Taping Tuesday: Week six - Calf taping

In the sixth week of Taping Tuesday, Practice Principal and Claremont Football Club Physiotherapist, Anthony McEvoy demonstrates how to tape a calf muscle. This tape is a wonderful technique to use when someone is faced with a low grade strain of their gastrocnemius or soleus muscles and they are still trying to get through a game and function at a high standard.

Having watched the above video it is important to recognise the following points about the calf tape:

• Fixomull Base: It’s important to lay down a criss cross of fixomull first, this will ensure the tape job sticks better for longer, especially on male patients with hairier legs or those patients with sensitive skin.
• Rigid Basketweave: Following the fixomull base, create a crosshatch effect with rigid tape, being sure to overlap the tape 50% moving up the leg. Also ensure the pull on the tape is firm, giving a good lift under the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.
• Elastic Lock Off: Lastly, cover the rigid tape with a circumferential layer of elastic tape, again moving up the leg overlapping slightly. Make sure this tape is not too tight.

Thanks again for joining us for another edition of Taping Tuesday and be sure to tune in next week for another instalment. Remember Lifecare Cottesloe is always here to assess, treat and tape any of your musculoskeletal concerns. Give us a call on (08) 9384 3269 or book online.