We see it more and more on professional sportsmen and women, footballers and sprinters. Tapes, these coloured strips that can be stuck just about anywhere, are a great help in the event of injury or pain. And it’s not just for top sportsmen and women! In fact, it’s an extremely useful tool in physiotherapy. We spoke to Julien Piller, physiotherapist at PhysioNations in Geneva, who told us all about taping.
What is taping?
Taping is an adhesive strip used in physiotherapy that is stuck to the body. There are different types for different purposes. The most common are coloured tapes, which are the most elastic. They are mainly used to:
- Stimulate or inhibit a muscle
- Lock or stabilise a joint
- Reduce muscle tension
‘The application and type of taping really depends on the patient’s needs. It’s also very useful as a proprioceptive reminder,’ explains Julien. For example, someone who often hunches forward might benefit from taping. Depending on how they are applied, the person will have to straighten up to feel better. At that point, posture is corrected.
This tool can be placed anywhere on the body. Taping is often seen on a knee, shoulder or ankle. It all depends on the ailment being treated.
When can taping be used?
Taping is used a lot in physiotherapy. It’s a very versatile tool that can be used for many purposes. However, it’s important to understand that it’s not a treatment in itself, but that you need to be treated by a professional. Once the strips have been removed, their effects disappear. So it’s a short-term solution that requires in-depth treatment.
‘Above all, it should be seen as a complement to therapy. Taping is very useful for sprained ankles, for example. After the patient has worn a splint, tapes can be applied to stabilise the ankle. This also reassures the patient, who can then make the transition from the brace to free movement with greater peace of mind’.
The tape will have a different effect depending on how it is applied and how tightly it is held.
And for whom?
Taping is not just for top athletes. Anybody can benefit just as much. The aim is to show patients how to apply the tape.
‘The tape holds well in everyday life, even in the shower. After three or four days, however, it loses its elasticity. At that point, it’s good to know how to replace it on your own. Generally, we do a short tutorial with the patient at the surgery, so that they can then do it at home.’
A word of our expert
Julien Piller
‘Each patient will have specific needs depending on their injury or pain. The way in which the tape is stretched varies its effects. On a knee, for example, you can put the tension on the outside or stabilise the kneecap. It all really depends on the person, how I see their muscular tension and joint stability.
Interested in taping?
If you suffer from muscle pain or tension, taping could certainly help. But above all, physiotherapy. As mentioned above, this tool should be used in conjunction with other treatments. The best thing is to make an appointment with a physiotherapist. He or she will be able to make a diagnosis and support you throughout the process.
Physiotherapy is covered by the health insurance scheme, provided you have a prescription from your GP. You can of course go without one, but then you will have to pay for the sessions out of your own pocket.
To be reimbursed by your insurance, make an appointment with your doctor and explain your problem. If he or she thinks you need a physiotherapist, he or she will give you a prescription for 9 sessions. You are then free to choose the professional who will accompany you! Find your professional on onedoc.ch.
