Balancing Western Medicine and Alternative Methods

Physio—What Do You Need To Know About Taping?

Irrespective of whether you are a professional or an amateur athlete, sports injuries tend to be commonplace. And although medication may relieve your pain, it is best to seek a solution that will provide you with relief as well as minimise your risk of future injuries. Physio is one of the therapies that can achieve this while limiting your dependence on pain medication. Nonetheless, physio as a treatment is quite broad, and your therapist will employ different techniques to heal your body. One such treatment is taping. Check out this piece on some of the things that you need to know about taping.

What type of tape is used for physio?

The first thing to note is that not just any kind of tape can be used to achieve the same results as physio taping. The tape utilised for this therapy is a non-latex variety. One side of the tape has adhesive on it. The tape is applied onto your body by stretching the sticky side over your affected body part. Once the tape is secured in place, it decompresses your blood vessels, which helps in boosting blood circulation around the injured area.

Why should you consider taping?

There is a vast array of benefits to be had by opting for taping as part of your physio. Take note that taping is not done without any direction. Instead, your physiotherapist will have a specific taping technique to suit your immediate needs. For instance, if you are struggling with mobility, the taping will be performed to stabilise your injury. On the other hand, if you are in unbearable pain, taping is applied to numb your sensory cells, which in turn helps in relieving your discomfort and minimising inflammation. Lastly, taping can also be done to accelerate the healing process by boosting your blood circulation.

Who can benefit from taping?

While taping is a commonly applied technique for athletes, it can be performed on anybody regardless of their age. Furthermore, since the tape is latex free, it is less likely to elicit any allergic reactions.

Can you tape yourself?

Although taping does seem to be a straightforward procedure, it is never advisable to perform it on your own. Incorrect application of the tape can quickly lead to skin irritations or even exacerbate any inflammation you may be experiencing. Furthermore, if the tape is not secured accurately, you could end up prolonging your healing process rather than reducing it.


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