If there is one thing that is sure to put a damper on a return-to-play this season, it is injury.
Whether you are actively managing an injury, or wanting to prevent an injury from re-occurring, sports tape is a great tool to that can provide crucial support, prevent injuries and re-injury, and help you to stay in the game this season.
If this sounds familiar and you're asking yourself, “Where do I begin, and which tape is right for me?”—you're in the right place. Keep reading as we break down the various types of sports tapes and how each one can support your performance.
Often referred to as “brown tape,” Rigid Tape is specifically designed to restrict unwanted movement while offering strong support and stability to joints and tendons after an injury. Typically made from rayon with a zinc oxide adhesive, it provides a firm hold to aid recovery and performance.
Before selecting rigid tape, it’s crucial to have a proper diagnosis of the injury to ensure this type of strapping is the best fit for your needs. Commonly used for stabilizing the ankle, knee, wrist, thumb, fingers, and shoulder, rigid tape plays a key role in injury prevention and management.
Application: For optimal effectiveness, rigid tape should be applied to clean, shaven skin that is free from oils. If you have sensitive skin, consider using an underwrap or fixation product for added comfort. To enhance adhesion, an adhesive spray can be used before taping. For the best approach to your specific injury, consult a healthcare professional to ensure proper application.
Size Guide:
EAB Lite, or Elastic Adhesive Bandage, is designed to provide compression and support to joints, making it a valuable tool for athletes. Often used alongside rigid strapping tape, it enhances stability and protection. In rugby, EAB Lite is also used as lifting tape.
Made from breathable, elastic cotton, EAB Lite is hand-tearable for easy application. It is commonly used to support the ankle, knee, thigh, wrist, thumb, fingers, and shoulder, helping athletes perform at their best.
Application: EAB Lite is designed to be applied directly to the skin or used on-top of a Rigid or Fixation tape. If applied directly to the skin, it is recommended that the skin is clean shaven and oil-free. For the correct application specific to your injury, consult with your healthcare professional.
Size Guide:
EAB Edge is another form of elastic adhesive bandage, although unlike EAB Lite it is made of a heavier cotton fabric to provide greater support to joints. It can be used in conjunction with Rigid tape however it is not hand-tearable.
EAB Edge is used to provide support to the ankle, knee, shoulder, wrist, and elbow
Size Guide:
Application: EAB Edge is designed to be applied directly to the skin or used on-top of a Rigid or Fixation tape. If applied directly to the skin, it is recommended that the skin is clean shaven and oil-free. For the correct application for your injury, consult with your healthcare professional.
Under wrap is designed to be applied directly to the skin prior to taping. It is hypo-allergenic and provides a protective layer between the skin and tape and is especially for those with tape sensitivities. Under wrap is made of polyurethane. Under wrap is cohesive and adheres to itself, not the skin.
Like under wrap, Fixation Tape is also designed to be applied directly to the skin prior to taping to provide a protective layer between the skin and tape. Fixation tape is hypo-allergenic and porous. Fixation tape is adhesive and will stick to the skin.
Application: Fixation be applied directly to the skin. It is recommended that the skin is clean shaven and oil-free. For the correct application for your injury, consult with your healthcare professional.
Size Guide:
The above information is designed as a guide only. Please consult with your healthcare professional to ensure that you select the most appropriate tape for your needs.
The winter sports season is here, and with it comes recurring and new sprains and strains. One of the most common complaints is ankle sprains. Read on to discover more about our top ankle brace picks for moderate injuries.
