Taping has many roles, such as supporting the ligaments and capsule of unstable joints by limiting excessive or abnormal anatomical movement. A 2019 study investigated the effectiveness of athletic taping in elite athletes. The study examined athletic movements such as balance, vertical jump, horizontal jump, wrist strength, and sprint speed, and found both positive and negative effects of taping on athletic performance. Taping can also enhance proprioceptive feedback from a limb or joint. Finally, taping can support injuries of the muscle-tendon unit by compressing and limiting movement, and immobilize protective pads, dressings, and splints.
Injury Prevention
Athletic taping is recognized as one of the best preventative measures to reduce collision sports injuries. These injuries are often caused by external factors such as collisions with other athletes or equipment. Athletic taping has also been shown to reduce the severity of injuries, as well as the incidence of injuries in most sports, which can be especially helpful for those who are prone to injuries.
Injury Management
Taping is often used to treat symptoms of chronic injuries such as medial tibial stress syndrome (or shin splints), patellofemoral syndrome, and turf toe. Athletic tape can also be used to relieve painful symptoms. Taping along nerve bundles of irritated or inflamed tissue can shorten the inflamed area and reduce pain. Limited evidence suggests that Kinesio taping can be used as a complementary treatment for shoulder pain syndrome.
Other post-injury benefits include: 1. Stabilizing and supporting the joint after muscle or ligament injury
2. Helping athletes return to activity after minor injuries to prevent and reduce further damage to the injured area;
3. Maintaining proper biomechanics during activity;
4. Preventing neuromuscular injury
5. Reducing stress on the area during activity.
