If you've ever watched an Australian sporting event, you’ve likely seen athletes with tan-colored tape carefully applied to various parts of their bodies—whether it’s a tightly wrapped ankle, a knee supported by layers of tape, or even a shoulder expertly strapped to restrict movement. This unassuming, yet powerful tool is rigid strapping tape, and it plays a crucial role in injury prevention and recovery for athletes at all levels.
In my own experience as a lifelong sports enthusiast and amateur AFL player, I learned firsthand the value of rigid tape after a knee injury. It wasn’t until my team’s physiotherapist expertly taped my shoulder before a game that I realized how much support and confidence this simple tool could provide. Since then, I’ve seen countless teammates, friends, and fellow athletes rely on rigid tape to protect themselves on the field, court, or track.
In this blog, we’ll explore the world of sports taping using rigid strapping tape, focusing on its use in Australian sports. We’ll dive into different taping techniques, the benefits of rigid tape, and how it compares to elasticized tape. We'll also highlight the importance of selecting high-quality tape and discuss the experts—trainers, and physiotherapists—who apply it with precision. If you’re looking to learn more about rigid tape or are interested in purchasing some for your own sports journey, Bodyassist offers a high-quality rigid sports tape that is trusted and used across numerous sports in Australia.
Why Rigid Strapping Tape?
Rigid strapping tape, as its name suggests, is a firm, non-elastic tape that is primarily used to provide support and stability to joints and ligaments during high-intensity physical activity. Unlike elasticized or kinesiology tape, which can stretch and conform to the body’s movement, rigid tape is designed to restrict movement in a specific area. This makes it especially useful for preventing injuries or protecting injured areas that need stabilization during activity.
How I Learned About Rigid Tape’s Benefits
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When I first injured my shoulder during a footy match, I thought my season was over. I took a hit to the shoulder when I collided with another player. Well, that’s just how AFL footy is … My shoulder joint was quite badly sprained and felt unsure about returning to the field. My physiotherapist, however, reassured me that with the right taping technique using rigid tape, I could still play after a few weeks of rest. Better than nothing I thought.
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He used a spica configuration which is commonly used for shoulder taping. We go into more detail below but it simply involves wrapping tape around the upper arm and across the chest in a figure-eight pattern. It provides excellent support. Not only did this taping technique give me the physical support I needed, but it also restored my confidence, knowing that my shoulder was well-supported and somewhat protected. Hey, I still had to be super careful but it was all good.
From that point onward, the rigid tape became a staple for my sports bag, and I began noticing its use more and more among my teammates. Whether it was for stabilizing ankles, wrists, or knees, rigid tape provided athletes the security to push themselves to their limits without fear of exacerbating injuries.
Common Applications of Rigid Strapping Tape
Rigid tape is widely used across a variety of sports, particularly in Australia, where physically demanding sports like rugby, AFL, netball, and basketball dominate the athletic landscape. Here are some of the most common body areas that are taped, along with the taping configurations used for each.
1. Ankle Taping (Anchor and Stirrup Configuration)
Ankles are one of the most commonly taped areas, especially in sports that involve frequent running, jumping, and pivoting, such as AFL, rugby, basketball, and netball. Ankle sprains are extremely common in these sports, and rigid tape helps prevent excessive movement that could cause injury.
The anchor and stirrup configuration is one of the most common methods of ankle taping. This technique involves:
Anchoring the tape just above the ankle joint.
Creating alternating stirrups and figure-eight patterns to restrict lateral movement while leaving the joint flexible enough for forward and backward motion.
This technique helps prevent inversion (rolling the ankle inward) or eversion (rolling the ankle outward), both of which can result in sprains or ligament tears.
2. Knee Taping (Figure-Eight or Patellar Tracking Technique)
Knee injuries are common in high-impact sports like AFL and netball, where rapid direction changes and heavy contact are frequent. Rigid tape is used to stabilize the knee joint, especially for injuries such as medial or lateral ligament sprains or patellar tracking issues.
The figure-eight technique around the knee restricts unwanted lateral movement while allowing some degree of flexibility for running and jumping. Additionally, the patellar tracking technique can be used to help keep the kneecap (patella) in its proper alignment, which is essential for preventing pain or dislocation.
3. Wrist Taping (Anchor and Fan Configuration)
Sports like cricket, tennis, and basketball put significant strain on the wrists. Rigid tape is often used to support the wrist joint, particularly for athletes prone to hyperextension or sprains.
The anchor and fan configuration is a popular method of wrist taping. This involves:
Anchoring a piece of tape around the forearm, just above the wrist joint.
Creating a fan-like structure of tape strips across the back of the wrist to prevent hyperextension, followed by securing the fan with more tape.
This technique provides robust support, especially for athletes who need to grip equipment (like tennis rackets or cricket bats) without risking injury.
4. Shoulder Taping (Spica Configuration)
The shoulder joint is highly mobile and, therefore, susceptible to injury in sports like rugby, AFL, and rugby. Rigid tape can help stabilize the shoulder by restricting excessive movement, particularly for athletes recovering from dislocations, rotator cuff injuries, or AC joint sprains.
The spica configuration is commonly used for shoulder taping. It involves:
Wrapping the tape around the upper arm and across the chest in a figure-eight pattern.
Applying additional strips of tape over the shoulder to limit forward or backward movement.
This configuration provides excellent support while still allowing enough mobility for athletes to perform their sport.
The Experts: Trainers and Physiotherapists
While anyone can learn the basics of applying rigid tape, it’s usually trainers and physiotherapists who are the true experts in this area. Sports physiotherapists, in particular, undergo specialized training to learn how to apply tape effectively. They understand the body’s biomechanics and know how to tape each joint to maximize stability without restricting the necessary range of motion.
At many Australian sports clubs, especially at the elite and semi-professional levels, having a qualified physiotherapist or sports trainer on hand to apply rigid tape is essential. These professionals ensure that the tape is applied correctly, helping to prevent injury or worsening of an existing condition. I remember the first time I watched our team physio apply a complex shoulder-taping configuration—it was like watching an artist at work. The precision and skill involved in placing each strip of tape perfectly blew me away, and it made me appreciate how much knowledge goes into the process.
Rigid Strapping Tape vs. Elasticized Tape
Many people ask, “What’s the difference between rigid strapping tape and elasticized tape?” While both serve important functions, they have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different situations.
Rigid Strapping Tape
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Non-elastic: Rigid tape doesn’t stretch, making it ideal for immobilizing or restricting movement in joints that need stability.
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High adhesive strength: It sticks securely to the skin, ensuring it stays in place during high-intensity activity.
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Durable: Rigid tape is designed to withstand the rigors of competitive sports, making it long-lasting, even in tough conditions.
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Best for injury prevention and support: Rigid tape is commonly used when an athlete needs strong support for a vulnerable joint, such as after an ankle sprain or knee injury.
Elasticized Tape (Kinesiology Tape)
Stretchable: Elasticized tape stretches with the body’s movement, making it more flexible than rigid tape.
Promotes circulation: Kinesiology tape is often used to support muscles and promote blood flow rather than restrict movement.
Less supportive: While elasticized tape is excellent for aiding muscle function, it doesn’t provide the same level of joint stabilization as rigid tape.
Ultimately, both tapes have their place in the sports world, but when it comes to stabilizing joints and preventing injury in high-contact or high-impact sports, rigid strapping tape is the go-to choice.
Not All Tape Is Created Equal
One important thing to note is that not all rigid strapping tape is created equal. The quality of the tape and in particular the adhesive used and the material it is made of can significantly impact its effectiveness. Some lower-quality tapes may not adhere well to the skin, lose their stickiness during play, or lack the necessary tensile strength to provide proper support.
When choosing rigid tape, it’s essential to look for the following qualities:
Strong adhesive: The tape should stick well to the skin and stay in place, even during sweaty, high-intensity activities. The best tapes will use a zinc oxide adhesive for the best results.
High tensile strength: The tape should be durable enough to provide the necessary support without stretching or tearing. The best tapes will use a Rayon Base fabric.
Breathability: Quality tape will have a breathable design to prevent skin irritation during prolonged use.
Easy to tear: While the tape should be strong, it should also be easy to tear by hand for quick application.
Flesh Colour: Across the world many rigid tapes are white or black but in Australia, we prefer the flesh-coloured tape.
If you’re looking for high-quality rigid tape look no further than the Bodyassist Rigid Strapping Tapes offered in various widths such as 12mm, 25mm, 38mm, and 50mm. This product is highly regarded in the Australian market and trusted by athletes and sports professionals alike for its reliability and durability.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Game with Rigid Strapping Tape
In the fast-paced world of Australian sports, where injuries are common and every advantage counts, rigid strapping tape has become a crucial tool for athletes. Whether you’re taping an ankle, knee, wrist, or shoulder, rigid tape provides the stability and confidence needed to perform at your best.
From personal experience to the expert hands of physiotherapists and trainers, rigid tape has proven time and again to be a game-changer in injury prevention and recovery. And with high-quality products available at Bodyassist, you can equip yourself with the tools you need to protect your body and elevate your performance on the field.
So, next time you step onto the field, court, or track, make sure you’re armed with the best protection available—rigid tape. Because when it comes to staying in the game, every bit of support matters.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice under any circumstances. A medical professional must be consulted for any advice, diagnosis, or treatment of health-related issues. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. The author will not be held responsible for any misuse of this information. No guarantees are made either expressed or implied. If unsure about any information presented here, please seek medical advice before using any product suggested.
FAQs
Q:- What is the rigid strapping tape used for?
Ans. Rigid strapping tape is used to support and stabilize joints and muscles, particularly during sports and physical activities. It helps limit movement to prevent further injury and provides firm support to areas like ankles, knees, shoulders, and wrists.
Q:- What is the difference between Kinesio tape and rigid tape?
Ans. Kinesio tape is flexible and elastic, designed to mimic the skin's elasticity, allowing for movement and improving circulation. It is used for muscle support and pain relief. Rigid tape, on the other hand, is non-elastic and provides stronger support by restricting movement, making it ideal for stabilizing joints.
Q:- How long can you leave the rigid strapping tape on?
Ans. Rigid strapping tape can typically be left on for up to two days. However, it is recommended to remove it as soon as you finish your activity to avoid skin irritation.
Q:- Can you sleep with rigid strapping tape on?
Ans. It is generally not advisable to sleep with rigid strapping tape on. The tape can be uncomfortable and may cause sweating, which can lead to skin irritation.
Q:- Can you shower with rigid strapping tape?
Ans. No, it is not recommended to shower with rigid strapping tape on. Water can cause the adhesive to wear off, reducing the tape's effectiveness.