# How to Strap an Elbow for Support: Step-by-Step Guide for Hyperextension Injuries - Link: https://pillarsports.com/elbow-strapping/ - Published: 2025-07-05T14:50:00+08:00 - Author: Chii Roco Last updated on: August 13, 2026 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 | Item | Purpose | | **[Rigid tape (38 mm or 50 mm)](https://pillarsports.com/product/rigid-tape/)** | Core structural support | | **[Elastic adhesive bandage (EAB)](https://pillarsports.com/product/eab-lite-eab/)** | To seal off and reinforce the tape job | | **[Fix-It tape (hypoallergenic)](https://pillarsports.com/product/hypoallergenic-fix-it/)** | Skin-friendly layer between tape levels | | [**Adhesive spray (optional)**](https://pillarsports.com/product/usl-adhesive-tape-spray-by-griptec/) | Improves tape grip on biceps and forearm | | Scissors & alcohol wipes | Prepping the area before taping | [ ⌊DMI Alcohol Prep Pads, 500 Count (5 Boxes of 100), Medical Grade ...⌉ ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZLX1Z39?tag=pillarsports-20) Bestseller #1 ### DMI Alcohol Prep Pads, 500 Count (5 Boxes of 100), Medical Grade … $19.99 [ Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FZLX1Z39?tag=pillarsports-20) [ ⌊CURAD Alcohol Prep Pads, 400 Count, Medium 70% Isopropyl Alcohol ...⌉ ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KOSP454?tag=pillarsports-20) Bestseller #2 ### CURAD Alcohol Prep Pads, 400 Count, Medium 70% Isopropyl Alcohol … [ Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KOSP454?tag=pillarsports-20) [ ⌊Dynarex Alcohol Prep Pads, Medical-Grade and Non-Woven Prep Pads,...⌉ ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BFL0RQ?tag=pillarsports-20) Bestseller #3 ### Dynarex Alcohol Prep Pads, Medical-Grade and Non-Woven Prep Pads,… $6.65 [ Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BFL0RQ?tag=pillarsports-20) [ ⌊The Pharma-C Company - 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes [6 pack]⌉ ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076NX9NW9?tag=pillarsports-20) Bestseller #4 ### The Pharma-C Company – 70% Isopropyl Alcohol Wipes [6 pack] $28.85 [ Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076NX9NW9?tag=pillarsports-20) ![elbow strapping](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw ==) ## 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**](https://www.auroraphysio.com.hk/). 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.  ⌊YouTube thumbnail⌉⌊YouTube thumbnail⌉⌊YouTube icon⌉⌊YouTube icon⌉ ### **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. ⌊YouTube thumbnail⌉⌊YouTube thumbnail⌉⌊YouTube icon⌉⌊YouTube icon⌉ ### 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.  ⌊YouTube thumbnail⌉⌊YouTube thumbnail⌉⌊YouTube icon⌉⌊YouTube icon⌉ ### Step 4 – EAB (Close off Taping) * Use **EAB** to close up the tapes. Secure with EAB and a strip of rigid tape. ⌊YouTube thumbnail⌉⌊YouTube thumbnail⌉⌊YouTube icon⌉⌊YouTube icon⌉ ## 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 | Mistake | Result | Fix | | Wrapping too tight | Numbness or tingling | Loosen tension and check circulation | | Taping on sweaty skin | Tape peels or slides off | Clean and dry the area first | | Skipping anchor strips | Weak foundation | Always use anchors at both ends | | No muscle contraction | Tape feels too tight during training | Flex during application | | No overlap on strips | Inconsistent pressure | Use 50% overlap per layer | ## 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 about Hyperextended Elbows on WebMD**](https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/what-to-know-about-a-hyperextended-elbow) ## Need Quality Tape? Looking for rigid or elastic tape to do this properly? See our [**Sports Tape Catalog**](https://pillarsports.com/product-category/sports-tape/).