How to Strap an Elbow for Support: Step-by-Step Guide for Hyperextension Injuries

Elbow injuries are frustrating. They interfere with lifts, throws, and even basic arm movements. One wrong fall or overextended rep and suddenly you’re nursing pain that won’t go away.

That’s where proper elbow strapping comes in.

Whether you’re recovering from a minor elbow tweak or training through high-impact sessions, learning how to tape your elbow properly can help protect your joint and provide a little more control.

We’ll walk you through how to apply sports tape for elbow support, with a focus on hyperextension-related injuries. You’ll learn what type of tape to use, when to use it, and how to avoid common mistakes that compromise stability.

Why Athletes Tape Their Elbows

Whether you’re on the mat, in the ring, or under a barbell, your elbows take a beating. Here’s why strapping your elbow can help:

• Added Joint Stability
  Strapping reinforces your elbow against hyperextension, especially during fast or explosive movements.
• Support During Recovery
  For athletes dealing with mild discomfort, tape can offer gentle reinforcement without limiting range of motion.
• Confidence in Motion
  Even psychologically, having support on a sensitive joint can reduce hesitation and improve performance under pressure.
• Versatile for Multiple Sports
  Elbow taping is used across boxing, judo, gymnastics, tennis, American football, and even CrossFit.

What You’ll Need

Elbow Strapping Steps

This method is designed to prevent and protect the elbow joint—especially useful for hyperextension injuries. The steps below are based on a demonstration by Aurora Physiotherapy. Always tape on clean, dry skin for best results.

Step 1: Apply Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB)

• Ensure the skin is clean and dry. Apply elastic adhesive bandages (EAB) around the mid biceps and mid forearm.
• Contract the biceps muscle during the taping to allow the muscle to expand during exercise. 

Step 2: Anchor Strips & Hypo Fix-It Tape

• Apply anchor strips directly on top of EAB.
• Put the elbow in the desired flexed position and apply adhesive non woven hypo fix-it tapes between the anchor strips.

Step 3 – Support Strips & Finishing Strips

• Apply support strips over the elbow in crossed shape to prevent the elbow going into full extension. 
• Repeat 2-3 times of this application overlapping half of the previous strip. Then apply finishing strips the same way as the anchor strips to secure the support strips. 

Step 4 – EAB (Close off Taping)

• Use EAB to close up the tapes. Secure with EAB and a strip of rigid tape. 

Finishing steps (ESSENTIAL)

1. Check that the taping is not uncomfortable for either yourself or the person being strapped.
2. Check that the taping restricts the desired elbow movement. 

When Should You Strap an Elbow?

Elbow strapping isn’t just for after you’ve been injured. It can also be used as a preventative measure in these scenarios:

• During sports that involve high impact or repetitive extension, like judo, gymnastics, rugby, or CrossFit
• If you’re recovering from a mild overuse strain and want extra support while returning to activity
• As part of prehab (preventative taping) for athletes with a history of elbow instability or pain

If you’re unsure whether elbow taping is right for you, ask a sports physiotherapist or healthcare provider for advice.

Common Taping Mistakes to Avoid

Want to Know More About Hyperextended Elbows?

Elbow hyperextension is common in athletes. It happens when your elbow bends too far backward, stretching or straining ligaments around the joint. This often leads to tenderness, swelling, and reduced stability.
🔗 Learn more on WebMD

Need Quality Tape?

Looking for rigid or elastic tape to do this properly? See our Sports Tape Catalog.

Products Mentioned on this Blog

USL Adhesive Tape Spray by GripTec

HK$300.00 – HK$500.00

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Non-Tearable EAB

HK$28.00 – HK$38.00

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Rigid Tape

HK$29.00 – HK$52.00

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Hypoallergenic Fix-it

HK$25.00 – HK$45.00

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Lite EAB

HK$18.00 – HK$42.00

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