Basic Principles
Only non-stretching rigid tape is appropriate.
Preparation
The athlete and therapist must be in a comfortable position.
The taping must be tailored to the athlete and the sport: It should provide support but not restriction of essential movement.
Injured ligaments are held in a shortened postion. Non-injured ligaments are held in neutral position.
Shave body hair at least 8 hours prior to taping.
Clean skin.
If sweating is likely, apply adhesive tape spray prior to taping.
Use an underwrap is skin allergy exists.
Use tape of appropriate width.
Application
Use anchors proximally and distally.
Unroll the tape before applying to the skin to apply appropriate tension.
Apply even pressure.
Overlap the previous tape by one-half to ensure strength and even application.
Smooth out all folds and creases
Techinique
If the volar ligaments have been injured, taping is undertaken with the wrist in slight flexion.
If the dorsal ligaments have been injured, taping is undertaken with the wrist is slight extension.
1.5 inch tape is used.
Taping is begun proximal to the wrist on the volar aspect, taping from ulnar to radial.
The tape is wrapped around the wrist twice.
With the third wrap, the tape is brought from overlying the ulnar styloid into the webspace of the thumb.
The tape is wrapped around the mcp joints of the four fingers volarly and then dorsally.
The tape is then brought from the fifth mcp dorsally across the palm to behind the thumb overlying the anatomical snuffbox.
The tape is brought around to the ulnar styloid, a wrap is made around the wrist, and steps F and G are repeated.
Removal
Cut tape carefully with tape scissors.
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Complications
Reduced circulation due to overly-tight taping.
Skin irritation (mechanical or allergic)
Decreased effectiveness of taping over time (usually only 1 hour if under considerable strain)