When is sports tape used?
Traditional sports tape is primarily used to secure and stabilise joints – either to prevent injury in a vulnerable situation or to support an existing sprain. It is particularly common in sports involving frequent, quick changes of direction, such as handball, football and badminton, where ankles, knees and fingers often need extra support.
How do you apply sports tape?
There are some general ground rules you should always follow when applying tape. Make sure the skin is completely clean, dry and free from cream or sweat, otherwise the tape will struggle to adhere properly. Removing thick body hair in the area can also help avoid excessive discomfort when the tape is removed. Apply the tape in smooth strips and take care not to tighten it so much that it restricts blood circulation.
You can also combine sports tape with comfortable sports supports for the knee, elbow, wrist or ankle.
Find sports tape in Biltema’s range
At Biltema, we offer a wide range of products that support your joints so you can soon be ready to exercise again. Our classic, non-elastic sports tape is 3.75 cm wide and comes in practical 10-metre rolls, giving you plenty of tape for repeated use. Choose from several attractive shades to match your personal style or workout clothing. Our sports tape is available in classic white and discreet beige, as well as more eye-catching colours such as blue and yellow.
In addition to rigid tape, our range includes kinesiology tape measuring 5 cm wide and 5 metres long. If you need good compression or more temporary support for a swollen joint, you will also find elastic bandages in our range. These are available in lengths of 4.5 metres and two widths, either 5 cm or 10 cm, making it easy to apply a firm bandage.
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Frequently asked questions about sports tape
What is the difference between sports tape and kinesiology tape?
Classic sports tape is non-elastic and is used solely to secure a joint and limit unwanted movement. Kinesiology tape, by contrast, is highly elastic and designed to lift the skin, increase blood circulation and support the muscles while allowing a full range of movement.
When should you use sports tape?
Use the tape when a joint needs firm mechanical support to prevent it from moving to the limits of its range. This is particularly relevant during rehabilitation after sprains or when you want to protect a vulnerable joint as a precaution during very intense physical activity.
How do you apply sports tape to the knee?
The knee is complex, and the taping method depends on the injury. Often, two long strips are applied above and below the knee, followed by supporting strips crossed over the affected ligaments at the side. Ask a physiotherapist for guidance to ensure 100% correct support.
How do you apply sports tape to the ankle?
Start by applying an anchor around the lower leg just above the ankle. Then apply a couple of strips running from the inside of the ankle, under the heel and up the outside. Finish with strips of tape around the foot for optimal stability.
How do you apply sports tape to the wrist?
Hold your hand out with your fingers slightly spread. Apply the tape in circular turns around the wrist, making sure the strips overlap slightly. Take care not to tighten it too much, as blood must always be able to circulate freely to the fingers.
