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Physiotherapy vocabulary · Manual Therapy and Hands-On Treatment

Taping

Meaning in physiotherapy, with examples

nounCommon term

In physiotherapy, taping means: Applying adhesive tape to the skin around a joint or muscle to support it, limit movement or change how it feels during activity.

In Turkish: bantlama, kinezyo bantlama

How it is used

There are two main types: rigid sports tape, which restricts movement, for example after an ankle sprain, and elastic kinesiology tape, which stretches with the skin. Physiotherapists tape an ankle, knee or shoulder and check the skin for irritation. The verb is 'tape': 'I'll tape your ankle'.

Example sentences

  1. We'll use taping to support your ankle for your first few games back.

  2. Take the taping off if your skin starts to itch or burn.

Common collocations

  • ankle taping
  • kinesiology tape
  • rigid tape
  • apply tape
  • sprainAn injury to a ligament, the strong band of tissue that joins bones together, usually caused by suddenly twisting or overstretching a joint.
  • braceA supportive device worn on a joint or part of the body, such as the knee, ankle or back, to protect it, limit movement or reduce load.
  • manual therapyTreatment in which the physiotherapist uses their hands to move joints, apply pressure or work on muscles and other soft tissues.
  • proprioceptionThe body's sense of where its joints and limbs are and how they are moving, even with the eyes closed.

More terms: Manual Therapy and Hands-On Treatment

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not medical advice.