Taping adds support to a joint or muscle during training and matches. The range centres on three main types: rigid zinc oxide strapping tape from Physiologix, which does not stretch and is used to limit movement around ankles, wrists and fingers; elastic self-adhesive sports tape from Physiologix, which stretches to give compression and support while you move; and kinesiology tape from Medicare Sport, which moves with the skin.
Rigid tape suits contact sports and joints that need holding firmly for a session, while elastic sports tape and kinesiology tape allow a freer range of motion. Narrow rolls of about 2.5 cm suit fingers and thumbs, 5 cm covers ankles, wrists and knees, and the 10 cm elastic roll suits larger areas such as the thigh. Apply tape to clean, dry skin, never over cuts or broken skin, avoid wrapping rigid tape tightly all the way round a limb, and remove it if the skin becomes red or itchy or fingers or toes feel numb. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in your hands or feet, ask our pharmacist or GP before taping. For the rest of your kit, also see our first aid range.
