PhysioAdvisor: Elbow Taping & Strapping

Written by Brett Harrop

Last updated on Monday, July 28, 2022

The following methods of taping the elbow are designed to support the elbow and reduce the stress that is placed on it while the elbow is being used in activity. They are effective in the treatment and prevention of elbow injuries, and may be of particular benefit to patients who have suffered a rupture of either the medial collateral ligament or the lateral collateral ligament of the elbow. the elbow

Before you begin using any of these taping techniques, you should first consult your physiotherapist about whether or not they are appropriate. Generally speaking, they should only be applied if they are comfortable and do not cause an increase in pain, discoloration, pins and needles, numbness, swelling, itchiness, or excessive redness of the elbow, forearm, or surrounding skin. or hand

Physiotherapists and patients have access to a wide variety of tapes and bandages for use in treating various injuries. On the other hand, 38 millimeters of adhesive, non-stretch (rigid) sports tape is typically the best choice when the objective is to provide support for the elbow. Always make sure to use hypoallergenic tape underneath this, especially if it's going to be used as an underlay. for example, Fixomull

Taping your elbows can be beneficial if done correctly. used to:

• Reduce discomfort while participating in sport or performance
• Assist in the recovery from certain elbow injuries (including a torn MCL, tendonitis of the biceps in the elbow, a torn LCL, and elbow tendonitis), including: sprain, etc)
• Permit a quicker return to athletic competition. or performance as a result of the injury
• Reduce the chances of something happening. injury aggravation
• When participating in high-risk sports or activities (such as throwing), take precautions to avoid reinjuring your elbow (which could result in a torn MCL, for example). sports etc )

It is generally beneficial to utilize techniques involving elbow taping in the. the following are some examples:

• When it comes to specific elbow injuries, such as a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow (this is something that ought to be discussed with the physiotherapist who is treating the patient because there are specific elbow injuries that ought not to be taped, such as some fractures)
• Taping the elbow may be beneficial during sports or activities that place the elbow at risk of injury or injury aggravation, such as throwing or tackling sports, etc. Taping the elbow may be beneficial to prevent injury recurrence or injury aggravation. ) particularly in patients who have a previous history of hurting my elbow

Avoiding elbow taping is the best course of action in the the following are some examples:

• If you have certain injuries, such as some fractures (this should be discussed with the doctor), then you should not attempt to physiotherapist who is treating)
• In the event that you suffer from a skin allergy to Tape for sports
• If the taping technique causes an increase in symptoms such as pain, ache, itchiness, discoloration, pins and needles, numbness, swelling, or excessive redness in the elbow, forearm, or hand, then you should consider trying a different method. or hand
• In the event that you have sensory or circulatory problems

In most cases, it is advised that elbow tape be gradually removed during general activity as the patient's strength and flexibility improve and symptoms diminish. Taping during high-risk activity (like certain sports) is typically recommended in these circumstances, however. still recommended

In order to provide support for the elbow, the following taping techniques for the elbow can be utilized. In most cases, it is advised that the elbow be shaved twelve hours before the application of tape (in order to avoid the agonizing process of removing hairs and skin irritation). After cleansing and drying the skin, any oil or moisture that may be present should be removed. Fixomull tape, which contains a low level of irritants, should be applied as an underlay before applying rigid sports tape. This will help reduce the risk of skin irritation. of this

Tape should be wrapped around the upper arm and forearm, just above and below the elbow (figure 1), while the elbow is kept in a very slight bend. Throughout this process, make sure to keep the muscles in your arm and forearm contracted, and apply the tape in a gentle manner to avoid developing circulatory issues. Anchors serve as a point of reference or fixation for other taping techniques

Anchors are shown in Figure 1.

Start the tape at the level of the arm anchor on the inner aspect of the elbow by following the black arrows (figure 2) while maintaining a slight bend in the elbow (approximately 30 degrees). Follow the white arrows in figure 2 with a steady hand until you reach the level of the forearm anchor, where you will finish this taping technique. In order to make a cross, you will need to use three pieces of tape (figure 2). Perform one to two medial crosses, depending on the distance between the support required

The following is an example of a generic recipe that physiotherapists may follow in order to offer support to the MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) after it has been injured and to prevent future injuries. A tear in the MCL:

1. Arm Anchor x 1
2. Anchorage Provided by the Forearm x 1
3. Medial Crosses x 1 – 2
4. Arm Anchor Repetitions x 1
5. Continue with the Forearm Anchor. x 1

When removing the tape, care should be taken to avoid aggravating an existing injury or causing skin damage. It is recommended that blunt-nosed tape scissors be used. When removing the tape, it should be done so in a slow and careful manner, with the tape being pulled back on itself while pressure is applied to the skin as closely as possible to where the tape is attached. In most cases, the tape needs to be removed within the first 48 hours after it has been applied, or earlier if there is any increase in pain or symptoms (including skin irritation). or itchy sensations)

Click on any of the links provided above to be taken to the appropriate web page to purchase physiotherapy products to assist with elbow strapping. PhysioAdvisor's Online Store

• Exercises to Improve Your Elbow's Flexibility
• Check out these exercises for strengthening your elbows.

Find a physiotherapist in your area who is able to assist you with taping and make an appointment with them. an elbow

• Learn about a case that MCL Tear
• Learn more about a case of biceps tendonitis here. the elbow

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