Rigid taping methods offer support to joints that have suffered a sprain, and is a popular choice of physio equipment in most clinics. The tape is applied to the joint in a specific way, to mimic the support naturally provided by the ligaments, whilst still allowing you to move and function. It will, however, limit your range of movement and can initially feel a little restrictive. You should still be able to perform the rehab exercises in your physiotherapy programme with the tape on, despite the reduced range of motion caused by the tape.
Some helpful tips for when applying rigid tape:
- Make sure that the skin is dry and that you haven’t applied any lotion or oil to the area.
- Test that the tape doesn’t react with your skin by applying a small piece of about 3cm to your arm for a few hours, before applying the full piece.
- If you have a lot of body hair, you may need to shave the area to make sure it can stick properly, and if you suspect you may need to apply the tape over a number of days, shaving the body part will also help with its removal.
- If you feel that your skin is reacting to the tape, such as burning, tingling, numbness or pain, remove it straight away.
- You can apply an adhesive pre-spray before applying the rigid tape. This is particularly helpful if you are in a game situation and likely to be exposed to a lot of physical contact and/or sweating.
- If you have sensitive skin using an under wrap beneath the tape to create a barrier between the tape and your skin may be helpful, or trialling another brand may be needed.
- If you are applying it for a specific sporting event, keep the rigid tape on for 2-3 hours, however if you are using it throughout the day it should not be left on for any longer than 24 hours. This is to avoid any skin irritation. After applying the rigid tape, give the skin plenty of time without any tape, roughly 12-24 hours and keep an eye on your skin for any irritation before re-applying.
- If you are struggling to remove the rigid tape, using warm water and oil can help remove any adhesive from your skin.
- Some rigid taping applications can be done yourself, whereas others you may need help from someone else. It is a bit of a skill to get it done right but with a little practice, you’ll get better each time.
