Strapping

What Is Sports Strapping?

Sports strapping (also called taping) is a therapeutic technique used by physiotherapists to protect joints, support injured tissues, reduce swelling, and enhance proprioception during movement.

At Pegasus Peak, we use two primary types of sports tape:

Rigid tape (for limiting excessive or harmful movement)
Kinesiology tape (for facilitating movement and neuromuscular feedback)

Each has a different purpose, and we use them strategically to help you stay active, heal safely, and return to your sport or activity with confidence.

1. Rigid Tape (Rigid Strapping Tape)

Rigid tape is a strong, non-elastic tape that limits joint movement, helping to protect ligaments, tendons, and joints during physical activity or rehabilitation.

Benefits:

Prevents excessive or unsafe motion (e.g. ankle inversion or shoulder instability)
Provides structural support during sport or work
Reduces pain by offloading stressed tissues

Commonly used for:

Ankle sprains
Knee ligament injuries
Shoulder instability
Wrist or thumb sprains

2. Kinesiology Tape (K-Tape)

Kinesiology tape is a stretchy, elastic tape applied with specific tension and direction to influence muscle activity, improve circulation, and reduce pain, while still allowing full range of motion.

Benefits:

Enhances proprioception and neuromuscular control
Supports postural muscles without restricting movement
Assists in pain relief through cutaneous stimulation

Commonly used for:

Postural overload (e.g. shoulder, neck, or back)
Swelling and bruising from acute injury
Muscle fatigue and overuse
Support for dynamic movements (e.g. running, jumping)

How Does Sports Strapping Help?

When applied correctly by a trained physiotherapist, strapping can:

Improve joint alignment during sport or exercise
Reduce re-injury risk during return-to-play phases
Guide movement patterns during rehab
Provide sensory feedback that improves motor control
Offload painful or overloaded tissues

Taping is often used in the early stages of rehab, before return to sport, or during flare-ups of chronic conditions.

Conditions That Benefit from Strapping

We use strapping to manage a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

Ligament sprains (ankle, knee, wrist)
Shoulder impingement or instability
Patellofemoral pain
Plantar fasciitis
Tennis/golfer’s elbow
Shin splints
Low back pain or postural issues
Acute swelling or bruising after injury

What Sports Strapping Is Not

Strapping has its place — but it’s not a magic fix. Here’s what it won’t do:

It won’t “fix” an injury by itself
It doesn’t replace rehab, strengthening, or manual therapy
It’s not a long-term solution (prolonged use can reduce muscle function)
Poor application or overuse may irritate the skin

We use strapping strategically, based on your condition, sport, and movement goals.

Is Sports Strapping Safe?

Yes — when applied by a physiotherapist trained in sports taping techniques, strapping is safe and effective.

Potential minor side effects:

Skin irritation or redness (especially with prolonged use)
Tape allergy in some individuals (hypoallergenic options available)
Loss of effectiveness if applied incorrectly or used too long

We always assess your skin tolerance and ensure correct tape selection and tension.

Why Choose Strapping at Pegasus Peak?

At Pegasus Peak near Edmondson Park, we don’t just slap on tape — we use it with clinical intent. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, professional athlete, or just getting back on your feet, we use strapping to:

Stabilize vulnerable joints
Guide safe movement patterns
Enhance muscle awareness
Support your return to sport or daily activity

Strapping is just one tool in our toolbox — and when combined with exercise rehab, manual therapy, and movement education, it becomes a powerful part of your recovery plan.