Overview: Everything You Need to Know
Strapping and taping are commonly used physiotherapy techniques designed to support injured tissues, guide movement, reduce pain, and protect healing structures — without fully restricting normal function.
Taping has evolved from purely rigid athletic tape to modern elastic systems such as kinesio tape and dynamic tape. At our practice in Pretoria, Moot, and Mayville, taping is used as part of a broader treatment plan alongside exercise and manual therapy, never as a stand-alone "quick fix."
Types of Strapping & Taping Used
1. Kinesio Tape (K-Tape)
Flexible, elastic tape designed to move with the body. It mimics the elasticity of skin to provide light support, enhance sensory input to the nervous system, and assist with swelling and circulation. It is ideal for muscle strains and postural support.
2. Rigid Tape (Supportive / Athletic Tape)
The traditional white tape used for firm support with minimal stretch. It restricts excessive or harmful movement and provides mechanical stability to joints. It is particularly useful for acute injuries like ankle sprains or protecting injured ligaments during return-to-sport.
3. Dynamic Tape
A highly elastic tape with strong recoil properties. It acts like an external spring to absorb load and assist muscles during functional tasks. It is frequently used for tendon injuries and high-load activities like running.
Evidence & Research Support
- British Journal of Sports Medicine: Systematic reviews find that kinesio taping provides short-term pain relief and improved movement awareness when combined with rehabilitation.
- JOSPT: Research highlights that rigid taping effectively limits excessive joint motion and reduces re-injury risk following acute ankle sprains.
- Scandinavian Journal of Medicine: Studies suggest dynamic taping methods can reduce load on tendons during activity, assisting with symptom control in overuse injuries.
Benefits of Strapping & Taping
- Pain reduction: By supporting tissues and improving movement control.
- Joint stability: Especially useful after ligament injuries (e.g., rolled ankles).
- Improved awareness: Helps you feel and correct faulty movement patterns.
- Protection: Allows for a safer return to sport or work during the healing phase.
- Confidence: Reduces the fear of movement during recovery.
Conditions & Clinical Uses
Strapping and taping may be helpful for:
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Knee pain (Patellofemoral issues)
- Shoulder and rotator cuff conditions
- Muscle strains and overuse injuries
- Tendinopathies (Achilles, patellar, elbow)
- Postural support and movement retraining
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Taping is a short-term support tool used to facilitate rehabilitation, not a permanent fix.
It depends on your injury. Kinesio tape allows movement, while rigid tape limits it. Your physiotherapist will select the type that suits your stage of healing.
Yes. Most taping methods are specifically designed to support movement during activity, especially for Pretoria’s active sporting community.
Kinesio and dynamic tape can last several days. Rigid tape is usually applied for shorter periods, specifically during matches or training sessions.
Need Extra Support?
Get professional strapping tailored to your sport or injury. Book your assessment in Mayville today.
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