Your guide to athletic taping

Sports & Exercise, Safety & Prevention

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This post was written by Mason Dubina, ATC, certified athletic trainer, Parkview Sports Medicine.

Athletic trainers are largely known for their orthopedic taping skills and techniques, even though this is only one method we employ daily. With that being said, many individuals believe that tape can &#;fix&#; an injury, which is why the phrase &#;Just tape it, it will be fine,&#; is like nails on a chalkboard to all athletic trainers. The reality is, that tape cannot fix or heal any injury by itself. Just like most interventions, it has its pros and cons. Many individuals are unaware of the types of tape or what taping can and cannot be used for. In this post, I&#;ll answer some of the most common questions I get and offer an overview of the most common applications.
 

Types of tapes

When an active individual or athletic trainer is selecting a tape, they first must ask what they are trying to accomplish. Different tapes are used for different scenarios and interventions which is why there is such a wide variety to choose from. At times, these can be interchangeable, but the properties of each type of tape make them particularly good for one or a couple of uses.

White athletic tape &#; This tape is the most commonly used in the field of athletic training and is known as a technique to address ankle sprains. White tape is a porous cotton material that has adhesive on one side. This tape has little to no stretch which makes it good for limiting or restricting motion at a given joint. When you injure an ankle ligament, you want to ensure you are placing the least amount of stress on the ligament to protect it from further damage and overall pain, so this is a great option.

Elastic self-adhesive bandage/tape &#; This tape is mostly used to cover bandages over a wound or apply pressure to protective padding on a specific location to prevent the bandage/pad from falling off during competition or activity. This type of tape is commonly seen after giving blood since they want to ensure the gauze has constant pressure to prevent future bleeding. Self-adhesive bandage tape does not have an adhesive per se, however, it sticks to itself which allows the athletic trainer or individual to customize the amount of pressure a bandage or pad needs to stay adhered to the skin. This tape has a large amount of elasticity, which makes it handy in many situations and conforms to almost any curve of the human anatomy.

Kinesiology tape &#; This tape has been made famous by professional athletes, such as James Harden and Kerri Walsh Jennings, who wear it during their games and competitions. Kinesiology tape is one of the most popular and expensive tapes that can be used in the athletic training field. Kinesiology tape is made of elastic and cotton and has adhesive on one side. Unlike white tape, kinesiology tape is manufactured for direct contact with the skin. Kinesiology tape is mainly used to inhibit or encourage the motion of a muscle. It can also be used to reduce swelling post-injury, amongst other uses.

Even though there are many kinesiology taping &#;how-to&#; tutorials on sites such as YouTube, you would want to first consult a physician or other medical professional on the most effective technique for your specific injury or problem so that you can be sure you are helping an injury and not hindering the healing process.
 

Important guidance for addressing injury

Regardless of the type of tape you choose, one thing is always true: Tape alone will not heal your injuries. Taping for athletics is simply an external intervention used by medical professionals to assist in stabilizing, applying pressure, encouraging motion or reducing swelling while participating in activities during injury recovery.

The gold standard starting point for any orthopedic injury is always going to be rehab exercises and treatment, along with the use of taping techniques as necessary. This is because you must ensure you are also applying internal interventions (i.e., rehab exercises and stretches) since all those structures are inside your body, not outside. We are all born with muscles, ligaments and tendons, which act as internal stabilizers during activity to restrict injury. Taping is good for when the internal structures of the body are not performing as intended because of injury.

Even though athletic taping has its place in the medical field, it is far from the cure-all some may believe it to be. Rehab exercises and stretches, amongst other treatments, are best for speeding up your recovery and getting you back to your activity as quickly as possible. Taping is an intervention that can assist in this endeavor but should never be the only mode of treatment. It&#;s always best to consult a medical professional to develop a comprehensive plan for healing.

Learn about the Parkview Sports Medicine services available for local athletes and active individuals by visiting us here.

Tape Jungle has a variety of custom-printed tapes, each with unique specs that can be perfect for your business or individual needs, from branding to decoration and everything in between. Let's take a closer look at each type of custom-printed tape so you can find the best option for you!

Standard

A standard custom packing tape from Tape Jungle is ideal for home or office use. These tapes are made from high-quality materials and are designed to withstand regular use. They come in several colors, and you can add your company logo or other design. Below are a few standard types of tape we offer.

Polypropylene (PolyPro)

PolyPro tape is one of the most versatile types of custom-printed tapes. It's perfect for a wide range of applications, from holding parts together during assembly to labeling products in a warehouse. It's also great for creating temporary seals on boxes and packages.

The self-adhesive tape comes in a glossy finish (85-90% opaque).

The standard width for PolyPro tape is 18 millimeters, but it's also available in a wider 24-millimeter size. The length of the roll also varies, but it typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters.

Duct Tape

Duct tape is the all-around go-to option for custom-printed tapes. It's durable, easy to use, and versatile. When it comes to custom-printed duct tape, you have a few options. The most common is the standard duct tape, which is 2 inches wide and has a thickness of 11 mils. It's also available in various colors, including black, blue, green, orange, pink, purple, red, and yellow. You can choose from many designs, including flames, leopard print, stars, and stripes.

We also offer reinforced duct tape and vinyl electrical tape if you need something more specialized. The reinforced duct tape is thicker (18 mils) and more durable than the standard duct tape, making it perfect for heavier-duty jobs. The vinyl electrical tape is flame-retardant and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for harsh environments.

PVC Tape

The most common type of custom-printed tape is PVC tape. It's durable and versatile, making it ideal for many applications. Some of the most common uses include:

• Bundling and securing shipments
• Securing wires and cables
• Sealing boxes and containers
• Labeling products

PVC tape is available in many colors, so you can choose the perfect one to match your branding or product. It also comes in various thicknesses (from 1.9 mils to 3.0 mils), allowing you to choose the ideal size for your needs.

Premium

Our premium PVC custom-printed tapes are the perfect solution when you need a tape that will make a statement. These tapes are printed on durable vinyl and have a strong adhesive that will hold fast to your packaging.

Our premium tapes come in various colors and styles so that you can find the perfect look for your brand. We even offer several customization options, including:

• Full-color printing for your logo or design
• Vivid colors with a high level of opacity

PVC tape is unique and can be applied even in cold temperatures and on irregular surfaces. Compared to standard custom-printed tapes, the premium PVC is opaque (90-95%) with a softer texture.

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If you're looking for a high-quality tape that will make your packaging stand out, Tape Jungle Premium Custom-Printed Tapesare a perfect choice.

Paper

Tape Jungle paper tape is one of the oldest and most commonly used types of packing tape. It is made from, you guessed it, paper! The paper is usually Kraft paper, which can hold up well when wet or dry. Paper tape can be either clear or brown. It is 85-90% opaque, and its thickness ranges from 1.9 mils to 3.0 mils.

Water-activated tape is simple to use. You use a water-activated dispenser to apply water to the tape so that the adhesive bonds perfectly to any cardboard surface.

If you are environmentally conscious or just looking for a more sustainable option, paper tape is an excellent choice. It is biodegradable and can be recycled.

This eco-friendly tape is often used for shipping boxes because it is affordable, environmentally friendly, and durable. You can also use it in industrial or retail applications. This type of tape is also very easy to remove, which makes it a popular choice for sealing boxes that will be returned to retailers.

So if you are looking for high-quality packing tape that is affordable and environmentally friendly, paper tape from Tape Jungle is a perfect choice.

Digital Printed Tape

Digital printed tape is one of the newest Tape Jungle custom-printed tapes. It is perfect for many applications, including packaging, labeling, and decoration.

Digital printed tape is created using a digital printing process, which allows for a high degree of accuracy and detail. You can customize this type of tape with virtually any design, including logos, images, and text.

It's an excellent choice for packaging because it allows you to print your company's logo or other branding elements directly onto the tape. In addition, the images are very easy to alter. If you need to change certain image details, contact Tape Jungle, and you will get the design exactly how you want it.

Labels are another great use for digital printed tape. You can use this tape to create custom labels for products, shipped items, or even office supplies. This gives your packages a professional look that will help them stand out from the competition.

You can also use digital printed tape for decorative purposes. It comes in various colors and patterns, making it easy to personalize and create the perfect look for your business or brand. It can add a nice finishing touch to gift boxes, party favors, and other items. You can also use digital-printed tape to create banners, posters, and streamers.

Why Choose Tape Jungle Custom Printed Tapes?

So why should you choose Tape Jungle custom-printed tapes? Here are just a few reasons why this type of tape is one of the best options for your business.

Adds Value to the Customers' Experience

Customer satisfaction is one of the most critical elements in any business. Offering custom-branded tape for your customers improves the overall customer experience.

Customers will be impressed to receive a package sealed with high-quality, custom-printed tape from Tape Jungle. Personalized packaging gives customers a feeling of importance, creating an impression that the company pays special attention to them. This can make customers feel valued and appreciated, leading to increased loyalty.

Including custom-printed logos and other branding elements can also make customers feel more connected to the brand. This connection can lead to increased brand recognition and customer loyalty.

For instance, if a customer receives a package with their favorite sports team's logo, they may be more inclined to continue buying from the company.

Marketing

Our printing process is highly precise. Your tapes will be of the best quality and accurately reflect your brand and identity. They are perfect for enhancing your products and making them stand out. The prints' vivid colors and sharp detail create a strong visual impact that makes your brand and products more easily recognizable and memorable.

The custom-printed logo or branding element can also be seen as a sign of quality and professionalism, creating an impression that your business takes pride in its product.

Furthermore, this type of packaging is also a great way to show off your company's creativity and individuality. Using Tape Jungle custom printed tape can give customers an experience unique to your brand. You can create the perfect tape for your needs with a wide range of colors, sizes, and finishes.

Boosts Sales

Custom packing tape can help boost sales and revenue in your business. With our high-quality printing and affordable pricing, you can take advantage of many marketing and promotional opportunities. For example, you can use these tapes to create unique product labels, promotional materials, and even advertising signs.

This will increase your brand's visibility, help attract new customers, and stand out from the competition. So if you are looking for a way to improve your business and boost sales, look no further than Tape Jungle custom printed tapes.

In addition to this, our custom-printed tapes are also very affordable. We offer some of the best prices in the market, so you can get the highest quality tapes without breaking the bank.

Order Your Custom-Printed Tapes Now

If you are ready to take your business to the next level and increase sales, it is time to invest in custom-printed tapes from Tape Jungle. From standard and premium to digital printed tape, we have everything you need for your business. And if you are eco-conscious, our Tape Jungle paper tape is the ideal choice.

Our high-quality tapes are printed using state-of-the-art technology and equipment. As a result, you can be sure that your details will be accurate and precise. Our tapes are also incredibly durable and long-lasting, so they will look great for many years to come.

To order your custom-printed tape today, get in touch with Tape Jungle now. We can discuss your individual needs and help you to find the best type of tape for your business.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Custom Athletic Tape.