Sports Strapping
Kinesiology Taping and Rigid Strapping in Mount Druitt
Whether you’ve rolled an ankle over the weekend or you’re managing a nagging shoulder, taping is one of the fastest ways our physios help you keep moving without making things worse. At Baysictechnique Physiotherapy, we use two types of tape, kinesiology tape and rigid strapping tape, and choose between them based on exactly what your injury needs.
Local players know the drill: pre-game sports strapping before kick-off, and proper taping support while an injury heals during the season.
What Is Kinesiology Taping and How Does It Work?
Kinesiology tape is a thin, elastic, cotton-based tape designed to stretch and move with your skin rather than restrict it. Applied with the right tension, it gently lifts the skin above the muscle, which is thought to improve circulation, stimulate the sensory receptors that sharpen joint awareness, and reduce the feeling of pain, all while letting you move freely.
It suits situations where you want support without restriction: swollen tissue that needs circulation, muscles that fatigue under load, or a joint that needs a gentle reminder of where it is in space during sport.
What Is Rigid Taping and How Does It Work?
Rigid strapping tape does the opposite job. It is a non-stretch, firm cotton tape applied around a joint to physically block unsafe movement, like an ankle rolling inward, and to provide structural support while ligaments heal.
This is the classic sports strapping you see on football ankles and netball thumbs. It protects a vulnerable or recovering joint during play, reduces the risk of re-injury and gives athletes the confidence to compete while an injury is still settling. Our physios strap ankles, knees, shoulders, wrists, thumbs and fingers.
Good rigid taping is a skill. Tension, anchor points and the order of each strip all decide whether the tape supports the joint through a full game or peels off in the first quarter, which is why players who have been strapped properly rarely go back to doing it themselves with a roll from the chemist.
Which Sports Strapping Do You Need?
That depends on the injury, the sport and the stage of healing, and it is precisely the decision our physiotherapists make for you at our Mount Druitt clinic. Fresh ligament injury before a game? Rigid strapping. Fatigue-prone muscle during a return to running? Kinesiology tape may be the better fit. Often we combine taping with treatment such as
dry needling or an
exercise program, because tape supports a joint but rehab is what fixes it.
We also teach self-taping techniques to regular players who need reliable strapping every weekend.
Timing matters with taping. Strapping applied properly before warm-up sits better and lasts longer than a rushed job at the sideline, so if you have a regular game time, book your taping slot with that in mind and arrive a little early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I leave strapping tape on?
Rigid strapping is usually applied for the game or training session and removed afterwards. Kinesiology tape can typically stay on for several days, including through showers. Your physio will advise for your situation.
Can I get strapped before my game without a full appointment?
Yes. Quick taping appointments are available at our Mount Druitt clinic. If it is a new injury we have not seen before, a short assessment first makes sure we tape the right structure the right way.
Does taping actually prevent injuries?
Rigid taping reduces the risk of re-injury to a vulnerable joint, especially ankles, and is widely used in sport for exactly that reason. It works best alongside a strengthening program rather than as a substitute for one.
Will kinesiology tape irritate my skin?
Most people tolerate kinesiology tape well for several days. If you have sensitive skin or a tape allergy, tell your physio, application can be adjusted or an alternative support used.
Game this weekend?
Book a sports strapping appointment in Mount Druitt or call 0423 767 191.
Our therapy approach
By building strong relationships with families, we create a warm and collaborative environment that benefits everyone. Whether it’s joining a therapy session, sharing a meal, or simply visiting for a chat.
Ready to start your journey to recovery
