BANDAGING, TAPING, & CASTING

●educate the patient in the proper

application at home.
● for sports competitions, always secure
the elastic wrap w/ elastic tape; clips are
not sufficient.
● never end the bandage on the inside.
—————————————————————
● wash the bandages frequently.
[Bandaging]
——————— Precautions ———————

● any suitable material used to bind a

● avoid pulling the bandage tight since it
structure that needs to be bound.
will cut off the circulation in the body
● techniques vary depending on
part.
structures that require bandaging.
● wrap beyond the site of the injury.
● use a sterile (new) gauze dressing or
Rationale:
roller bandage.
- hold a dressing in place on a
● avoid bandaging a wound that’s
wound.
infected.
- maintain pressure over a bulky
pad to control bleeding.
—————— Contraindications——————
- support an uninjured limb or
joint.
- acute infections
- apply pressure to a limb.
- arterial wounds
- arterial disease
——————— Techniques ———————
- acute DVT w/o physician diagnosis
- radiance edema (untreated CHF)
1. dress the wound; put on gloves or use
- acute traumer w/o diagnosis
other protection to avoid contact w/ the
victim’s blood.
———————— Materials ————————
2. cover the bandage; wrap roller gauze or
cloth strips over the dressing and
- Muslin (non-elastic unbleached cotton
around the wound several times.
- ace bandage (woven elastic porous
3. secure the bandage; tie or tape the
cotton)
bandage in place.
- rolled gauze
4. check circulation.
- stockinette
- low-stretch bandages
———— Principles of Elastic Wrap ————
- adhesive tape
- bandage clips
● purpose when used alone, is for
- orthosis/splints (external support)
compression or mild support.
● when used with padding, support and (by order of the list)
compression are increased significantly.
● always apply the bandage from distal to
proximal.
● always center the injury in the middle of
the wrap.
● never allow the person to wear the
bandage overnight.
● always check circulation after
application.
BANDAGING, TAPING, & CASTING

[Taping]

———————— Purpose ————————

● decrease swelling
● secure a sterile dressing
● prevent a joint from entering a painful
range

—————— Main Functions ——————

(Taping & Wrapping)

● provide immediate first aid

————— Types of Bandages —————
1. Triangular - more often used as
temporary sling to support the weight of
the patient’s extremity.
————— When NOT to Apply —————
2. Cravat - used to support the upper
extremity, but will not support the
patient’s extremity as well as the
triangular sling.
3. Ankle Wrap - used to support and
contain the swelling of the ankle after
——————— Principles ———————
the sprain has occurred (e.g., ace wrap,
low-stretch bandage or adhesive tape).
4. Protective Splints, Sleeves, or Slings
- used to immobilize, stabilize, and
project a joint or extremity or to control
edema.
(by order of the list)
○ decrease swelling and
eventually pain
○ provide compression
○ hold dressing in place
○ protection
● taping to prevent an injury
● undiagnosed injury
● return w/o consent
● over broken or irritate skin
(Tape Application)
● comfort of a person performing the
taping procedure is crucial.
● follow the contours of the limb involved.
● keep pain free yet functional range or
position.
● observe proper taping over a muscle or
tendon.
● when applying over a muscle or tendon,
be sure to have the patient contract the
muscle involved.
● overlap stips by at least ½ the width of
the tape to eliminate pinching or blisters.
BANDAGING, TAPING, & CASTING
● careful not to cut off circulation with tape
strips; communicate w/ the patient
during the tape procedure and loosen
the strips as necessary.
(!!! tape strips should never be applied
in a continuous manner)
● To tear the tape, pinch each end w/
thumb and index finger while applying
an outward force; tear the tape apart,
don’t twist.
● have the patient check the function of
the support technique once finished; if
supported properly the limb will not
enter a pain zone (painful range of
motion) and the direction of pull of the
tape should be the opposite direction of
the movement that causes pain.
—————— Skin Preparation ——————
● shaved, washed, and dried prior to
application.
● minor cuts and blisters should be
cleaned, and covered w/ ointment
and/or band-aid.
● for taping over nail bed, small band-aid
can be helpful in preventing trauma to
the structure.
● sensitive areas of friction should be
covered with a heel and lace pad, and
skin lubricant (Ex. Achilles tendon).
● the area being taped should be sprayed
lightly w/ tuf-skin adhesive spray;
underwrap can be used to protect the
skin from the irritation of the tape.
—————— Tape Removal ——————
● removed immediately after use.
● use bandage scissors or tape cutters.
● when pulling tape off of skin, avoid
tearing or irritating the skin.
● if using chemical removing agents,
carefully wash the skin with soap and
water afterwards.
● watch for signs of skin breakdown
(alternative: prophylactic bracing).
● apply skin moisturizer to the area taped.
● for all allergies to tuf-skin spray, a
hypoallergenic spray such as “skin prep”
should be substituted.
——————— Guidelines ———————
(Taping Rehabilitation)
● when tape is used on a regular basis for
prevention of injury, it is recommended
that the athlete maintain balance and
strength for the involved joint.
● ask your therapist or doctor for advice
before doing any strengthening to a
previously injured joint of any kind.
BANDAGING, TAPING, & CASTING

—————— Casting in Rehab ——————

Indications:

- fractures
- severe sprains
- dislocations
- protection of post-operative repairs
- gradual correction of a deformity w/
serial casting
Precation & Contraindications:

- acute infection
- tracking wound, ulcer depth greater than
width
- excessively draining wound
- claustrophobia
- fragile skin
- excessive swelling

[Casting]

———— Techniques & Materials ————

● use of Plaster of Paris

● use of Fiberglass
● Cast Brace (made of plastic)
● splint / half cast (made from slabs of
plaster or fiberglass that hold injury still)

(by order of the list)

BANDAGING, TAPING, & CASTING