Kinesiology Tape an Ankle Sprain

Kinesiology Tape: How to Use It for an Ankle Sprain

Athletes, office workers, stay-at-home mums and even kids experience ankle sprains at one time or another.

How to Use Kinesiology Tape for an Ankle SprainWe all know how painful this injury can be and how it can hamper our movement.

Got a friend or loved one who has a sprain?

Allow us to help you out with this video on how to apply Kinesiology Tape to a sprained ankle.

What Is an Ankle Sprain?

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that can happen to anyone, anywhere, but more frequently in sporting events.

In fact, The Journal of Orthopedic & Sports Physical Therapy states that sprains account for 10% to 30% of all sporting injuries, and affect participants in a wide variety of sports, from basketball to football.

An ankle sprain happens when your ankle is twisted or forced from its usual position during activity. That sudden shift stretches or tears the ligaments connected to that ankle. Minor sprains can heal within two weeks, but more severe ones can take months to heal.

I would like to share video #2 in the Doctor K series, where experienced physiotherapist and Kinesiology taping expert Adam Collyer, from MCPhysio, demonstrates an excellent ankle sprain treatment with Kinesiology Tape.

Great Technique to Kinesiology Tape an Ankle Sprain

Symptoms

  • Mild or severe pain in the ankle
  • Mild or severe swelling on and around the area
  • Difficulty moving the ankle
  • Bruising
  • In cases of severe sprains, you might hear a popping or snapping sound
  • Difficulty standing or walking

These symptoms may vary according to the degree of damage to the ligaments.

Ankle Sprain Treatment

  • As with any other foot or leg injury, it helps to follow the RICE guidelines: Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate.

If symptoms still persist, you can do the following:

  • Use Kinesiology tape to assist healing, and for ankle support
  • Apply heat
  • Take Ibuprofen or any other anti-inflammatory medication
  • Do some mild stretches
  • Consult your physician.
  • If your condition doesn’t improve, see your doctor. He will most likely recommend you to undergo an X-ray to diagnose the extent of your injury.

What Items Do You Need to Kinesiology Tape an Ankle Sprain?

Dr K Kinesiology Tape

$13.90
Thats crazy

The great thing about using this tape for an ankle sprain is that you don’t need too many tools or materials. All you need is a good length of Kinesiology Tape and a pair of scissors. Then watch the video on how to apply it to your ankle.

Alternative items you may wish to use:

Now, if you’re not too sure about cutting the Kinesiology Tape, you might want to get the Ankle Pre Cut Support.

Steps in Applying Kinesiology Tape to the Ankle

1.    Measure the length of the tape. Bear in mind that the tape is going to be longer once it’s stretched and removed from the backing. The best way to measure is to start underneath the ankle and measure around, estimate that round and then finish up. Now you have the length that you need.

2.    Prepare the tape by rounding the corners. This is essentially aimed at minimizing the edges from peeling off and getting caught in socks or clothing.

3.    Then make a tear on the backing.Fold the tape down in the middle and separate the backing in two sections. Avoid touching the tape if possible. Partially peel the backing enough and centrally place under the sole of the foot.  This section is to be applied with no tension.

 Kinesiology Tape an Ankle Sprain

Applying Kinesiology Tape to an Ankle Sprain

4.    Make sure that the foot is pointed to 45 degrees. Then peel off the backing of one side of the tape, apart from last inch of backing, and attach it inward and aim for that 50% tension as you come around the corner. Remember to apply ends of the tape with no tension(last 1-1.5 inch).

5.    Do the same thing on the other side. Peel the paper away, pull with 50% tension (trick is stretch the tape to 100%, and then release tension back to 50%), and apply tape

upward and around shin, remember to finish the applying the end with no tape tension.

To ensure that your Kinesiology Tape stays on longer, you must:
•    Be careful when your socks or clothing comes into contact with your tape during dressing or undressing;
•    Just pat it dry after showering; do not rub.
•    Secure your Kinesiology Tape with Tubular bandage if you know that you will be active the rest of the day.

Did this Article Help?

Kinesiology Tape is gaining a huge following among athletes and sports trainers worldwide. This injury treatment technique speeds up recovery from injuries, allowing athletes to resume their peak performance.

We at Sportstrap have committed ourselves to bring the latest sport medical techniques to our valued customers like you.

How did you like this article and video? Please let us know by writing in the comments box below. This way, we’ll be aware as to what other sports medical topics you would like us to cover in the future.

Have a most outstanding day,
Cade Arnel


Kinesiology Tape a Corked Thigh

How to Kinesiology Tape a Corked Thigh Muscle

Back by popular demand from our customers, after our successful “How to Strap” series, SportStrap is proud to announce…

The SportStrap “How to Kinesiology Tape” video training series.

Yes thats right… We have just produced 18 awesome videos, covering 16 different kinesiology tape injury applications, from “corked thigh“, “shoulder pain”, “ankle sprains”, through to “shin splints” and much more… all with in-depth video instructions.

Corked Thigh Injury

Corked ThighToday, we will focus on how you can assist the healing of a Corked Thigh with Doctor K kinesiology tape.

Typically a corked thigh is a very common injury in contact sports. Usually involving a solid impact to the quadricep/thigh muscle, via a stray “knee” to the muscle during a tackle or something similar.

This type of solid impact, causes significant bleeding to the muscle, and femur in severe cases.

I would like to share video #1 in the Doctor K series, where experienced physiotherapist and kinesiology taping expert Adam Collyer, from MCPhysio, demonstrates an excellent corked thigh treatment with Kinesiology Tape that assists healing by in removing swelling and fluid.

Great technique to Kinesiology Tape a Corked Thigh


 

So… what are the symptoms of a corked thigh?

Corked Thigh symptoms are normally quite obvious, and include:

  • Localized pain at the site of the quadricep muscle impact
  • Swelling and thigh bruising in the impact area
  • Reduced power and reduced range of movement

Corked Thigh Treatment

As with all injuries of this nature, it is recommended that you seek professional care to get a proper assessment, but generally speaking a corked thigh treatment normally consists of the following:

First 48 hrs:

  • Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (minimize & stop the internal bleeding, swelling and bruising).

After first 48 hrs:

  • Kinesiology Taping
  • Massage
  • Heat
  • Anti-Inflammatory Medication (ibuprofen)
  • Light stretching and Progressive Injury Exercise
  • Electrotherapy

What items do you need to Kinesiology Tape a Corked Thigh?

To get your Kinesiology Taping application off to a great start you are going to need the following items:

Doctor K Kinesiology Tape

Doctor K Kinesiology Tape 50mm x 5 m

Lister Scissors (Optional)

Lister Scissors

 

Alternative items you may wish to use:

When your Kinesio Tape a large thigh contusion, there is an alternative in the Doctor K Kinesiology range, which can make application easier.
 
Checkout this Kinesiolgy Tape Thigh Pre-Cut Support, where its already pre-cut, and ready to apply… simply peal the backing off and apply as you go.
 

Kinesiology Precut Thigh Support

Kinesiology Precut Thigh Support

 

What preparation is required to Tape a Corked Quad correctly?

When applying any kinesiology tape, it is important that you prepare the skin and tape ready for the application, to get the best adhesion.

Here are a few tips:

  • Measure and Pre-cut the tape to the correct length
  • Cut tape length ways, approximately 80% of the length of the tape, creating 3 leg strips (as shown in video)
  • Pre-tear tape backing to create an attachment tab
  • Fold and peal backing, and fold a tab ready for peeling
  • Ensure the skin is clean, and free of moisturizer, lotions, excessive sweat or oils
  • Remove excessive hair, if any.

Here are a few tips for after application:

  • Be careful when dressing or undressing that clothing doesn’t catch and roll up the application
  • After showering, pat dry the application with a towel instead of rubbing
  • Covering the application with Tubular bandage can assist in protecting the application in high wear conditions

What is the Correct Tape Tension?

During this kinesiology tape application it is important to apply the tape with the correct tension.

Here are our tips to a better application:

  • The tail of the tape, and strip ends of the tape, is to be applied with no tension
  • The mid section of the strip ends is to be applied with 25% tension in a slight fan shape
  • Ensure you fan the strips slightly

 

Did this Article Help?

In Australia, and for that matter world wide, Kinesiology Taping is a fast growing injury treatment technique, assisting athletes with faster injury recovery, back to peak performance.

It is our aim to bring to our customers the most up-to-date sport medical techniques.

I would love to know if this article and video helped, and please let me know what other sports medical topics you would like us to cover in the future.

Have a most outstanding day,

Cade Arnel

SportStrap.com.au ©2014

 

Dr K Kinesiology Tape launches and we have exclusives for you

SportStrap’s new Kinesiology Tape is out today and our Kinesiology customers are happy campers!

Dr K Kinesiology TapeNormally we reserve this space on our blog to teach sports medical techniques, to help prevent or recover from injuries, but today I’ve got some rather exciting news to share.

Since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Kinesiology taping therapy has become one of the fastest growing injury and pain reliefs treatments in Australia.

kinesiology at the olympics

But after speaking with some Kinesiology users recently, the most common feedback is that the cost of premium Kinesiology Tape in Australia is one of the biggest draw backs.

Less than 20 dollarsSure, its a must to use premium quality tape, but paying $20+ a roll, or $15+ for a precut is just plain…

Wrong…

WRoong…

WRRONNG!

So we decided to be like men on a mission, to introduce one of the best premium grade kinesiology tape on the market, that kinesio tape users can get their hands on, and keep money in their pocket.

Hence Dr K Kinesiology Tape was born.

SportStrap have now launched 10 new Kinesiology Tape products, and for all SportStrap customers we are exclusively offering

“Buy 2 + Get 1 Free”

Dr K Kinesiology Tape

BUY 2 + GET 1 FREE = $35.90
Thats a crazy $11.95 per roll

Dr K Kinesiology Tape Rolls

The backbone of our new range is premium grade kinesiology tape, that is specifically engineered for the following uses:

  • Protection and support of the joint and ligaments
  • Reduction of pain
  • Muscle recovery and injury prevention
  • Speedy healing with increased blood circulatory flow
  • Reducing bruising and inflammation

And Dr K has all of the properties that would expect of a high grade kinesio tape, such as:

  • Good elasticity (160%).
  • Life time: 3-5 days (depending on usage).
  • High Grade Cotton Fabric (breatheable).
  • 100% acrylic, hypoallergenic adhesive (Latex free) to minimize allergies.
  • Superior Adhesion, Minimal Irritation (scientifically formulated for sensitive or fragile skin).
  • Tape is water resistant.

 

Dr K Ankle Precut Support

BUY 2 + GET 1 FREE = $28.40
Thats a crazy $9.45 each

Dr K Ankle Precut Support

The Dr K ankle kinesiology support is professionally designed to provide dynamic therapeutic support for the ankle, achilles and calf muscles.

The most common uses are:

  • Sprained ankle rehabilitation
  • Ankle pain relief
  • Assisting with shin splints
  • Ankle instability or weak ankles
  • Postoperative recovery for the ankle or achilles.
  • Arthritis related ankle pain

 

Dr K Back Precut Support

BUY 2 + GET 1 FREE = $22.40
Thats a crazy $7.45 each

Dr K Back Precut Support

The Dr K back kinesiology support is specifically engineered to provide dynamic therapeutic support for the lower to mid back muscles and joints.

The most common uses are:

  • Arthritis related back pain
  • Joint strain
  • Disc injuries
  • Muscle strains
  • Postoperative rehabilitation
  • Muscle spasms in the back
  • Back pain relief

 

Dr K Foot Precut Support

BUY 2 + GET 1 FREE = $28.40
Thats a crazy $9.45 each

Dr K Foot Precut Support

The Dr K foot kinesiology support is professionally designed to provide dynamic therapeutic support for the foot muscles.

The most common uses are:

  • Strained foot muscles rehabilitation
  • Weak foot muscles
  • Muscle imbalance
  • Postoperative recovery
  • Foot pain relief
  • Assisting with foot muscle spasms
  • Assisting with shin splints

 

Dr K Shoulder Precut Support

BUY 2 + GET 1 FREE = $28.40
Thats a crazy $9.45 each

Dr K Shoulder Precut Support

The Dr K shoulder kinesiology support is professionally engineered to provide dynamic therapeutic support for the shoulder muscles.

The most common uses are:

  • Reduces shoulder pain
  • Increases shoulder support while still being able to move freely
  • Restoration of normal shoulder muscle activation
  • Improved feedback and timing of muscles stabilizing the shoulder
  • Aids in the prevention of further injury
  • Provides protection during healing.

 

Dr K Hamstring Precut Support

BUY 2 + GET 1 FREE = $22.40
Thats a crazy $7.45 each

Dr K Hamstring Precut Support

The Dr K hamstring kinesiology support is professionally designed to provide dynamic therapeutic support for the hamstring muscles.

The most common uses are:

  • Strained hamstring rehabilitation
  • Weak hamstrings
  • Traction enthesopathies
  • Muscle imbalance
  • Postoperative recovery
  • Hamstring pain relief

 

Dr K Knee Precut Support

BUY 2 + GET 1 FREE = $28.40
Thats a crazy $9.45 each

Dr K Knee Precut Support

The Dr K knee kinesiology support is professionally formulated to provide dynamic therapeutic support for the knee joint & muscles.

The most common uses are:

  • Strained knee rehabilitation
  • Patellar tendinopathies
  • Patello-femoral joint instability
  • Ligament strains
  • Postoperative rehabilitation
  • Meniscal degeneration pain

 

Dr K Groin Precut Support

BUY 2 + GET 1 FREE = $22.40
Thats a crazy $7.45 each

Dr K Groin Precut Support

The Dr K groin/thigh kinesiology support is engineered to provide dynamic therapeutic support for the groin and thigh muscles.

The most common uses are:

  • Strained thigh rehabilitation
  • Groin pulls
  • Weak adductors
  • Torn adductors
  • Muscle imbalance

 

Dr K Elbow Precut Support

BUY 2 + GET 1 FREE = $22.40
Thats a crazy $7.45 each

Dr K Elbow Precut Support

The Dr K elbow kinesiology support is professionally designed to provide dynamic therapeutic support for the elbow joint and muscles.

The most common uses are:

  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Muscle strain
  • Post operative elbow surgery

 

Dr K Wrist Precut Support

BUY 2 + GET 1 FREE = $22.40
Thats a crazy $7.45 each

Dr K Wrist Precut Support

The Dr K wrist kinesiology support is professionally designed to provide dynamic therapeutic support for the wrist and hand muscles and joints.

The most common uses are:

  • Sprained wrist rehabilitation
  • Wrist instability support
  • Postoperative recovery
  • Wrist pain relief
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Hypermobility
  • Tendinopathies of the fingers