Are you in Canada? Click here to proceed to the HK Canada website.

For all other locations, click here to continue to the HK US website.

Human Kinetics Logo

Purchase Courses or Access Digital Products

If you are looking to purchase online videos, online courses or to access previously purchased digital products please press continue.

Mare Nostrum Logo

Purchase Print Products or eBooks

Human Kinetics print books and eBooks are now distributed by Mare Nostrum, throughout the UK, Europe, Africa and Middle East, delivered to you from their warehouse. Please visit our new UK website to purchase Human Kinetics printed or eBooks.

Feedback Icon Feedback Get $15 Off

Elbow hypertension

This is an excerpt from Athletic Taping, Bracing, and Casting 5th Edition With HKPropel Access by David H Perrin,Ian A McLeod.

Self-inflicted or external forces can extend the elbow beyond its normal anatomical limit; the motion produces a hyperextension injury that damages the ulna or humerus where it articulates during extension. The soft-tissue structures on the anterior aspect of the elbow could also suffer trauma. In severe cases, hyperextension will fracture or dislocate the elbow.

Elbow hyperextension injury

Elbow Hyperextension Taping

Elbow and knee hyperextension share a similar taping procedure (see chapter 3). Determine the degree of extension that produces discomfort and slightly flex the joint for the duration of the taping. Place anchor strips around the arm and forearm (see figure 6.5). To prevent slippage, we recommend that you apply the anchors directly to the skin. You may also find it advantageous to secure the proximal anchor above the belly of the biceps. Tape successive, interlocking strips over the anterior aspect of the elbow. Elastic tape works well when supporting hyperextension injuries. If necessary, complete the taping procedure by enclosing the elbow with elastic tape or wrap.

Figure 6.5 Elbow hyperextension taping procedure. (a) Begin the procedure on a shaved arm and apply proximal and distal anchor strips. (b-d) Form an X with three strips of tape over the anterior aspect of the elbow. (e) Apply proximal and distal anchor strips to secure the tape. (f) Crimp the strips on the anterior aspect. (g) The bridge created over the anterior elbow can be problematic for some sports, such as wrestling. Eliminate this problem by (h-k) enclosing the taping procedure with an elastic wrap.
Figure 6.5 Elbow hyperextension taping procedure. (a) Begin the procedure on a shaved arm and apply proximal and distal anchor strips. (b-d) Form an X with three strips of tape over the anterior aspect of the elbow. (e) Apply proximal and distal anchor strips to secure the tape. (f) Crimp the strips on the anterior aspect. (g) The bridge created over the anterior elbow can be problematic for some sports, such as wrestling. Eliminate this problem by (h-k) enclosing the taping procedure with an elastic wrap.

Video 6.2 demonstrates a taping procedure to limit extension in the hyperextended elbow.

Kinesiology taping is an alternative technique when full elbow motion and extension are necessary (see figure 6.6). However, it is not as supportive as the athletic taping technique.

Figure 6.6 Kinesiology taping for elbow hyperextension laxity. With the patient standing, measure and cut three pieces of tape 12 to 16 inches (30-40 cm) long. Determine the degree of elbow extension to be limited. (a) Apply tape with the patient flexing the elbow more than this amount, anchoring the first piece 5 to 6 inches (13-15 cm) superior and inferior to the elbow. (b) Have the patient slowly extend the elbow as the tape is secured with maximal tension from both ends toward the cubital fossa. (c) A reinforcing application crosses the strips with tension at the cubital fossa, keeping the elbow flexed.
Figure 6.6 Kinesiology taping for elbow hyperextension laxity. With the patient standing, measure and cut three pieces of tape 12 to 16 inches (30-40 cm) long. Determine the degree of elbow extension to be limited. (a) Apply tape with the patient flexing the elbow more than this amount, anchoring the first piece 5 to 6 inches (13-15 cm) superior and inferior to the elbow. (b) Have the patient slowly extend the elbow as the tape is secured with maximal tension from both ends toward the cubital fossa. (c) A reinforcing application crosses the strips with tension at the cubital fossa, keeping the elbow flexed.

Video 6.3 demonstrates kinesiology taping for elbow hyperextension laxity.

More Excerpts From Athletic Taping, Bracing, and Casting 5th Edition With HKPropel Access

SHOP

    HK INSIDER

    Get the latest insights with regular newsletters, plus periodic product information and special insider offers.

    JOIN NOW
    Back to top