If you’ve been watching the Australian Football League, there’s a good chance you’ve set your eyes on a rigid sports tape. This tape is the most common taping method, often used but not limited to athletes. Physically, it looks like any other tape, only that it is made of strong and tensile fabric to do its job correctly.
You may have also confused this with a different sporting tape. So, to better understand what a rigid sports tape is, how it functions, and how it helps improve your performance — mainly in a sports context, here’s a comprehensive explanation and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about rigid sports tapes.
A rigid sports tape is a non-elastic, sports strapping tape that supports an injured individual in the ankles, shoulders, knees, and wrists. Its very firm support allows the joints and muscles to relax and become less painful by restricting movement.
It also stabilizes the joints and ligaments during intense physical activity, such as training and sports competition. Although commonly used as a rehabilitating tool, this tape also functions as a preventive tool.
A rigid sports tape is usually white or skin coloured and self-adhesive. It’s strong, non-elastic, and has serrated edges for easy tearing. Some individuals may be allergic, sensitive, or acquire skin irritation from the adhesive. So, medical professionals recommend a skin test prior or a pre-wrap.
What is the difference between rigid and Kinesio tape?
Rigid and Kinesio tape are two of the most commonly used tapes when supporting injury. These two function almost the same — helping with inflammation and pain, supporting injured body parts, and aiding in recovery. However, they mainly differ in two aspects.
A rigid strapping tape restricts movement, while a Kinesio tape encourages mobility. Both have almost the same goal, but the former does it with firm support while the latter does the job flexibly. Number two, rigid sports tapes usually support joints, while Kinesio tapes tend to aid muscles.
What is rigid strapping tape used for?
Physiotherapists will likely recommend a rigid sports tape when you acquire a joint strain. The tape will restrict motion so the injured region stays put — avoiding worsening your strain. Rigid strapping tape assists in the recovery of strained joints acquired maybe during an intense sport or daily activity. It helps whether yours was a minor or severe strain or tear.
Aside from the joint and ligament, the trunk, pelvis, limb, and soft tissues can also benefit from the support this tape offers. How athletic tape helps in Chronic ankle instability? The science behind restricting movement during healing is to allow the injury to rest and recover quickly.
Besides supporting joint or ankle instability, this tape also reduces pain and inflammation. An example would be when an individual suffers from back pain and inflammation. The tape can help ease the pain and swelling in 2-3 days.
Athletes gain confidence playing with rigid sports tape on as this protects their injured areas.Sports rigid tape may also help pregnant women walk better by supporting the sacroiliac joints and pelvis.
Now, if you’re asking which taping technique is best to get instant pain relief, it depends upon the recommendation of your physiotherapist.
How long does rigid taping last?
You can safely wear tapes for long or short periods. Rigid sports tape usually has zinc oxide adhesive. The taping can last up to two days because of this material. The optimal use, however, is to keep it on for hours and then replace it.
Since not every skin is compatible with this type of adhesive, it’s also advisable to observe whether the skin reacts to the taping and to start with small patches.
For best results, consult your physiotherapists as they know the suitable duration the tape stays in your body, depending on your injury.
Can you shower with rigid tape on?
There are varieties of rigid sports tape that are made of materials that promote the evaporation of sweat. It may not have problems with sweating, but having it on while having a shower is a different story.
Most people don’t recommend soaking your strapping. This may make the tape less effective as the water makes the adhesive wear off. Injured areas must always be kept clean and dry, so getting them wet certainly isn’t wise.
Can you sleep with strapping tape on?
The main feature of rigid strapping tape is that it restricts movement. It’s firm and not breathable, so it stays in place. Hence, you can’t sleep with the strapping tape on for this reason.
The material used in this tape would make your sleep uncomfortable. It’s hot and will produce sweat. Not having to move freely also won’t help you get the rest you need while sleeping. All this goes without saying that sleeping with a rigid strapping tape isn’t good for you, nor is it a good idea.
A Kinesiology tape, however, has materials that won’t restrict your movement nor form sweat under it. It’s comfortable enough to sleep on that you won’t even notice it’s there. It’s flexible and works like a second, thin skin layer.
Also Read: A Basic Guide to Kinesiology Tape? Its Uses, Benefits, and Types
Conclusion
Athletes and non-athletes have been using rigid sports tape for many years now. It has done an excellent job of supporting the ligaments and joints, which helps avoid injury or prevent an existing one from worsening. Because of this tape, many people went through their day and competitions with confidence and less pain.
You may not have used it, but you’ve seen it several times while watching a sporting event live or on TV. These demonstrate how effective rigid strapping tapes are in recovering and preventing injuries and improving an athlete’s performance. Unlike kinesiology tapes, it restricts movements to help injured areas relax and time to heal.
There are many available rigid sports tape and the market. However — and if it’s your first time, it’s best to consult a physiotherapist or medical professional before putting one on your injured joints, ankles, arms, or limbs. This will help reduce the risk of doing more harm than good. They know what technique works optimally for you, the suitable duration, and other reminders while having the tape on.