What Strapping Tape Should You Use?
A Complete Guide for Australian Sports Clubs & Physiotherapy Clinics
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Whether you're running a local sporting club, managing an elite team, or working in a physiotherapy clinic, having the right strapping tape on hand can make a significant difference to injury prevention, rehabilitation and athlete confidence.
With so many options available—rigid tape, kinesiology tape, elastic adhesive bandages and underwrap—it can be difficult to know which product is best suited to each situation.
This guide explains the most common types of sports strapping tape used throughout Australia and when each should be used.
Why Is Sports Strapping Used?
Sports taping is designed to:
- Support injured joints and muscles
- Reduce the risk of injury during training and competition
- Assist rehabilitation programs
- Improve proprioception (body awareness)
- Allow athletes to safely return to play under professional guidance
It's important to remember that strapping tape is designed to complement rehabilitation—not replace proper diagnosis, strength training or physiotherapy treatment.
1. Rigid Strapping Tape
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Best For
- Ankle sprains
- Wrist injuries
- Thumb injuries
- Shoulder instability
- Knee support
- Rugby League
- Rugby Union
- AFL
- Soccer
- Netball
- Basketball
Rigid strapping tape is the most commonly used tape in Australian sporting clubs.
Unlike elastic tapes, rigid tape has virtually no stretch, making it ideal for limiting joint movement and providing maximum stability.
Advantages
✔ Excellent joint support
✔ Helps prevent re-injury
✔ High strength adhesive
✔ Ideal for contact sports
Common Applications
- Lateral ankle sprains
- Thumb (Skier's Thumb)
- AC Joint support
- Patella taping
- Wrist stabilisation
Most sports trainers will use rigid tape before games where athletes have a history of ankle or joint instability.
2. Kinesiology Tape (K Tape)
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Best For
- Muscle support
- Tendon overload
- Swelling management
- Postural cueing
- Rehabilitation
- Running
- Cycling
- CrossFit
- Tennis
Kinesiology tape has become one of the most recognisable products in modern sport.
Unlike rigid tape, kinesiology tape stretches with the body, allowing full movement while providing light support.
It can often remain on the skin for three to five days, making it popular for ongoing treatment programs.
Benefits
✔ Maintains range of motion
✔ Comfortable to wear
✔ Water resistant
✔ May assist proprioception
✔ Can assist swelling management
Current research suggests kinesiology tape may provide modest short-term pain relief and improve movement awareness, but it should be viewed as one tool within a broader rehabilitation program rather than a standalone treatment.
3. Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB)
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Best For
- Muscle compression
- Hamstring support
- Quadriceps support
- Groin strains
- Finger taping
- Boxing
- Martial arts
- Cricket
- Volleyball
Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB) provides support while still allowing movement.
It is commonly used where compression is more important than restricting joint motion.
Many sports trainers combine EAB with rigid tape depending on the injury.
Advantages
✔ Flexible
✔ Comfortable
✔ Good compression
✔ Suitable for high movement areas
4. Hypafix / Fixation Tape
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Best For
- Skin protection
- Sensitive skin
- Holding dressings
- Under rigid tape
Hypafix (or similar fixation tapes) is commonly used as a protective layer between the skin and rigid tape.
Benefits include:
- Reduced skin irritation
- Improved tape comfort
- Easier tape removal
- Better adhesion for some taping techniques
Many physiotherapy clinics routinely use fixation tape before applying rigid sports tape, particularly for athletes with sensitive skin.
Which Tape Should You Choose?
| Situation | Recommended Tape |
|---|---|
| Acute ankle sprain | Rigid Strapping Tape |
| Returning to football | Rigid Strapping Tape |
| Shoulder instability | Rigid Tape + Kinesiology Tape |
| Hamstring strain | Elastic Adhesive Bandage |
| Tendon pain | Kinesiology Tape |
| Muscle fatigue | Kinesiology Tape |
| Finger injuries | Elastic Adhesive Bandage or Rigid Tape |
| Sensitive skin | Hypafix Underwrap + Rigid Tape |
Essential Tape Kit for Every Sports Club
Every first aid room or physiotherapy clinic should consider stocking:
- Rigid Strapping Tape (38 mm)
- Rigid Strapping Tape (25 mm)
- Kinesiology Tape
- Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB)
- Hypafix / Fixation Tape
- Foam Underwrap
- Adhesive Spray
- Bandage Scissors
- Tape Cutter
- Cohesive Bandage
This combination will cover the majority of sporting injuries encountered across football, rugby league, AFL, netball, basketball and community sport.
Professional Tips
- Always apply tape to clean, dry skin.
- Clip excessive hair if required to improve adhesion and reduce discomfort during removal.
- Check circulation after taping—tape should be supportive but never excessively tight.
- Replace tape if it loosens, wrinkles or becomes wet during activity.
- Persistent pain, swelling or instability should always be assessed by a qualified physiotherapist or sports medicine practitioner.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the correct strapping tape isn't simply about buying the strongest product—it's about matching the tape to the injury and the athlete's needs.
Rigid strapping tape remains the gold standard for joint stability in Australian sport, while kinesiology tape and elastic adhesive bandages are valuable tools for muscle support, rehabilitation and movement assistance. Combined with quality rehabilitation and professional assessment, the right taping approach can help athletes perform with greater confidence while reducing the risk of further injury
