You must have seen athletic tape somewhere, probably wrapped around various parts of athletes’ bodies while practicing or even playing. So, what are athletic tapes exactly? Athletic tapes are pressure-sensitive tapes wrapped around joints and bones to hold them in place, facilitate recovery, or relieve muscular pain.
As you probably know, anyone is prone to injuries and muscular pain. The fact that they are commonly seen in sports scenes does not restrict them for the use of athletes alone. There are various types and brands of athletic tape out there; how do you then make the right choice? How do you determine which athletic tape has the best quality? Read on to find out, but first, let us talk about the features of our athletic tape.
What Defines Our Athletic Tape
- There are two basic types of athletic tape; elastic or stretch tape and non-elastic athletic tape. The elastic type is, of course, made out of very stretchy material. This high elasticity facilitates its adherence to various contours of the body. However, this same property reduces the support it provides as instead of holding, it will probably just keep stretching. Therefore, it is often picked when the range of motion is more important than support or anchoring.
The non-elastic tape, which you will find in the Hampton Adams black athletic tape, is what you need when support and pain relief are important. It allows premium compression and, ultimately, maximum efficiency. The fact that it is not as flexible as the elastic kind makes it hard to fit certain contours. However, when you need that support, it is your go-to. This is usually the case—more support, less movement—so the non-elastic type is often favored.
- Comfortability is something else you won’t be missing when it comes to our tape. You may have assumed that, with our tape being non-elastic, it will be so stiff and uncomfortable that it will almost bring you to tears. This is not the case, as our tape is made out of cotton extract; hence, it is super comfortable. This contributes to its incredible strength and durability. Also, the material is hypoallergenic, making the chances of reacting to any of its components very low. This is also why physiotherapists highly prefer it for rehabilitation.
- Our tape is also very sticky; it will stick to you until you decide to take it off. Just know that you are totally in control, and there is no need to worry about being trailed by a strip of tape. If you have ever used other athletic tapes or known someone that has, you would know that poor adhesive is a common problem. With Hampton Adams, however, it is not. Using a special formula, we have ensured that you will never have this problem with our products. Worthy of note is that using tapes with great adhesives like that sold by Hampton Adams will increase the tape’s effectiveness.
- Furthermore, this adhesive does not leave any sticky residue or pull off part of your skin when it comes off. Unbelievable, right? You better believe it because it seems your dreams have come true.
- You can easily tear our tape with your fingers both lengthwise and widthwise. It does not require a tape cutter.
- Lastly, there is a 60-day, money-back guarantee on our tape. What does this mean for you? Complete peace of mind biographypark.
Factors that Determine the Quality of Athletic Tape
This is where the answers are. What is considered quality athletic tape, and why? How do you make the final choice? Here are some things for you to consider while you make your decision.
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Material
This is probably the most important factor, as it facilitates the functionality of the other listed features. You surely want to keep an eye out for a material that is environmentally friendly, comfortable, and hypoallergenic. You also want to ensure that the material is breathable and does not feel heavy or stiff. Cotton remains the answer we have been looking for when all of these features are factored in. It is, however, not uncommon for brands to mix cotton and other materials like nylon to cut costs. Hampton Adams is one of the few companies that make full use of cotton for manufacture.
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Strength
Strength, alongside durability, is quite preeminent. It also mostly depends on the material. Check for tapes that will last longer and be effective during that time. To hedge against the risk of the product not being up to standards, you should look for products with a reasonable guarantee. Usually, if there are such guarantees, it is because they are confident in the efficiency of their tapes.
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Adherence
When it comes to athletic tapes, the adhesive is of maximum importance as well. The nature, strength, and durability of the adhesive count. What you want is a tape with an adhesive that stays and is comfortable. You want to avoid adhesives that: irritate your skin; take off some skin when you remove the tape; or leave behind a sticky residue.
Functions of Athletic Tape
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Injury Prevention
We have already mentioned that athletic tapes are good at providing support. This could prevent dislocation, fracture, or fragmentation. Athletic tapes won’t keep you from slipping, falling, or colliding, but they can reduce the intensity of the effect that such an accident may have. Non-elastic tape like our Hampton Adams 3-pack of black athletic tape is the perfect way to support your joints. While helping you to prevent injuries, athletic tapes can help to relieve any muscular pain you may have at that point.
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Injury Management
As stated above, the athletic tape can facilitate quick recovery and relieve muscular pain. If you have injured a part of your body, whether you have sprained, strained, fractured, or dislocated it, chances are you want to restrict the movement of that part for a while. A roll of athletic tape is what you need to do just that. Athletic tapes can reasonably limit the range of motion of a particular joint, thereby increasing the speed of recovery and preventing further injury. In this case, the athletic tape can also be used to hold other protective paddings in place.
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Management of Chronic Conditions
Several conditions, including the popular carpal tunnel syndrome, can be reasonably managed with the proper application of athletic tape. Athletic tape will effectively remove some pain and discomfort from certain conditions. As we already said, it will manage, not treat.
Application of Athletic Tape
Athletic tapes are applied to parts of our bodies that vary in structure and shape. Therefore, it is only right that there are different techniques for each part.
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Shoulder or Upper Arm Taping
Sprains and strains are injuries that occur at the shoulder and can be managed with athletic tape. One technique often used to manage certain sprains is the Shoulder Pointer Technique. As the name suggests, it helps to support the shoulder and prevent further injury that may occur from stressful movement. Another common upper arm taping technique is the Circular Upper Arm Technique. The main purpose of this technique is support. It protects, pads, and anchors the upper arm. Our 3-pack tape is a great choice for shoulder taping, considering its strength and impressive adherence.
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Elbow and Forearm Taping
One of the methods used in applying athletic tape to the elbow is the hyperextension taping technique. Hyperextension Taping, as you may have guessed, involves applying the tape to prevent you from hyperextending your hand and further aggravating the muscles around your elbow. Stretching your elbow more than you should after an injury is common; athletic taping will help to prevent this by restricting movement reasonably.
Circular Forearm Taping is a technique that is used for the forearm. It is often used to hold protective padding in place on minor injuries.
Tennis elbow is a musculoskeletal condition that causes pain on the lateral epicondyle, which is a bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow. Lateral Epicondylitis Strap Taping is a special technique used for tennis elbow. This technique helps reduce the tension on the muscles attached to the elbow, which will, in turn, help to relieve the muscular pain that may occur at the joint.
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Wrist Taping
Many injuries can occur at the wrist, including but not restricted to strains, sprains, dislocations, and fractures. Circular Wrist Taping is one of the taping techniques that can be used to apply athletic tape to this joint. The whole point of this technique is restricting the range of motion. It helps to keep you in check, thereby preventing further dislocation.
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Thigh and Pelvic Taping
Circular Thigh Taping is often used to hold another protective padding in place. Its most common purpose is anchoring pre-wrap.
Hip Pointer Taping is a technique that involves the tape serving as a shock absorber to prevent contusions. It can also be used to hold protective padding to the iliac crest- a part of the pelvic girdle.
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Knee Taping
The McConnell Taping Technique is used to tape the knee in the case of patellofemoral syndrome- a painful knee condition that usually occurs from excessive running.
Patellar Tendon Strap Taping helps to reduce tension on the tendon on the lower part of the patellar (the knee cap).
Check out our page at Hampton Adams for your quality athletic tape and other taping equipment.
