Zinc oxide tape is a term used to refer to athletic tape with a zinc oxide adhesive on one side. Although many elastic adhesive tapes also use zinc oxide adhesive, the term usually refers to athletic tapes with little or no stretchability.
Just as elastic adhesive tapes come in both heavyweight and lightweight designs, zinc oxide tapes can be categorized in terms of their rigidity. Most of these tapes are made from pure cotton. However, there is a sub category category (known as strapping tapes or rigid tapes) with a rayon backing that gives additional rigidity.
Like all athletic tapes, zinc oxide tapes are primarily used to treat or prevent soft tissue sport injuries. These may include sprains or strains. It is also useful for holding pads or bandages next to the skin.
Higher quality zinc oxide tapes possess more longitudinal and vertical cotton fibers per square inch. They also have stronger adhesive backings in order to keep the tape in the correct position for long periods of time.
Higher quality tape also has a more uniform application of adhesive along its length.
One way to assess this is by listening to the sound of the tape as it comes off the roll. If there is an even application of adhesive with consistent quality, the frequency of the sound will be uniform.
Some zinc oxide tapes are free of latex and are therefore more attractive to individuals with latex sensitivity or generally sensitive skin.
Some tapes are also porous in their design. This means that the athlete’s perspiration will not accumulate under the tape. Instead, it will migrate to the outside of the tape and then evaporate, allowing the body temperature to remain at its natural level..
This makes for a cooler, dryer and more comfortable wearing experience throughout a long game or training session.
The most common tape dimension is 1.5” wide by 15 yds long. However, you can also buy these tapes with widths of 1” or 2” and with several alternative lengths.
Narrower strips of tape can be applied to smaller body parts such as the wrist or ankle. Their smaller size allows them to target injured joints or other body parts without affecting adjacent areas. They are also useful for use on children’s limbs or those of an unusually small adult.
Wider strips are appropriate for use on larger joints such as an adult shoulder or knee.
Zinc oxide tapes are used by athletes to prevent injuries such as sprains or strains, especially with regard to weak or unstable joints. They immobilise joints and prevent the ligaments, muscles and tendons from unusually severe forces that could cause injury.
They are also used to protect recently injured joints from forces that could cause re-injury. They allow joint healing to continue with less risk of interruption.
Other popular uses of zinc oxide tape include securing wraps, pads or wound dressings to the body in order to prevent their movement during activity.
Before application of zinc oxide tape directly to the skin, we suggest the following precautions:
While applying the tape, we suggest the following precautions:
After removing the tape:
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Renfrew #188 Professional Trainers Tape is made from premium quality bleached cotton cloth and will meet the demands of the most serious athletes.
Cramer 750 Athletic Tape features latex free adhesive, a computer calibrated unwind and high tensile strength to provide support and stabilization for injured joints and muscles. Price is per roll.
BSN Leukotape P is a tape with a rayon backing, superior tensile strength and an ultra strong zinc oxide adhesive. A great choice for securing the patella-femoral and shoulder areas, it can remain in position for up to 18 hours at a time.
Mueller Sports Medicine MTape Athletic Tape is an easy tear zinc oxide adhesive tape that unwinds to the core, giving 100% usability and provides excellent support for weak or unstable joints. MTape composition is 100% hospital grade backcloth and has excellent tensile strength, tackiness and conformability. The non white tapes use colorfast dyes to eliminate the risk of the dye”bleeding”. MTape is available in several colors including Royal Blue, Purple, Scarlet, Green, Gold and Maroon.
Mueller Sports Medicine MTape – White is athletic trainer’s tape impregnated with zinc oxide adhesive. It is made of 100% cotton backcloth and possesses superior tensile strength. Tackiness is superb, allowing this tape to provide ultra reliable support to weak or unstable ankles, knees or other joints. Mueller Sports Medicine MTape – White unwinds easily…
