10 Things to Consider When Buying elastic adhesive bandage supplier

In this article, we will briefly describe what an elastic tape bandage is and how it works. We will then go on to describe some important advantages and disadvantages of their use.

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What is an Elastic Tape Bandage?

An elastic tape bandage, also known as an elastic adhesive bandage or cohesive bandage, is a type of self-adhering tape used for various medical purposes. It is designed to provide support, compression, and immobilization to injured or strained areas of the body.

Elastic tape bandages are made from a stretchable, elastic material that conforms to the body’s contours and allows for a secure fit. They typically have a cohesive or self-adhering property, which means they stick to themselves without the need for adhesive or clips. This feature makes them easy to apply, adjust, and remove, without leaving sticky residue on the skin or causing discomfort.

How are Elastic Tape Bandages Used?

These bandages are commonly used in sports medicine, first aid kits, and healthcare settings for the following purposes:

1. Compression and Support: Elastic tape bandages are effective in providing compression and support to injured or strained muscles, joints, or ligaments. They help reduce swelling, stabilize injured areas, and promote healing.
2. Injury Prevention: Athletes often use elastic tape bandages proactively to prevent injuries or provide additional support to vulnerable areas. For example, they may be applied to ankles, knees, or wrists before engaging in physical activities or sports.
3. Sprains and Strains: Elastic tape bandages are frequently used to immobilize and support sprained or strained joints, such as ankles or wrists. They can help reduce pain, prevent further damage, and facilitate the healing process.
4. Securing Dressings: These bandages are useful for securing dressings or wound coverings in place. The elastic nature of the tape allows it to conform to the body’s movements without compromising the dressing’s integrity.
5. Taping Techniques: Elastic tape bandages are also employed in various taping techniques, such as the “figure-eight” or “basket-weave” methods, to provide additional stability and support to joints or muscles during athletic activities.

It is important to note that while elastic tape bandages are versatile and widely used, they are not a substitute for professional medical care. Serious injuries should be assessed and treated by healthcare professionals. Additionally, improper application of elastic tape bandages may lead to circulation issues or skin irritation, so it is crucial to follow proper taping techniques and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns. We expand on the potential drawbacks of these bandages below.

For some additional insight on the potential uses of cohesive bandages, we suggest this post.

Pros & Cons of Using Elastic Tape Bandages

As with any product, it is important to clearly understand the pros and cons of using elastic bandages if one is to apply them effectively. So, in the next 2 sections, we will outline 5 key advantages of these bandages followed by 5 potential drawbacks if they are not used appropriately.

5 Advantages of Elastic Tape Bandages

Using elastic bandages offers several advantages in various medical and sports-related situations. Here are five advantages of using elastic tape bandages:

1. Support and Stability: Elastic tape bandages provide excellent support and stability to injured or weak joints, muscles, or ligaments. They help limit excessive movement, reducing the risk of further injury or strain. The elasticity of the tape allows for a snug fit that conforms to the body’s contours, offering optimal support.
2. Compression and Swelling Reduction: The elastic nature of the tape enables it to provide gentle compression to the affected area, which can help reduce swelling and edema. The compression promotes proper fluid circulation, facilitating the body’s natural healing process and minimizing discomfort.
3. Flexibility and Range of Motion: Elastic tape bandages are designed to be flexible, allowing for a comfortable range of motion while still providing support. Unlike rigid braces or splints, elastic tape bandages allow the joint or muscle to move naturally, which can be particularly beneficial during sports or physical activities.
4. Self-Adhesive and Easy Application: Elastic bandages are self-adhesive, meaning they stick to themselves without the need for additional adhesive or clips. This makes them easy to apply, adjust, and remove, reducing the hassle and discomfort associated with traditional bandages. The self-adhesive property also eliminates the risk of residue or sticky residue left on the skin.
5. Versatility and Reusability: Elastic tape bandages are versatile and can be used in a wide range of situations, from injury support to securing dressings. They are available in different widths and lengths, allowing for customization based on the specific needs of the injury or application. Additionally, they are often reusable, meaning they can be applied and removed multiple times without losing their adhesive properties.

It’s important to note that while elastic tape bandages offer numerous advantages, proper application and technique are crucial for optimal results. If you have any concerns or require guidance on using elastic tape bandages, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified athletic trainer.

5 Disadvantages of Elastic Bandages

While elastic tape bandages have the advantages listed above, they also come with certain disadvantages or limitations. Here are five potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Limited Breathability: Elastic tape bandages can restrict airflow to the skin due to their self-adhering nature and tight compression. This reduced breathability may contribute to increased moisture and heat buildup, potentially leading to skin irritation, discomfort, or even skin maceration in some cases.
2. Skin Irritation or Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may develop skin irritation or allergic reactions to the materials used in elastic tape bandages, especially if they have sensitive skin or allergies to certain adhesives or latex. It is important to be aware of any adverse reactions and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
3. Improper Application: Elastic tape bandages require proper application techniques to ensure effective compression, support, and stability. If applied incorrectly, they may not provide the intended benefits or could cause discomfort or complications. It is essential to learn proper taping techniques or seek guidance from a healthcare professional to avoid potential issues.
4. Potential Circulation Issues: Excessive tightness or improper application of elastic tape bandages can impair blood circulation, leading to numbness, tingling, or compromised blood flow to the affected area. Care should be taken to avoid excessive pressure when applying the bandage and to regularly check for any signs of circulation problems.
5. Risk of Dependency: Over-reliance on elastic tape bandages without addressing the underlying cause of an injury or instability may lead to a false sense of security. It is essential to seek appropriate medical attention and rehabilitation for significant or recurring injuries to address the root cause.

It’s important to note that while there are potential disadvantages associated with elastic tape bandages, they remain a commonly used and valuable tool for providing support and compression in various medical and athletic situations. By being aware of these limitations and using them correctly and judiciously, individuals can maximize their benefits while minimizing any potential drawbacks.

Conclusion

Known as the #1 sports tape for rugby players, EAB is highly versatile. Strong adhesive, breathability, water repellence, and moderate compression mean this type of bandage is excellent for supporting and compressing soft tissue injuries and protecting the body during heavy sports activities.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about elastic adhesive bandage.

Elastic adhesive bandage is a type of adhesive tape made from a stretchy cotton weave that provides moderate support and moderate elasticity. Moderate support can be described as between zinc oxide tape and kinesiology tape, where ZO tape is very rigid, and K tape is very supple.

We’ve made three different types of EAB to meet the needs of sports and healthcare professionals and injury therapists based on feedback about what they need.

EAB can stretch up to 170% of its resting length, and this means you can apply varying amounts of pressure. The adhesive on EAB means once you’ve decided on an appropriate level of pressure the bandage will compress at this rate until it’s taken off.

Compression can help to reduce swelling at the time immediately after injury, which reduces pain and discomfort and helps to minimise the extent of the injury. Contrary to what may seem, compression actually helps circulation to the area as it ‘stretches’ veins and capillaries out. 

With competitive price and timely delivery, LMtape sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Compression also reduces the rush of blood to an area—a part of the body’s natural response to injury, which can be counterproductive. During compression, lymph buildup is reduced, allowing lymph to transport waste from the tissue better. The reduction of swelling overall is what eases the pain of the injury.

This means you can retain an optimal amount of pressure to support an injury or reduce swelling without the need to tighten or reapply the tape. But it also means you could constrict blood flow if it’s applied too tightly. See below for how to check if EAB is too tight.

EAB has a coarse, crinkly texture, providing an added layer of protection and traction to the skin. This is ideal for protecting fingers and ears in sports.

When a soft tissue injury occurs, blood and lymph will rush to the area to produce protective swelling. But this can actually cause pain and even interfere with the healing process. EAB can be used to provide instant compression to injuries, cradling the joint and reducing the pain and discomfort of swelling.

The moderate compression and elasticity of EAB give it a soft and comfy quality that doesn’t restrict the patient’s movement while providing the necessary protection. 

Another excellent bandage we offer for injury and joint support is Steroban Cohesive Bandage. Unlike EAB this bandage adheres to itself but not to skin, hair, or clothes giving the user more flexibility with its use. We also stock Steroban Cohesive Riplite which is easy to tear and use on the go and well suited to sports. Find out about cohesive bandage in our blog.

Thumb taping helps to provide the necessary grip when lifting weights and performing resistance training of many different kinds. The coarse texture of EAB gives added grip and traction when using kettlebells, dumbbells, barbells, rings, ropes, and bars.

EAB is a good option for thumb taping because its give adds a layer of comfort. But other more high tensile tapes can be used for the same purpose. We offer:

• Sterotape ZO Tape: one of the greatest adhesives and most robust support for immobilising joints.
• Sterotape Premium: an even more adhesive zinc oxide tape.
• Sterotape Fabric Strapping: which comes on a spool with a cap for easy application and storage.

Removing ZO tape can be difficult because its adhesive is so effective. Here’s how to remove zinc oxide tape, and how to remove surgical tape.

When using EAB, there are some best practices to follow. 

• Wash the area you plan to wrap using soap and water or use an alcohol wipe. Ensure any oil-based products are removed, as these could affect the adhesive properties of the bandage.
• Pat the area dry and allow it to air dry completely if possible to give the skin the best breathability and ensure optimal stick.
• It’s not necessary to shave as the EAB will still provide excellent adhesive, but this can help with a more painless removal. 

You can cut EAB strips to size or use it directly off the roll. Cutting strips to size is a good option if you need to tape a small area or cover a joint in several strips, such as a shoulder or knee. If you plan to wrap EAB around a leg, arm, wrist, or ankle, you can begin to apply it straight away, rolling the bandage off the roll as you go.

To apply compression, press the end of a piece of EAB to the area and hold it down firmly with one hand. Holding the other end of the strip, stretch it out, then press it down firmly to the skin.

EAB can be used with underwrap if you need added skin protection. This can help to reduce the pain of removal due to pulling hairs and skin and protect broken skin or wounds that need to be covered. 

Always check in with the patient or check yourself to ensure blood flow isn’t being cut off. You can do this by 

• Checking the temperature of fingers and toes if the bandage is applied on limbs.
• Checking the colour of fingers or toes to see if they are pale or blueish. You can also press down on a finger or toe, and if the colour returns very slowly, it’s a sign the bandage may need to be loosened. 
• Check whether the patient has lost feeling anywhere relative to the bandage.

Don’t forget that EAB applied to a straight limb could become too tight if the limb is bent for long periods of time.

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