At Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy, we know that sometimes the most minor things can have the most significant impact on your recovery. Strapping, also known as rigid taping, might look like plain tape, but when applied by a physiotherapist, it can offer the support, stability and peace of mind you need to keep moving forward.
What is strapping?
Strapping is a technique where we use a special non-stretch tape (usually zinc-oxide based) to support muscles, joints or ligaments. Think of it as giving your body an extra helping hand when it needs it most.
Why this tape?
- It sticks well but is gentle on the skin
- It limits harmful movement while still letting you move safely
- It can be used to both protect and prevent injuries
When do we use strapping?
Strapping can come in handy in lots of different situations:
- Right after an injury: For example, strapping an ankle after a sprain gives it stability and makes those first steps a lot more comfortable.
- To prevent injuries: Many athletes strap up before games or runs to give vulnerable joints extra support.
- During healing: After ligament injuries (like ACL tears), strapping can help restrict movements that might slow down recovery.
Fun fact: Strapping is not new. Versions of it were used all the way back in ancient Greece and Rome. Today’s tape may look simple (usually white, tan or skin-toned), but it is a tried-and-tested way to help bodies heal.
How physiotherapists use strapping
Strapping is always used as part of your bigger recovery plan. Here is how we use it:
- To give you stability: It supports your injury so you can move with more confidence.
- With other treatments: We often combine it with hands-on therapy, exercises, dry needling, or shockwave therapy.
- When you are ready to return to activity: Strapping is excellent for athletes heading back onto the field or runners returning to training.
- To guide safe movement: It helps your body move in the right way while protecting against harmful twists or strains.
Strapping is a short-term helper. It is not the cure, but it gives your body the back-up it needs while the deeper healing work happens.
Who uses strapping?
It’s not only professional athletes who benefit from strapping – anyone needing extra support can make use of it. Still, it’s a familiar sight on the sports field:
- Rugby players often strap their shoulders to get through tough tackles.
- Netball players use it to protect their ankles when landing from high jumps.
- Trail runners rely on strapping to keep their ankles stable on uneven terrain.
- Road runners use it to reduce the risk of knee pain, such as runner’s knee.
We can give you that extra support! Book your appointment at Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy today.
