A cohesive or retention tape is an elastic adhesive tape which has several uses, in the fields of phlebology and traumatology in particular. Find out when you may need to wear elastic tape.

A cohesive or retention band also called elastic adhesive band is a medical device which is indicated in the treatment of benign trauma, pathologies related to venous disorders as well as in the maintenance of dressings or accessories.

Composition

A cohesive or compression band comes in the form of an elastic cotton fabric band with a rubber adhesive (and sometimes synthetic resin) and an embossed polypropylene film. The tape is wound on a plastic tube. This elastic adhesive tape is breathable and allows the skin to breathe.

A cohesive or compression band has several indications: flexible adhesive restraints in articular, tendon and muscle pathology, compressive treatment in phlebology, maintenance of dressings.

Cohesive or compression bandage in trauma

In traumatology, the compression or cohesive band is used in prevention (prevention of tennis elbow for example) and in the treatment of trauma injuries which require flexible support: sprains, muscle tears, tendonitis. An elastic adhesive band also allows corrective restraint of a Hallux Valgus (“bunion”).

Cohesive or compression bandage in phlebology

In phlebology, the cohesive or compression band is used for the elasto-compressive treatment of venous insufficiency disorders: treatment of varicose ulcers, varicose veins, in the event of post-thrombotic disease, in ambulatory phlebectomy, for the after-effects of surgery , etc.

Cohesive tape to hold dressings

The cohesive or compression band can also be used to fix all kinds of dressings requiring elasticity (extremity wounds, burns, support in cryotherapy, head wounds, etc.) or to fix a splint.

Public concerned or at risk

You may have to wear an elastic band of tape if you have an injury such as sprain, tendonitis, muscle tear, or if you have venous insufficiency disorders. A cohesive or compression band can also be used to hold a dressing.

The stages of operation

How to use a cohesive or compression bandage depends on its indication. First you need to peel off the protective coating.

If the band is used in the event of a sprain, place the band in such a way as to limit joint mobility and to keep the limb in a relaxed position so as not to stretch the ligament. In the event of tendonitis or muscle tear, you must perform an assembly by performing circulars without tension with a 50% overlap.

If the elastic adhesive tape is used in phlebology, it involves applying the bandage with the foot flexed at 90 ° from the root of the toes to the thigh. Be sure to protect the malleoli, Achilles tendon and tibial crest with cotton padding.

Finally, if you want to fix a bandage with a compression band, cut the necessary length of band, peel it from the support, then lay the band on the compress, smoothing from the center to the edge.

Precautions to take

The skin must in all cases be dry and clean and degreased beforehand.

The cohesive or compression tape should not be applied directly to a wound.

It is not necessary to make a circular in tension.

If numbness or painful sensations occur, remove the bandage and re-bandage less tightly.

Whatever the indication, it is important to respect the application method and the wearing time indicated by the doctor.

Warning: in case of pain or persistent circulatory disorders, seek advice from your doctor.

Cons-indications

A cohesive or retention band is contraindicated in people with arterial insufficiency or hypersensitivity to any of the constituents.

Cohesive or compression bands are available in several formats. You can ask your pharmacist for advice to find out the most suitable format for the intended use. The compression bands are also more or less elastic, and their color can be white or flesh.

Different models of cohesive or compression bands

There are compression band models intended for healthcare professionals and other models which are intended for the general public.

Some cohesive tapes are reusable (washable at 30 ° C). They can thus serve you several times.