Athletic tapes are pressure-sensitive tapes wrapped over the skin to help with muscle and joint recovery. Another major use of athletic tapes is to provide stabilization for bones, joints, and muscles. Stabilization is a function that preempts other purposes like relief and recovery.
Features of Athletic Tape
Athletic tapes come in two general types: elastic (commonly called stretch tape) and non-elastic.
1. Elastic Tape
The elastic tape is often made of cotton, with a strong adhesive on one side. Due to the elasticity of this tape, it is much easier to apply in different contours and shapes on the skin. This quality makes it more comfortable but also slightly less effective in providing adequate support.
2. Non-elastic Tape
Non-elastic tape is better suited for parts of the body that do not have too many contours. This is because its lack of elasticity makes it less stretchy, and thus less able to bend in different forms. In contrast to the elastic tape, non-elastic tape does a good job of providing support and stability, which in turn helps to relieve pain. The Hampton Adams 3-pack White Athletic Tape is an example of a non-elastic type that affords maximum compression. The more compression applied by the tape, the more efficient it is in relieving muscle and joint pain.
Hampton Adams tape is 100 percent made out of cotton, making it a more comfortable and supportive alternative to elastic tape. The material of the tape makes it firm, strong, and durable. Because of its effectiveness, it is one of the top recommendations from physiotherapists when it comes to rehabilitation tapes.
The adhesiveness of the Hampton Athletic Tape makes it stay in place for long periods of time, even after exercise. The greatest unique feature about this tape is that although the adhesive is very effective, it is made using a special formula that limits the sticky residue that other adhesives leave behind after removal. This is very useful for people with delicate or sensitive skin.
Factors that Determine The Quality of Athletic Tape
Every athletic tape has distinct features that should influence your decision on the best tape for you. The list below is a list of the top factors to consider when choosing the athletic tape for you.
1. Material
The material of the tape is a very important factor. You want a tape made of environment-friendly, hypoallergenic, medical-grade, and comfortable materials. Cotton is a material that fits all of these criteria. It is lightweight and breathable as well. Some brands use a blend or combination of cotton and other materials to cut costs. Hampton Adams is one of the few athletic tape companies that uses 100% cotton
2. Adhesive
When choosing a tape, you also want to ensure that the adhesive is effective. A tape that falls off unprompted or irritates your skin is definitely not a good choice.
Hampton Adams tape is made of a very strong adhesive that remains sticky even after workouts and exercise. It is also made of a special formula that leaves no sticky residue on the skin.
3. Strength and Durability
Strength and durability are often affected by the materials used and the overall production process.You want a product that will be durable and withstand different environments. To ensure satisfaction, Hampton Adams tape has a 60-day money-back guarantee. This is because they are sure of the strength and durability of their product.
Functions of Athletic Tape
1. Injury prevention
Athletic tape is primarily utilized for injury prevention by holding bones and joints firmly in place. Many athletes use the athletic tape post-injury to reduce the intensity of the injury and the pain. A strong, sticky athletic tape like Hampton Adams’ 3-pack white athletic tape is perfect for supporting the prevention of sprains and strains. It will also help relieve muscle and joint pain post-injury.
2. Rehabilitation
Athletic tape is also very useful for quick recovery and preventing further injury. Once applied correctly, athletic tape can limit the range of motion required for a particular joint or part of the body. Though it may sound contradictory, limiting the motion helps to relieve muscular pain through the compression of the muscles and joints.
3. Anchor
Athletic tape can also be used simply as an anchor over a pre-wrap. This is useful because it can hold the protective padding in place.
4. Management of Chronic Conditions
Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome can be managed with the use of athletic tape. It can be used to reduce discomfort and alleviate some of the symptoms that come with certain conditions. Athletic tape does not treat chronic conditions, but it can make them more bearable by alleviating muscle strain.
How to Apply Athletic Tape to Relieve Muscular Pain
Several techniques can be used in the application of athletic tape, and they differ for different body parts.
1. Shoulder or Upper Arm Taping
Sprains and strains are common injuries that occur around this area of the body and can be managed with athletic tapes. One of the techniques used here is Circular Upper Arm, which mainly protects, pads, and supports the upper arm. As the name suggests, the shoulder pointer technique is utilized to help anchor the shoulder and prevent pain that can come on with excessive shoulder movement. Hampton Adams3-pack tape is a perfect choice for this job due to the strong adhesive it employs.
2. Elbow Taping
Hyperextension taping is one of the techniques used in applying athletic tape to the elbow. Hyperextension taping, as the name implies, will prevent you from hyperextending your hand and further aggravating the muscles and other soft tissues around the elbow.
Circular forearm taping is a technique used to reduce pain in the forearms. In this case, it is usually applied over protecting padding pre-wrap, which serves as a shock absorber.
Tennis elbow is a musculoskeletal condition that causes you to feel pain on the lateral epicondyle, a bony prominence at the elbow. For this, a special technique called lateral epicondylitis strap taping comes into play. This will help reduce the tension on the muscles attached to the elbow. Doing this will also help to relieve the muscular pain that will occur at the joint.
3. Wrist Taping
Circular wrist taping is one of the taping techniques that can be used in applying athletic tape to injuries that may occur at the wrist, including sprains, fractures, and dislocations. This technique will help reduce the range of motion, preventing further dislocation by restricting movement. The strong adhesive backing on our tape will be advantageous in this case.
Best Athletic Tape for Wrist limits the range of motion, and holds the protective padding in place. The good tensile strength and unquestionable stickiness of the 3-pack Hampton Adams athletic tape make it one of the best options for wrist taping.
4. Thigh and Pelvic Taping
Circular thigh taping, as with other circular taping techniques, supports and anchors pre-wrap.
Hip pointer taping, like the shoulder pointer, serves as a shock absorber to prevent aggravation of the injury or contusions. This taping method can hold protective padding to the iliac crest, which is a part of the pelvic girdle.
5. Knee Taping
The knee is one of the most common places where the athletic tape is applied.
Patellofemoral syndrome is a painful knee condition that often occurs from excessive running. Applying Hampton Adams tape using the McConnell taping technique can help relieve the musculoskeletal pain
Hyperextension taping limits hyperextension of the knee and reduces tension on the muscles around it.
Patellar tendon strap taping reduces pain in the tendon on the lower part of the patellar (knee cap).
Overall, Hampton Adams non-elastic tape has many benefits for athletes and non-athletes alike. It provides support to muscles, increases pain relief, and provides more stretch. Brands like Hampton Adams are the perfect choice to benefit your body and muscles as you pursue your recovery journey.