlisle, Lathlain and Victoria Park:
(08) 9361 3477

Protect Yourself from Re-injury and Promote Healing with Sports Taping ​

When you’re injured, it’s hard to know what to do. You don’t want to make the injury worse, but you also need some way to keep playing or to get back on the field as soon as possible.

It’s hard enough to take time off from your sport to heal an injury, but it’s even harder when you sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else play. Every second counts when you’re trying to rehab an injury and want to get back to your pre-injury level of performance.

Sports taping at Archer St Physiotherapy Centre can help you get back in the game quickly and safely. Our team of experts will work with you to create a personalised taping plan to support your injury while it heals. We’ll also teach you how to tape yourself so that you can continue your rehabilitation even when we’re not there to help.

Book An Appointment
Carlisle, Lathlain and Victoria Park:
(08) 9361 3477

Benefits

Benefits of Sports Taping

Most injury treatments focus on returning the muscle to its natural shape and position, but this can restrict the movement of the injured body part, resulting in stiffness, which slows recovery. By mimicking our muscles’ elasticity through taping, we can encourage our muscles to heal faster. It accomplishes this in several ways:

Support

Using taping to support muscles after they have been injured or overused relieves some of the pain and takes the strain off those muscles, allowing for a faster recovery.

Adhesion

These tapes typically have a much more complicated adhesive than a regular plaster would have. The tape must always remain in one place for these techniques to function effectively. Due to the glue on these tapes, they will not move and will stay firmly on the body for several days. In addition, they raise the skin underneath due to the glue.

Healing

Taping is not only designed to reduce stress and pain but also to increase lymphatic flow. In addition to carrying white blood cells, the lymphatic system also removes waste products, dead cells, and other debris in the body. Increased lymphatic flow significantly reduces recovery time.

Encouraging Better Movement

Our bodies work in various ways that are not always optimal. Sleeping in an incorrect position can, for example, cause chronic pain. The same can occur if we learn or train to use certain body parts differently. Athletic tape can retrain our bodies to move in more natural, easier, and safer ways by tapping them in a certain way.

Training/Prevention

Taping is becoming more popular among athletes, who have realized its potential for training. It is still possible to benefit from all of the above benefits, but in a way that prevents rather than treats an injury.

Why Choose Archer St Physiotherapy Centre for Sports Taping

Sports taping at Archer St Physiotherapy Centre can help you get back on your feet quickly and safely. Our physiotherapists are skilled in sports taping and will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your specific needs.

Our team has years of experience treating patients, and we can help you deal with any underlying problems and provide education, therapy, and rehabilitation exercises. See what we can do for you by making an appointment today!

  • Easily Accessible Location in Carlisle with Handicap-friendly Amenities
  • Effective and Hands-On Physiotherapy
  • Multi-award Winning Physio Practice
  • Free and Convenient On-site Parking
Book An Appointment
Carlisle, Lathlain and Victoria Park:
(08) 9361 3477

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's about Sports Taping

The tape can be used by physical therapists to relieve your pain, improve joint stability and enhance athlete confidence. It’s also good for reducing injury recurrence as well as aiding with muscle action because it will inhibit muscles from contracting too quickly or powerfully without feedback from joints being packed properly via compression, so there is no risk of damaging sensitive tissues.

Other effects of sports taping include:

  • Reducing the amount of strain on injured or vulnerable tissues
  • Correcting faulty biomechanics
  • Facilitating proper muscle action
  • Enhancing position awareness (proprioception)
  • Aiding in lymphatic drainage when edema is present

Taping is one of the most popular techniques used by physiotherapists in the treatment and prevention of injuries to the musculoskeletal system. You can find several types of tape, and they range from rigid athletic tape to elastic Kinesiology tapes. A physiotherapist might prescribe any of these types to you during the course of your treatment.

Rigid Strapping Tape
This is a typical and popular form of tape used by physical therapists around the world. As its name suggests, this item holds firm without stretching or moving at all while providing support to joints as needed! It’s typically light brown in colouration with an elastic consistency – making it perfect for holding your body together during rehabilitation sessions.

It can be used on the following areas of the body:

  • Across the front of the knee to aid in kneecap alignment during movement to avoid patellar tendon injuries.
  • Designed for people with flat feet who need extra support under the arch of the foot.
  • Any sprain or ligament tear in the knees, shoulders, fingers, ankles and feet can be managed with this method.

Kinesiology or K-Tape
This new, modern tape has been designed to be stretchy and flexible. Therefore, it’s not very good at providing stability when joining two joints together. This elastic tape specializes in promoting movement and encouraging joint awareness. Aesthetically, it also allows for a bit of fun thanks to the wide range of colours and designs available.

K-tape has the following uses:

  • Assists joints and muscles by providing moderate support while allowing free motion and relieving pain
  • Aids blood flow and fluid drainage when stretched then applied over the skin
  • Provides proprioceptive information to the brain regarding the joint it is applied over.
A single roll of rigid tape may cost between $7 to $15, depending on the width and brand of the tape. Elastic sports tape are slightly more costly at $20 to $180 per roll. In the event that taping or strapping is required for treatment, some clinics may not charge you for the application. For repeated strapping over multiple sessions, you may need to pay for the materials used. An estimate will be given to you prior to the service.

Using traditional athletic tape to limit certain muscles’ and joints’ range of motion can facilitate faster healing than if the movement is unrestricted. Additionally, it can serve as a splint for sprained joints, allowing them to heal at a faster rate. Traditional athletic tape reduces swelling through compression, which in turn reduces pain and prevents further injury.

The elastic therapeutic tape is used for the same purposes but in different ways. Athletic tape reduces swelling and pain by increasing blood flow to the injured area. It can also provide support for the affected muscles due to its elasticity. As it returns to its original position, some of the strain is taken off the athlete’s muscles. When the athlete is able to return to their sport or activity, the tape can help support the previously injured area and prevent re-injury. In addition, the athletic tape can be used to correct any form issues caused by injury or preexisting conditions.

The colourful tape that is often seen worn by athletes in sporting events is called Kinesio® tape. This product is claimed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, relax muscles, improve performance, and assist with rehabilitation, as well as support muscles during sporting events.

Trainers, coaches and athletes have no doubt that kinesiology tape has earned a place in their first aid kits alongside traditional athletic tape. In comparison to athletic tape and Leukotape®, Kinesio® tape is stretchy. The two are used for very different purposes.

The first thing to clarify is that kinesiology tape is not meant to replace sports tape. There are two different types of tape, and both are effective in treating sports injuries.

Appearance
The market for sports tape has seen an evolution over time. For years, traditional white non-elastic rolls were the only option available, but now you can find a larger variety of colours. A new elastic type called “RockTape” enables people with different styles and preferences to personalize their gear by choosing from different designs.

Properties
The traditional athletic tape is thick and non-elastic. Moisture can be retained for an extended period, causing irritation on the skin if not removed promptly. Conversely, kinesiology tape is thin and stretchy, almost identical to human skin. Due to its porous nature, it releases moisture easily, allowing it to dry quickly after sweating, swimming, or taking a shower.

Adhesive
When applied directly to the skin, the adhesive backing on regular sports tape can cause significant skin irritation or breakdown. To prevent direct contact between the tape and the skin, some physiotherapists prefer to use a non-adhesive pre-wrap underneath the athletic tape. As a result, the tape adheres to the pre-wrap and to itself without actually sticking to the skin. Kinesiology tape uses an acrylic adhesive that is much gentler on the skin and almost completely eliminates irritation. Kinesiology tape can be worn comfortably for up to 5 days per application due to its hypoallergenic adhesive and elasticity.

Application Techniques
An injured joint or muscle is wrapped tightly in overlapping layers with athletic tape until it is virtually immobilized. In addition to reducing circulation, this technique also reduces lymphatic fluid flow, which can further damage an injured area if left on for too long. It is for this reason that sports taping is generally applied a short time before an activity and removed soon after.

In contrast, kinesiology tape is almost never wrapped completely around the body. Rather, it is applied directly over and around the borders of an injured muscle group or joint. By increasing blood flow and lymphatic fluid removal, kinesiology tape provides true therapeutic benefits. While wearing kinesiology tape, athletes can continue to train and/or compete with no restrictions within a safe range of motion.

Functions
Regular sports tape immobilises an injured joint or muscle group by providing support and stability. In severe injuries, where any movement of the injured part could cause additional damage, this would be the taping method to use. In cases of extreme joint instability, a tight tape job is needed to provide additional support.

When extreme support and stabilization are needed, kinesiology tape is not suitable due to its elastic properties. In contrast, this same elasticity allows kinesiology tape to provide outstanding therapeutic benefits during rehabilitation and recovery. With kinesiology tape, blood flow and lymphatic drainage are increased, which relieves swelling and inflammation and speeds healing. Additionally, it relieves acute and chronic pain, which benefits all injured athletes. Injured muscles can regain strength and coordination as pain and inflammation subside.

Taping is a common method for preventing injuries, particularly among athletes. To maintain a certain position of muscles or bones, a rigid athletic tape is used. It is especially effective on areas of the body near joints, such as ankles, wrists, and hands. Exercise and competitive sports can cause sprains, breaks, or other injuries that can be prevented with this added support.
A rigid tape reduces joint movement, has little give, and contains zinc-oxide based glue that is strong and conforms well to the skin. However, prolonged adherence to bare skin may lead to irritation. On the other hand, most elastic tapes are created with a blend of cotton and nylon. Designed to mimic the skin’s elasticity, it lets you move freely. The tape’s medical-grade adhesive also will stay on for three to five days, even while you work out or take a shower.

As it turns out, the tape does provide an extra layer of protection for the skin against the icy winds, which often feel colder when athletes are moving at a rapid rate, such as skiing down a mountain at top speed. Despite this, experts warn that it can have negative effects. The adhesive is designed to stick well to bare skin but may cause contact dermatitis. The symptoms would include skin irritation, redness, itching, and swelling.

Taping has been used for centuries as a way to prevent injury. The traditional method, which involves using more rigid athletic tape in an effort to keep muscles or bones from moving too far into certain positions, can help protect you against sprains, breaks and other accidents during exercise or competitive contact sports.

This elastic therapeutic tape is one of the most popular types among athletes because it can help prevent injury. The 2008 Beijing Olympics saw an increase in its use. Many competitors wore brightly-coloured pieces during competition time to reduce friction against their skins and allow for increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage.

The increased blood flow can help prevent muscle cramps, spasms and other common athletic injuries. Athletic tape is also unique in that it does not restrict the range of motion allowing athletes to maintain their flexibility while exercising or competing. The tape has also been known to reduce inflammation which means you’re less susceptible if you suffer chronic fatigue issues. The elastic therapeutic tape should only be applied by a trained professional to prevent injury and maximise its effectiveness.

Make sure skin is clean and free of topical injuries or conditions like eczema. Position the tape as directed by your athletic trainer and reinforce with protective padding if necessary. Tape position largely depends on the particular muscle being taped. Ensure that the tape goes on smoothly and is not so tight that circulation is cut off. If the individual is experiencing a “pins and needles sensation,” it may be too tight. If this is the case, remove the tape by cutting it off and begin again with a longer piece.

Kinesio Tape (KT), or kinesiology tape, is used by therapists to change muscle tone, move lymphatic fluids, correct movement patterns, and improve posture.

Kinesio tape can be worn while showering, and it will not come off due to its water resistance. The tape won’t deteriorate or loosen when exposed to water. You should also know that the treatment adheres well, so you don’t have worries about getting wet or sweaty before your workout.

It is important to apply Kinesiology Tape without overstretching it, as this can cause skin irritation after the tape recoils due to friction. You should either stretch the muscle or the tape, but you should never stretch the very ends of your K Tape. These need to maintain little to no tension because they serve as anchors for this innovative taping technique. There are two main techniques employed:

  • Neutral/Muscle Technique
    You stretch the muscle, not the tape, with this technique. It’s usually applied to injuries caused by soft tissue strain or muscle activation. As a result of stretching the muscle before applying the tape, the tape is never overstretched. This enhances its efficiency and comfort.
  • Stretch Technique
    A specific point of pain is treated with this technique, or anatomical corrections (such as posture) are made. This can help reduce faulty body mechanics. When you apply the tape while stretching the skin, you create the maximum amount of lift, relieving pressure on the pain receptors in the area.

Inquire about any reactions or allergic reactions to taping before taping a patient or athlete. If the patient has experienced a negative reaction, find out what tape it came from. In addition, be cautious and monitor the tape job closely if the patient has fair skin or freckles. 

Pre-wrapping or under wrapping is often used for sensitive patients. It is also helpful to spray a pre-tape spray, as it prepares the skin and improves the tape’s adhesion. It is common for the patient to shave the area to improve contact and lessen discomfort when removing the tape. Make sure the patient hasn’t applied lotion to the area, as this will affect the tape’s contact.

Accessible and Convenient Physiotherapy Services in Carlisle, Lathlain and Victoria Park

Everyone deserves the opportunity to improve their health. At Archer St Physiotherapy Centre, we want to guide you on your journey to a healthier, more functional and pain-free you! Schedule an appointment and discover the Archer St difference today!

Book An Appointment

Carlisle Centre

  • Cnr Archer Street & Bishopsgate Street, Carlisle WA 6101
  • Ph: 08 9361 3477