Sports taping and kinesio tape in Crows Nest.

At a glance

• Rigid strapping or a brace reduces the chance of re-spraining an ankle and is recommended in clinical guidelines.¹
• Kinesio tape (KT tape) may ease pain a little but is generally no better than other treatments.²³
• Tape supports rehab; it does not replace strength and balance work.

What is sports taping?

Sports taping usually means rigid, non-stretch tape applied to limit unwanted joint movement, most often at the ankle, thumb or fingers. It is common in footy, netball, basketball and court sports.

What is kinesio tape?

Kinesio tape is a thin, stretchy cotton tape applied to the skin. It does not restrict movement. People use it for comfort and as a reminder of how to move, for example around the knee, shoulder or lower back.

Does taping prevent ankle sprains?

Yes, for people who have sprained before. The international lateral ankle sprain guideline recommends external support such as tape or a brace to prevent recurrence, alongside exercise therapy.¹ Balance and strength training is the part that lasts after the tape comes off.

Does kinesio tape work?

A meta-analysis of kinesio taping in sports injuries found small and inconsistent effects, with little evidence it is better than other approaches.² In chronic low back pain, kinesio taping was not clearly superior to other treatments.³

So I use it when it makes you more comfortable training, and I am upfront that the evidence is weak.

What happens in a taping appointment?

• Assessment of the injury and what you need the tape to do.
• Taping applied and checked during movement relevant to your sport.
• If useful, I teach you or a teammate to apply it.
• A rehab plan so you need less tape over time.

Who should avoid tape?

Tell me about skin allergies to adhesive, fragile skin, diabetes with reduced sensation, or circulation problems. Remove tape if you notice itching, blistering, numbness or colour change.

Where do you work, and who do you see?

Chiro Central is inside PT Central at 455 Pacific Hwy, Crows Nest, and sees athletes from St Leonards, North Sydney, Cammeray, Wollstonecraft and Waverton.

Summary

Rigid strapping helps prevent repeat ankle sprains; kinesio tape is a comfort aid with modest evidence. Book online or call +61 451 226 451.

This page is general information, not individual medical advice.

References

• Vuurberg G, Hoorntje A, Wink LM, et al. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline. Br J Sports Med. 2018;52(15):956.
• Williams S, Whatman C, Hume PA, Sheerin K. Kinesio taping in treatment and prevention of sports injuries: a meta-analysis of the evidence for its effectiveness. Sports Med. 2012;42(2):153-164.
• Lim EC, Tay MG. Kinesio taping in musculoskeletal pain and disability that lasts for more than 4 weeks: is it time to peel off the tape and throw it out with the sweat? Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(24):1558-1566.