Athletic Taping, Padding, and Bracing

Core Concepts in Athletic Training and Therapy

Susan Kay Hillman

Objectives• Identify the types of tape commonly used in athletic taping.• Explain the “check reign” used in athletic taping and identify different

styles or shapes. • Describe the five different taping techniques (spiral, figure 8, teardrop,

herringbone, and horseshoe) and give an application of each.• Identify the points to consider when developing preventive and

protective pads.• Identify six basic products used in the construction of pads and braces

for injury protection or prevention.• Explain why a fiberglass cast on a football lineman’s wrist should be

padded for practice and games, regardless of rules.• Identify the three categories of knee braces and when each might be

used.

Anatomy and Injury Mechanism as the Foundation for Taping and Bracing

Materials for Taping and Wrapping

Prerequisites to Taping and Bracing

Preparing for Taping

Applying Tape

– Spiral– Check Reigns

• Stacks• Fan• The “X”• The “Y”• The “Double Y”

– Figure 8– Teardrop– Herringbone– Horseshoe

Padding

Pad Fabrication Considerations

• a. Density• b. Strength• c. Rigidity• d. Conformability• e. Self-Adherence• f. Durability• g. Ease of Fabrication• h. Availability and Cost

Pad Construction Materials

Role of Bracing

– Ankle Braces– Knee Braces– Shoulder Braces– Elbow Braces– Wrist Braces