Sporttapes

Sports tapes - many athletes wear them during training or competition, whether footballers, boxers or volleyball players. Sports tapes have become an indispensable part of sports because they can be used in so many ways. They are used, for example, as prophylaxis against injuries, to stabilise joints or to treat sports injuries. Sports tapes are quick and easy to apply and have numerous properties that make them effective.

Here we explain why sports tapes are so popular with athletes, what they are used for and what the difference is between them and the well-known kinesiology tapes.

Sports tape characteristics

Sports tapes are very popular in both competitive and popular sports. They are classically made of a cotton fabric or viscose and are equipped with a well-adhering zinc oxide adhesive or polymer adhesive. Sports tapes are water-repellent and extremely resistant to traction and, in contrast to elastic kinesiology tapes, are inelastic. They not only help to prevent muscle or joint overstrain, but also enable you to remain active despite physical complaints.

The following properties characterise sports tape:
- Inelastic and tensile
- Water repellent
- Good adhesion
- Easy to tear off, both horizontally and vertically

What are sports tapes used for?

Sports tapes are practical everyday companions and should not be missing from any sports bag. If you train a lot or regularly take part in competitions, you should have them handy in your bag. In many sports, sports tape is used as a stabilisation aid for joints. They serve as protection against potential injuries to muscles, ligaments and joints. Sports tape can also be used for injuries or after surgery, primarily to protect the affected area of the body during the healing process. After a sufficient healing phase, sports tapes enable the injured person to start training again as soon as possible. Despite the fact that ligaments or joints are usually still unstable, a tape bandage makes it possible to perform moderate loads without putting too much strain on the affected part of the body. The limitation of movement created by the sports tape promotes the reconstruction of the injured structures and favours the restoration of their functions.

Furthermore, sports tapes serve to

- Prevent hyperextensions and sprains.
- Support chronic pain
- Prevent movements that cause injury
- Stabilise and protect muscles (e.g. after muscle overstretching)
- To fix ligaments after an injury (e.g. torn ligaments)
- Protect injured parts of the body actively and passively
- To enable pain-free strain after injuries

The above-mentioned areas of application show that sports tape can be used in many different ways. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that the application of sports tape can restrict the movement of the joints. In order to allow the body to move again without restrictions, the sports tape should be removed again after use.

Sports tape application

Sports tapes can be used for numerous applications under different application techniques. The inelastic nature of sports tape is particularly suitable for stabilising joints. For example, an unstable ankle can be stabilised with sports tape. It has a supportive effect and stimulates the proprioception of the joint, as the ankle receives a signal via nerve pathways not to sprain itself.

Here you can find an overview of the application sites of sports tape:
 As a sports tape bandage on/at

•     Elbow
•     Finger
•     Foot and ankle
•     Hand and wrist
•     Neck
•     Back
•     Shoulder

How long can I wear a sports tape?

Sports tapes are generally only intended for short applications. If you use the sports tape for stabilisation and support of joints and tendons during sports or training, we recommend that you remove the sports tape directly after sports. If you are wearing the sports tape for other reasons, it can be worn for up to 3 days. However, sports tape should not be worn permanently, as the inelastic fabric can easily squeeze blood vessels and nerves if worn for too long. For people who tend to have sensitive skin, wearing the tape for too long can cause allergies. To remove the sports tape, hold the skin with one hand and slowly remove the tape in the direction of hair growth. The sports tape is even easier to remove from the skin if you rub it with oil or warm water beforehand.

The Leukotape ®

Leukotape ® is one of the best-known sports tapes. It is an inelastic adhesive bandage with high adhesive strength and is used especially for functional bandages. The Leukotape ® can be used in many areas of prevention, therapy and rehabilitation and can be used for injuries to the musculoskeletal system. The special feature of Leukotape ® is that the injured part of the body is restricted in movement, but the healthy parts remain fully functional. The tape is made of a water-repellent cotton fabric and has an adhesive coating of zinc oxide rubber. Thanks to a serrated cut, it is easy to tear and can be used without scissors. Ergonomically rounded edges allow for comfortable rolling with every movement. The sports tape is available in the variations Leukotape ® Classic and Leukotape ® Sport.

What do I have to bear in mind when taping?

In order to be able to apply the sports tape correctly and to ensure optimal hold, you should pay attention to a few things before applying it. Make sure that the sports tape is dry and free of any dirt. Oil, sweat and dirt can have a negative effect on the adhesion of the tape. The following therefore applies to your skin: do not apply any creams or oils to the affected area before applying the sports tape. If necessary, simply clean and degrease the skin. It is also important that the skin is not damaged. If you follow the instructions described above, applying the sports tape is child's play.

How to apply the sports tape correctly:

1. Before you cut off the sports tape, carefully measure the affected area. 2.
2. then put the sports tape under tension and cut or tear off the desired length. 3.
3. apply the measured and cut sports tape directly to the skin with light pressure.
4. for optimal hold, "model" the tape into the right shape with light pressure. This allows the adhesive to develop its full effect.

And the best thing about sports tape is that you can even wear it in the shower. The breathable and water-repellent material makes this possible.