Elastic adhesive tape is a category of athletic tape that is highly stretchable. As a result, it is alternatively referred to as stretch tape. This tape is made from twisted cotton and has an adhesive backing. Unlike a cohesive bandage, it will stick to other objects such as the skin or to pre wrap.
Stretch trape is usually available in both lightweight and heavyweight versions. The heavyweight version is thicker than the lightweight. It also provides more tensile strength and support once in position. Some heavyweight designs require the use of taping scissors to remove the tape from the roll before application.
Both the heavyweight and lightweight versions of elastic adhesive tape offer greater conformability than non elastic tapes (or zinc oxide tape). As a result, it is more suitable for application to highly contoured areas of the body, especially when you are not necessarily seeking the highest level of support.
Elastic Adhesive Tape Dimensions
Both the heavyweight and lightweight designs of adhesive tape can be obtained in widths of 1”, 2”, 3” and 4’. Each roll is commonly of length 5 yards.
The wider rolls of tape are appropriate for application to larger body parts such as the shoulder or knee of an adult. Narrower rolls can be used to apply support to smaller areas such as the ankle or wrist. They can also be used on children’s limbs.
In general, narrower rolls of tape can be used to provide support and compression to precise areas of the body. They can be applied for this purpose without a need to cut the tape first (as would be required if a wider roll were used for the same purpose).
Other things being equal, a narrower roll is preferable for use on a small body part or to apply support to a small area of a large body part. They can do this with less waste of tape (since cutting the tape before use is not necessary).
Latex Free Elastic Adhesive Tape
You can also purchase these tapes in latex free form. Latex free tapes are obviously more attractive to individuals who have latex allergies or generally sensitive skin.
How To Identify High Quality Elastic Adhesive Tape
As with other types of adhesive tape, a high quality elastic adhesive tape can be identified by the number of vertical and longitudinal cotton fibers per square inch.
Higher quality rolls will generally have 85 or more longitudinal fibers and 65 or more vertical fibers per square inch.
Another important determinant of tape quality is the amount and quality of adhesive backing. This is so as these tapes have to remain in place on the athlete’s body despite perspiration and adverse weather conditions.
In addition, the tape may be worn by the athlete during the course of a game or training session. If so, its adhesive will need to be capable of withstanding the powerful joint and muscle movements of sports activity. It must also withstand the collisions, tackles and other adverse incidents that are common in contact sports.
Dynamic Tape simulates the action of a spring and improves the kinetic chain by strongly retarding or assisting muscle motion in order to optimize movement patterns. Once healing is complete, Dynamic Tape helps to reduce pain and control the risk of re-injury.
DynaPro ElastikWrap is ideal for taping larger joints or highly contoured body areas. It is highly tensile but non tearable and comes with a red centre quide line to facilitate consistent and accurate taping.
Andover PowerFAST is a flexible, adhesive and elastic tape. Composition is from synthetic material and is non water absorbent, thin and comfortable. The tape retains its elasticity over time. It is thin and provides high wearing comfort. It offers an economical alternative to stretch tape from competing manufacturers. Available in a variety of colors and…
The Mueller Sports Medicine Stretch MTape Premium is an ultra strong elastic adhesive tape that you can apply to the most contoured body areas. It is also suitable for the application of taping techniques that would be difficult to implement with other tapes. Stretch MTape Premium is equipped with a red centre guide to help with…
Use DynaPro StretchLight for superior conformability and support for knees, ankles, hands and wrists, particularly when treating sprained or vulnerable joints. Its latex free and hypoallergenic composition also makes it the ideal choice for those with sensitive skin or for those with histories of allergic reactions.
Mueller Sports Medicine Tear-Light® Tape is a light adhesive and elastic tape that offers excellent conformability to contoured areas. Examples of these areas are ankles, shoulders and knees. It also offers easy unwinding and tearing. This tape is ideal for holding lateral knee braces. However, you can also use it as a compression wrap or…
Ultra Light Elastic Adhesive Tape offers optimal tensile strength, 100% usability and a consistent unwind. It is a great choice for taping knees, elbows or other contoured body areas.