What is taping?
Taping using elastic adhesive tape originated in Japan. From there it moved to the United States, South-Korea, the Netherlands, Germany and many other countries. The bright colours have certainly contributed to the tape's popularity. The colourful tapes are real eye-catchers and draw our attention.
You can see people wearing brightly coloured tapes in sports reports on TV, at sporting events, out jogging or even in the supermarket. You may already be part of the taping community or may soon join in. Skin-coloured tapes (beige, brown, black or white) are also available for those who prefer a more discreet look.
But what exactly is “taping”? Taping is the application of self-adhesive cotton tapes. Tapes are applied directly to the skin. Both elastic and non-elastic tapes are available.
Important
The two types of tape each have different functions and effects. This book deals primarily with elastic tapes. When we refer to “tape”, we mean the elastic type of tape.
What can you use tapes for and how do they help you? One important effect of the tape is to relieve pain. The less pain you are in, the better and more easily you will be able to move, which in turn relieves pain. Pain is one of the main reasons for using a tape. A tape can be applied to any part of the body that is in pain. Pain can arise from various causes, such as sore muscles, muscle injuries (bruising or torn muscle fibres), swelling (e.g. following an insect bite), stiff joints or adherent scars.
Less pain, greater mobility
Pain caused by a sprained ankle is a very impressive exam