Elbow Taping

Written by Brett Harrop

Updated:

The following elbow taping techniques are designed to support and reduce stress on the elbow during activity. They can be used for both the treatment and prevention of elbow injuries and may be particularly useful for patients with an MCL tear or LCL tear of the elbow.

You should discuss the suitability of these taping techniques with your physiotherapist prior to using them. Generally, they should only be applied provided they are comfortable and do not cause an increase in pain, discolouration, pins and needles, numbness, swelling, itchiness or excessive redness of the elbow, forearm or hand.


What sort of tape should be used to tape my elbow?

There are many different tapes and bandages available for use by physiotherapists and patients. However, when the purpose is to support the elbow, 38mm adhesive, non-stretch (rigid) sports tape is usually the most appropriate. This should always be used in combination with hypoallergenic tape as an underlay, such as Fixomull.


Benefits of Elbow Taping

When used correctly, elbow taping can be used to:


Indications for Elbow Taping

It is generally beneficial to use elbow taping techniques in the following instances:



When should I avoid Elbow Taping?

Elbow taping should be avoided in the following instances:

Weaning off elbow tape in general activity is usually recommended as strength and flexibility improve and symptoms reduce. In these instances though, taping during high-risk activity (such as some sports) is usually still recommended.



Elbow Taping

The following elbow taping techniques may be used to provide support to the elbow. Generally it is recommended that the elbow is shaved 12 hours prior to taping (to prevent painful removal of hairs and skin irritation). The skin should be cleaned and dried, removing any grease or sweat. Low irritant Fixomull tape should be applied as an underlay to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation with rigid sports tape over the top of this.


Anchors

Keeping the elbow in a slight bend, tape around the upper arm and forearm, just above and below the elbow (figure 1). Keep the arm and forearm muscles contracted during this process and apply the tape gently to prevent circulatory problems. Anchors are used as a fixation point for other taping techniques.

Elbow Strapping - Anchors
Figure 1 – Anchors

Medial Crosses

Keeping the elbow in a slight bend (approximately 30 degrees), start the tape at the level of the arm anchor on the inner aspect of the elbow by following the black arrows (figure 2). Conclude this taping technique at the level of the forearm anchor by firmly following the white arrows (figure 2). 3 pieces of tape should be used forming a cross (figure 2). Do 1 – 2 medial crosses depending on the amount of support required.

Elbow Strapping - Medial Crosses
Figure 2 – Medial Crosses

Lateral Crosses

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Straight Lines

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Elbow Taping for an MCL tear

The following is a general recipe that may be used by physiotherapists to provide support to the MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) following injury and to prevent MCL injury:

  1. Arm Anchor x 1
  2. Forearm Anchor x 1
  3. Medial Crosses x 1 – 2
  4. Repeat Arm Anchor x 1
  5. Repeat Forearm Anchor x 1

Elbow Taping for an LCL tear

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Elbow Taping for Complete Support

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Removing the tape

Care should be taken when removing the tape to avoid injury aggravation or skin damage. Blunt Nosed Tape Scissors should be used. The tape should be removed slowly, pulling the tape back on itself with pressure placed on the skin as close as possible to the line of attachment of the tape.Generally tape should be removed within 48 hours of tape application or sooner if there is any increase in pain or symptoms (including skin irritation or itchiness).


Elbow Taping Summary

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Physiotherapy Products to Assist with Postural ExercisesPhysiotherapy Products for Elbow Taping

To purchase physiotherapy products to assist with elbow strapping click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.


More Physiotherapy Exercises Elbow Exercises


Other Taping Techniques Other Taping Techniques


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