#ankle taping

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Hand Wrapping and Ankle Taping

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[sydneywestphysio]

Ankle Taping vs Ankle Guards: Choosing the Right Injury Prevention for Netball

Netball is a fast-paced and dynamic sport which demands agility, precision, and speed from its players. With its quick changes in direction and frequent jumps, the risk of ankle injuries is ever-present. Ankle sprains are the most commonly reported injury in netball.

Approximately four in five netball athletes will sustain an ankle sprain, up to half will go on to sustain recurrent ankle sprains, and nine in ten report perceived ankle instability (Rowe et al 2021). To mitigate this risk, or to help return to play after an injury, players often turn to ankle taping and ankle guards. While both methods aim to provide support and prevent injury, they differ in their application, effectiveness, and convenience.

Ankle taping involves wrapping the ankle with rigid adhesive tape (with or without underwrap) to provide support and stability. The tape is applied in a specific pattern to restrict excessive movement in certain directions, while still allowing for flexibility. One of the main benefits of ankle taping is that it offers customizable support. The tension of the tape, specific taping techniques and direction of support can be adjusted based on individual needs, ankle instability and pre-existing injuries. Additionally the compression provided by taping can enhance proprioception, the body’s awareness of its position in space, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Ankle guards are prefabricated devices designed to support the ankle joint. These braces typically feature a combination of lacing, Velcro straps and rigid supports that wrap around the ankle, providing external stability. Unlike taping, ankle guards are reusable and have some level of tension customisation. One of the biggest benefits of ankle guards is their convenience and durability, as they do not require the expertise or time needed for proper taping. Ankle guards are, however, more bulky than taping, and may require extra shoe size allowance in order to be worn comfortably.

One key difference between ankle taping and ankle guards lies in their application and removal process. Ankle taping requires skill and practice to apply correctly, often necessitating the assistance of a trained professional. Furthermore, the adhesive nature of the tape can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. In contrast, ankle guards can be easily put on and taken off by the wearer, making them a more accessible option for athletes of all skill levels.

Another factor to consider is the cost-effectiveness of each method.

While ankle taping may initially seem more affordable, the recurring expenses of purchasing tape can add up over time. Conversely, ankle guards represent a one-time investment that can last multiple seasons with proper care and maintenance.

In terms of effectiveness, there is strong research evidence that both taping and bracing reduce the rate of ankle sprains. Ultimately, the choice between ankle taping and ankle guard braces for netball injury prevention boils down to personal preference, comfort, and individual needs. Some players may prefer the customizable support offered by ankle taping, while others may opt for the convenience and durability of ankle guards. Our clinics can assist with fitting of braces as well as taping education.

Regardless of the chosen method, prioritizing ankle injury prevention is essential for maintaining peak performance and enjoying the game of netball to its fullest. Many netballers who sprain their ankles do not seek appropriate treatment, and will return to play too quickly, leading to increased risk of subsequent injury, which can lead to chronic ankle instability. Physiotherapists are well trained in assessment of injury severity, graded strength and conditioning programs and return to play assessment.

Structured strength and conditioning programs, such as the Netball KNEE program can be extremely valuable additions to regular netball training sessions and pre-game warmups to assist with injury prevention.

Please get in touch with any of our clinics if you have any questions about injury prevention, rehabilitation or return to play.

Reference

Rowe PL, Bryant AL, Paterson KL. Current ankle sprain prevention and management strategies of netball athletes: a scoping review of the literature and comparison with best-practice recommendations. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2021 Sep 18;13(1):113. doi: 10.1186/s13102-021-00342-9. PMID: 34537083; PMCID: PMC8449445.

[spidertechposts]

SpiderTech for The Clinic

Helping you to provide consistent and quality care for your patients.

SpiderTech Products were developed for medical professionals, using the original kinesiology tape that was developed to mimic the weight and elasticity of human skin. The complete system of precuts applications, universal shapes and the best quality roll tape available makes SpiderTech kinesiology Tape a valuable asset to any practitioner's tool kit.

[spidertechposts]

Gamer’s Thumb Protection

Gamer’s Thumb can affect all levels of gamers, from the novice player getting into gaming for the first time to the long time gamer who recently bumped up their playing time. Gamer’s Thumb affects many people of all ages, and a non-invasive, easy, yet effective treatment is needed that allows gamers to play through this injury.

What is Gamer’s Thumb?

“Gamer’s Thumb” is medically known as de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis and is characterized by having tenderness and swelling over the thumb side of your wrist. It is caused by impingement between the two tendons on the back of your thumb and their tendon sheets. If you think you have Gamer’s Thumb, try Finkelstein’s test to help confirm the diagnosis.

Gamer’s Thumb is the result of repetitive thumb strain inflaming the tendons and causing pain and limited movement. Sudden increases in gaming volume or long hours of play are the common cause of this painful and performance-limiting condition.

A study in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Research evaluated the use of kinesiology tape to treat pain and swelling associated with Gamer’s Thumb. The study showed that when using kinesiology tape:

80% of people significantly improved their pain

77% reduction in pain even 1 month later

73% of people significantly improve their swelling.

Dedicated to providing the best kinesiology tape in the world, SpiderTech is the originator of the pre-cut kinesiology tape for Gamers. SpiderTech provides amazing therapeutic effects allowing gamers to play without pain and swelling and to be more specific with their finger control once muscle fatigue sets in. SpiderTech has your back when it comes to any gaming effort. Check out SpiderTech’s website for more info on Gaming Gear.

Reference:

K. Homayouni et al. Comparison between Kinesio taping and physiotherapy in the treatment of de Quervain's disease. Journal of Musculoskeletal Research, Vol. 16, No. 4 (2013) 1350019.

[spidertechposts]

Spidertech Education

Are you interested in learning more about kinesiology tape? Our lineup of one day Hands-On Certification Courses, Online Modules and Specialty Webinars offer something for everyone and make Spidertech the #1 educational resource for kinesiology tape.

Certified Spidertech

Our one day hands-on certification courses are designed for medical and fitness professionals looking for the most up to date, in depth, evidence informed training in kinesiology tape. Our Level 1

Neurosensory

Structural

Microcirculatory

(NSM) Course will provide you with everything you need to enhance patient and client outcomes by utilizing Spidertech as an adjunct modality.

Online Modules

Our Online Modules are perfect for medical and fitness professionals looking for an in-depth understanding of how kinesiology tape works on their schedule. Topics covered include:

Pain Science

Neuromuscular Plasticity

How Spidertech affects the body

Clinical relevance and therapeutic goals

The Online Modules are the perfect first step to understanding the science of kinesiology tape and how to utilize it in your practice.

e-Learning Modules

[spidertechposts]

Travel Tips from Lauren Fendrick

SpiderTech pre-cut kinesiology has endless amounts of purposes- even we keep finding new ones every day! Among numerous other uses, did you know that our upper knee Spider can also help relieve pain and discomfort during long flights?

Lauren Fendrick is a professional American beach volleyball player who will be going to the Rio 2016 games. In the video below, she shares her pre-flight routine and how to use our Upper Knee Spider to prevent discomfort when you travel. Sitting down for an extended period of time can often lead to stiff knees and using SpiderTech pre-cut kinesiology tape can help increase lymphatic flow to the tissue around the knee.

Click Here to watch the video.

SpiderTech is easy to apply and the pre-cut tape makes it travel friendly as no scissors are required. Next time you’re sitting for an extended period of time or travelling, try Lauren Fendrick’s Upper Knee Spider routine for a simple and drug-free approach to relieve discomfort.

Pick up your Upper Knee Spiders HERE

[spidertechposts]

Medium Fan Pre-Cut

The Medium Fan Pre-Cut Spider is versatile and adaptable to a variety of taping needs. Developed with freedom of movement in mind, it is perfect for medium areas. This pre-cut application saves time and ensures even, machine cut edges to prevent fraying or uneven support.

Buy Online Cost $6.99 Kindly Visit

[spidertechposts]

Lower Back Spider Taping is a common way for athletes to prevent injury

The Lower Back Pre-Cut Spider helps support and stabilize the muscles in your lower back, helping to reduce pain, prevent injury, and promote better posture.

Buy Online Cost $8.74

The Pre-Cut Lower Back

Engineered to provide therapeutic support to muscles supporting the lower back.

Assists with alleviating joint strain, muscle strains and spasms.

Improves athletic performance and postoperative rehabilitation.

Decreases minor pain and prevents further injury.

Its pre-cut shape for the lower back allows for a quick application for users.

This item is sold individually.