Taping & bracing

What Is Taping and Bracing?

Professional athletes, recreational sportsmen and women and the general population  are often out of action when injuries happen.  Bracing and taping are great tools to assist recovery of the damaged structures, or to support movement in certain positions so we can continue to exercise.  

They can also be used as an injury prevention measure.

Although braces and tapes can be purchased online or at pharmacies, it is essential that the correct size and brace is used correctly, to achieve the desired outcomes. If used incorrectly or inappropriately braces may promote muscle weakness or negatively impact the rehabilitation process. For example a carpal tunnel wrist splint is NOT the same as a wrist brace. If the wrong support is used it can increase the symptoms not alleviate them. Additionally valuable time of rehabilitation can be lost waiting for the product to be bought or delivered.

Bracing

Bracing is an external device fitted to size and applied to a joint by restricting movement and hence stabilising the joint.   A well-fitted brace can reduce pain by keeping the injured structures out of the painful range of motion. There are also different materials of braces available depending on the stability required. They are generally easy to use, cost effective and provide significant support for return to play, assisting recovery and pain relief.

Although we stock a wide range of supports, including MOON or CAM boots, it is sometimes more beneficial to order a specific brace and size in order to find the best brace for the individual. We can usually provide this with a 24- 48 hr service.

Taping

This is when tape is applied to a part of the body in a specific way in order to either stabilise an injured joint or facilitate the action of a muscle.

There are broadly two types of tape that are widely used by our physios: rigid and kinesio or dynamic tapes.  Rigid tape, as the name suggests, aims to enhance the rigidity of joints by being applied to weakened injured structures such as a sprained ligament. Kinesiotape is stretchy and aims to facilitate muscle movement to rehabilitate for injuries.

Tape is not as bulky as braces and is easier to move around with. It is cheaper than a brace with no sizing or ordering required. More information is available in our Resources on the benefits of kinesiotape.

Taping can be used be a precursor to a rehabilitation program to regain full strength and stability through exercises. It is important that patients are weaned off this support for the majority of injuries.

Here at Hindmarsh Physiotherapy we will assess if taping/bracing is most beneficial for you and your condition. It is important to remember that bracing does not replace a rehabilitation program but when prescribed correctly, it may aid in rehabilitation by reducing load, and promoting healing. We have years of hands on taping experience and use only high quality products. In addition to this we strive to provide an exercise program specifically designed to help you optimally rehab your injury.

At Hindmarsh Physio and Sports we highly recommend scheduling a physiotherapy appointment before purchasing or having a brace fitted. A physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment of your condition, taking into account your pain levels, range of motion, and overall health status. Based on this evaluation, they will recommend the brace best suited for your specific needs.

While concerns about time, cost, and energy associated with a physiotherapy appointment are understandable, consider the long-term benefits. An appointment with a physiotherapist ensures you get the right brace, properly fitted, to aid your recovery and prevent potential future issues.