Interactive Assistant

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on any of the hotspots on the image to the left to find out more about injury prevention, management and products for different parts of the body.

Head

Head and mouth injuries can occur in many sports. Find out here how to manage injuries, and prevent mouth injuries from occurring.

Managing head injuries: Head injuries can range from minor bruises and blood noses through to life threatening injuries. Find out here how to manage head injuries.
How to prevent mouth injuries: Sports mouthguards are like crash helmets for your teeth. Mouthguards are strongly recommended to prevent tooth damage or loss, especially if playing a contact sport(1). They reduce cuts to the lip, mouth and tongue, jaw fractures and the risk of concussion.
How to fit a mouthguard: A correct fit is essential to ensure your mouthguard is effective.
Products: Elastoplast Sport offer a range of mouthguards to suit.

Managing head injuries

Injury	Symptom	Management
Nose bleed	Bleeding nose	Sit forward and pinch nose. Seek help if not stopped after 30 minutes.
Any eye injury	Pain, blurred vision, bleeding	Cover both eyes and seek medical help immediately.
Mouth injury	Lost or loose tooth	Rinse lost tooth, don't rub it, place in milk or water, transport patient to dentist ASAP.
Broken nose	Pain, swelling and deformity	RICER, seek medical help.
Broken jaw	Pain, swelling and deformity	RICER, seek medical help. Patient holds jaw in hands.
Head injury	Unconscious or confused	Stop activity. Make patient safe. Seek medical help. Call an ambulance.
Neck injury	Pain in neck, loss of feeling	Stop the game. Don't move the patient. Make them safe. Seek medical help. Call an ambulance.

How to prevent mouth injuries

Mouthguards are U-shaped pieces of plastic that fit between the upper and lower teeth, protectively moulding around the upper teeth.

Custom-made mouthguards by your dentist provide an excellent fit and protection, but are much more expensive than an off-the-shelf product.

However, according to the reference text Sports Injury Management(2)... " when properly fitted, the mouth formed (thermal) guard can virtually match the efficacy and comfort of the custom-made guard".

Boil-and-bite mouth guards are made of a thermoplastic material that softens when boiled and will then mould around the teeth when bitten down on. Boil-and-bite mouth guards are a good choice for children who are losing and growing teeth and have an ever-changing bite.

The Elastoplast Sports thermoplastic mouthguards are high-quality thermal guards that are:

durable
inexpensive
easy to fit using the boil-and-bite method.

References

Newsome PR, Tran DC, Cooke MS. The role of the mouthguard in the prevention of sports-related dental injuries: a review. Int J Paediatr Dent 2001 Nov;11(6):396-404
Anderson MR & Hall SJ. "Sports Injury Management", Williams and Wilkins, 1995, p 189.

How to fit a mouthguard

Step 1: Select the correct size - Junior (under 10 years), Youth (11-15 years) and Adult (16 years and over). (Please note that these ages are approximate as mouth sizes can vary).
Step 2: Place the Elastoplast Sport mouthguard over the upper teeth to test for size.
Step 3: If too large, trim back using scissors until a comfortable size is achieved.
Step 4: Practise pressing the mouthguard firmly to the roof of the mouth with the tongue whilst biting down gently.
Step 5: Place the mouthguard in near-boiling water for 10 seconds. Remove with a large spoon and shake off the excess.
Step 6: Insert mouthguard immediately into position and bite firmly, but gently, to obtain an even bite. The guard will feel warm, but will not burn the mouth.
Step 7: Whilst in this position, suck the guard into place by exerting pressure with the tongue against the roof of the mouth.
Step 8: Mould the guard around the side of the teeth with the forefinger to ensure a tight fit.
Step 9: If the fit is not right, repeat until it feels correct.

Products

Mouthguards
Boil and bite mouthguards, designed for a personalised fit. Ideal for protection from concussion, injury to jaw and teeth. Special plastic structure that moulds easily around the teeth.

Shoulder

Shoulder injuries can range from dislocations to strains. Find out here how to tape the shoulder after injury, and a range of useful products.

How to protect the shoulder: This simple taping technique will help provide support to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint following injury.
Products: Elastoplast Sport offer a range of products to assist in managing a preventing shoulder injuries.

How to protect the shoulder

	Step 1 Attach anchors over the shoulder (A) and around the chest below the nipple (B) with Elastoplast Sport rigid strapping tape 38mm. Add another anchor on the arm (C). Make sure the nipple is protected using a nipple foam ring or foam covering piece.
	Step 2 Apply 2-3 diagonal straps from the shoulder anchor to the arm anchor and repeat in the opposite direction. Use Elastoplast Sport Rigid Strapping Tape 38mm.
	Step 3 Repeat strapping several times for increased joint support and to further restrict mobility. Reinforce with extra strips along the anchors (shown in white).
	Step 4 Overwrap with Elastoplast Sport Adhesive Bandage 75mm using an overlapping spiral with a figure 8 at the shoulder joint to completely cover the rigid tape. (This will help provide extra protection). Use rigid strapping tape to lock bandage in position.

Products

	Cold Spray For the treatement of minor sport-related injuries, ie finger injuries in cricket or football. Elastoplast Sport Cold Spray cools and relieves the pain associated with contusions, sprains and strains.
	Hot/Cold Pack Made from durable, recyclable plastic, Elastoplast Sport Hot/Cold Packs remain soft and pliable when used as a cold pack to enable effective RICER technique.
	Hand Tearable Elastic Adhesive Bandages No scissors required. Quick and easy application. Ideal for overwrapping exposed areas.
	Premium Sports Tape (bulk) Bulk cartons provide for convenient transportation while maintaining product shape and consistency. High-quality tan coloured rayon cloth for maximum support.
	Elastic Adhesive Bandages High quality 100% cotton cloth and zinc oxide adhesive. Elastic Adhesive Bandages include a porous adhesive, allowing the skin to breathe for maximum adherence.
	Elastic Adhesive Bandages (retail) Provides strong support for joints during high stress sport activity.
	STZ Economy Sports Tape White cotton construction with an aggressive zinc oxide adhesive.
	Adhesive Underwrap For regular taping of sensitive skin, treatment of minor burns and to help prevent blisters.
	Rigid Strapping Tape (retail) Strong adhesive and rigid construction. Elastoplast Sport Rigid Strapping tape has tan coloured extra strong porous zinc oxide adhesive to ensure the tape will remain in place during vigorous exercise.

Hand

The thumb can be taped to help provide support following a sprain. Find our more about taping the thumb and appropriate products to use.

Preventative thumb taping: This simple taping technique will help provide support following a sprain and provides support to the CMC* and MCP** thumb joints (see step 1).
Products: Elastoplast Sport offer a range of products to assist in thumb and finger taping.

Preventative thumb taping

	Step 1 Attach an anchor gently around the wrist with Elastoplast Sport Rigid Strapping Tape 38mm. (Do not bind too tightly as this may compromise circulation).
	Step 2 Using either Elastoplast Sport Rigid Strapping Tape 12.5mm or 25mm, apply a spica (figure-8 technique), starting from the back of the wrist around the base of the thumb and back to the anchor tape on the palm side of the wrist.
	Step 3 Repeat the figure-8, strapping 2-4 times to further support the joints of the thumb.
	Step 4 Overwrap with Elastoplast Sport Elastic Adhesive Bandage 50mm using spica (figure-8) to completely cover the rigid tape. This will help provide extra compression and protection.

Products

	Cold Spray For the treatement of minor sport-related injuries, ie finger injuries in cricket or football. Elastoplast Sport Cold Spray cools and relieves the pain associated with contusions, sprains and strains.
	Hot/Cold Pack Made from durable, recyclable plastic, Elastoplast Sport Hot/Cold Packs remain soft and pliable when used as a cold pack to enable effective RICER technique.
	Premium Sports Tape (bulk) Bulk cartons provide for convenient transportation while maintaining product shape and consistency. High-quality tan coloured rayon cloth for maximum support.
	Hand Tearable Elastic Adhesive Bandages No scissors required. Quick and easy application. Ideal for overwrapping exposed areas.
	Elastic Adhesive Bandages High quality 100% cotton cloth and zinc oxide adhesive. Elastic Adhesive Bandages include a porous adhesive, allowing the skin to breathe for maximum adherence.
	Elastoband Plaster-style bandage, indicated for general support and compression bandaging and overwrapping rigid sportstape.
	Elastic Adhesive Bandages (retail) Provides strong support for joints during high stress sport activity.
	STZ Economy Sports Tape White cotton construction with an aggressive zinc oxide adhesive.
	Adhesive Underwrap For regular taping of sensitive skin, treatment of minor burns and to help prevent blisters.
	Rigid Strapping Tape (retail) Strong adhesive and rigid construction. Elastoplast Sport Rigid Strapping tape has tan coloured extra strong porous zinc oxide adhesive to ensure the tape will remain in place during vigorous exercise.

Knee

Of the major sports played in Australia, knee injuries were highest in terms of costs to the community in direct medical costs and indirect costs due to time off work. Find out here about advanced knee taping, management of leg injuries and appropriate products.

Management of leg and knee injuries: Leg and knee injuries can range from a bruise through to a fracture. Find out here how to manage injuries to the leg and knee.
How to protect the knee: This simple taping technique will help provide support to knee ligaments (medial collateral).
Products: Elastoplast Sport offer a range of products to assist in thumb taping. Click on any of the product names to be taken to the detail page for that product.

Management of leg and knee injuries

Injury	Symptom	Management
Fracture	Pain, swelling and deformity	Have a trained person splint area and seek medical help.
Sprained joint	Pain, swelling, reduced movement in joint	RICER, seek medical help.
Strained or torn muscle (eg, torn hamstring)	Pain, swelling, reduced movement	RICER then seek medical help.
Serious bruise (eg corked thigh)	Pain, swelling, reduced movement, discolouration	RICER, seek medical help, then physiotherapy.
Muscle soreness	Pain during and after movement	RIVER then physiotherapy.
Minor bruises	Tender to the touch, discolouration	RICER.
Cramp and stitches	Muscle spasms	Drink fluid, stretch, adjust fitness programme.
Sore shins	Painful, swollen shins. Worse when running and jumping	RICER then visit physiotherapist or a podiatrist.
Overuse (e.g. knee, shins)	Activity increases tenderness and pain	RICER, decrease activity, visit physiotherapist.

How to protect the knee

	Step 1 Attach anchors to the top and bottom with Elastoplast Sport Elastic Adhesive Bandage 75mm (A). Add another two at the top and bottom with Elastoplast Sport Rigid Strapping Tape 38mm for further strength. Apply 2 diagonal straps using Elastoplast Sport Rigid Strapping Tape 38mm. Start from the outside of the calf, passing the inside of the knee cap to the inside of the thigh. Then attach a strap going in the opposite direction, from the inside of the calf passing the inside of the knee cap to the outside of the thigh.
	Step 2 Repeat the taping several times to increase support.
	Step 3 Apply two vertical straps (shown in white) from the top to the bottom anchors on the inside of the leg.
	Step 4 Overwrap with Elastoplast Sport Elastic Adhesive Bandage 75mm using an overlapping spiral with a figure-8 at the knee joint to completely cover the rigid tape. This will help provide extra compression and protection.

Products

	Cold Spray For the treatement of minor sport-related injuries, ie finger injuries in cricket or football. Elastoplast Sport Cold Spray cools and relieves the pain associated with contusions, sprains and strains.
	Hot/Cold Pack Made from durable, recyclable plastic, Elastoplast Sport Hot/Cold Packs remain soft and pliable when used as a cold pack to enable effective RICER technique.
	Premium Sports Tape (bulk) Bulk cartons provide for convenient transportation while maintaining product shape and consistency. High-quality tan coloured rayon cloth for maximum support.
	Hand Tearable Elastic Adhesive Bandages No scissors required. Quick and easy application. Ideal for overwrapping exposed areas.
	Elastic Adhesive Bandages High quality 100% cotton cloth and zinc oxide adhesive. Elastic Adhesive Bandages include a porous adhesive, allowing the skin to breathe for maximum adherence.
	Elastoband Plaster-style bandage, indicated for general support and compression bandaging and overwrapping rigid sportstape.
	Elastic Adhesive Bandages (retail) Provides strong support for joints during high stress sport activity.
	STZ Economy Sports Tape White cotton construction with an aggressive zinc oxide adhesive.
	Adhesive Underwrap For regular taping of sensitive skin, treatment of minor burns and to help prevent blisters.
	Rigid Strapping Tape (retail) Strong adhesive and rigid construction. Elastoplast Sport Rigid Strapping tape has tan coloured extra strong porous zinc oxide adhesive to ensure the tape will remain in place during vigorous exercise.

Ankle

Ankle taping can protect the ankle from injury when an athlete lands awkwardly. Elite athletes and informed amateurs routinely tape their ankles prior to playing or training to reduce the chances of injury.

Managing ankle injuries: Ankle injuries can range from minor sprains and blisters through to fractures. Find out here how to manage common ankle injuries.
How to protect the ankle: This simple taping method offers maximum support in helping to prevent lateral ligament sprains
Products: Elastoplast Sport offer a range of products to assist in ankle taping.

Managing ankle injuries

Injury	Symptom	Management
Fracture	Pain, swelling and deformity	Have a trained person splint area and seek medical help.
Sprained joint	Pain, swelling, reduced movement in joint	RICER, seek medical help.
Blisters	Fluid under skin, pain, tenderness	Pad around area to reduce pressure, keep clean.

How to protect the ankle

	Step 1 Attach anchors (A) first and then stirrups (B). (Usually 3 stirrups are attached from the inside to outside in a U-shape iformation).
	Step 2 Bind the tape in two figure-6's around the foot, starting from the inside to the outside, returning to the inside after crossing the front of the foot (C). Figure-6's help counteract the inversion movement that can cause injury.
	Step 3 Apply a half-heel lock to provide further support to the rear ankle area. Begin on the inside of the lower leg (D) and move down and across the outside of the ankle towards the front of the heel. Pass the tape under the foot and cross the inside of the heel at a 45° angle (E). Pass the tape back to the outside of the ankle to finish on the inside of the lower leg where you started. (Another half-heel lock may be applied in the opposite direction, using the same technique).
	Step 4 Overwrap the tape with Elastoplast Sport Elastic Adhesive Bandage 50mm to provide mild compression and to further secure the taped area. Using the figure-8 iformation and a spiral, completely cover the rigid tape.

Products

	Hot/Cold Pack Made from durable, recyclable plastic, Elastoplast Sport Hot/Cold Packs remain soft and pliable when used as a cold pack to enable effective RICER technique.
	Cold Spray For the treatement of minor sport-related injuries, ie finger injuries in cricket or football. Elastoplast Sport Cold Spray cools and relieves the pain associated with contusions, sprains and strains.
	Premium Sports Tape (bulk) Bulk cartons provide for convenient transportation while maintaining product shape and consistency. High-quality tan coloured rayon cloth for maximum support.
	Hand Tearable Elastic Adhesive Bandages No scissors required. Quick and easy application. Ideal for overwrapping exposed areas.
	Premium Sports Tape (straight edged) High quality tan coloured rayon cloth for maximum support.
	Elastic Adhesive Bandages High quality 100% cotton cloth and zinc oxide adhesive. Elastic Adhesive Bandages include a porous adhesive, allowing the skin to breathe for maximum adherence.
	Elastoband Plaster-style bandage, indicated for general support and compression bandaging and overwrapping rigid sportstape.
	Elastic Adhesive Bandages (retail) Provides strong support for joints during high stress sport activity.
	STZ Economy Sports Tape White cotton construction with an aggressive zinc oxide adhesive.
	Adhesive Underwrap For regular taping of sensitive skin, treatment of minor burns and to help prevent blisters.
	Rigid Strapping Tape (retail) Strong adhesive and rigid construction. Elastoplast Sport Rigid Strapping tape has tan coloured extra strong porous zinc oxide adhesive to ensure the tape will remain in place during vigorous exercise.

Elastoplast SportLeuko