Strapping Guide | Injury Strapping Videos with a Former All Blacks Physio

Physio Guide To Strapping – Ankle – Knee – AC Joint – Thumbs

Learn how to strap ankles, knees, thumbs, AC joints and other common injuries with guidance from Dr Barry Donaldson, a former All Blacks physiotherapist at Redwood Physiotherapy. This collection of easy-to-follow videos demonstrates professional strapping techniques that can help support injured joints, improve stability and protect vulnerable areas during exercise, sport and everyday activities.

Whether you are recovering from an ankle injury, supporting a painful knee or protecting a joint before returning to sport, these videos will show you how to apply strapping correctly and safely. Follow the step-by-step guidance to strap like a physiotherapist, support your recovery and reduce the risk of further injury.

Strapping the lateral ankle like a pro with former All Blacks physio

How to Strap a Lateral Ankle Injury

In this video, former All Blacks physiotherapist Barry Donaldson demonstrates how to strap a lateral ankle injury using rigid strapping tape, elastic adhesive bandage and skin adhesive. The video begins with a full demonstration showing how the strapping would normally be applied in a changing room, followed by a slower, step by step explanation of every layer.

You will learn how to position the foot correctly, apply the fixing strips at the right angle and use three stirrup straps to support the lateral ankle ligaments. Barry also demonstrates the figure six technique, the figure eight or Louisiana wrap and his heel to heel locking strip, which adds further support around the ankle.

The video also covers important safety points, including avoiding excessive pressure over the arteries, protecting the Achilles tendon and making sure the tape does not cut or pinch the skin. Barry explains how the amount of strapping may be adjusted depending on whether the ankle injury is recent, moderately injured or simply needs extra support during sport.

Correct ankle strapping should feel supportive without causing numbness, increased pain, tingling, colour changes or reduced circulation. Stop and remove the tape if any of these symptoms occur, and seek advice from a physiotherapist or medical professional when you are unsure about the injury.

How to Apply Low-Dye Strapping for Arch Support

In this video, former All Blacks physiotherapist Barry Donaldson demonstrates the Low Dye strapping technique, a medial arch support method commonly used for plantar fasciitis and shin splints. Using rigid strapping tape and skin adhesive, Barry shows how to support the arch of the foot and reduce strain on the plantar fascia during walking, running and sport.

You will learn how to apply the initial fixing strap without restricting circulation, position the foot correctly and place each strip from the outside of the foot towards the inside. Barry demonstrates the supporting figure eight strips and the three overlapping layers used underneath the foot to strengthen and lift the medial arch.

The video also explains why the direction of the tape is important and how to secure the finished strapping safely. Correct Low Dye strapping should feel firm and supportive without causing numbness, tingling, increased pain, colour changes or restricted circulation.

This technique may help support recovery from plantar fascia pain or shin splints, but it should not replace a proper assessment. Seek advice from a physiotherapist or medical professional if the pain is severe, persistent or you are unsure whether this strapping method is suitable for your injury.

How to Strap a Medial Knee Ligament Injury

In this video, former All Blacks physiotherapist Barry Donaldson demonstrates a simple strapping technique for supporting the medial ligament on the inside of the knee. Using rigid strapping tape, elastic adhesive bandage and skin adhesive, Barry explains how to position the knee and apply the tape to reduce stress through the injured ligament.

You will learn how to place the knee at approximately 25 degrees of flexion, support the ankle on a bag or cushion and position the leg so the medial ligament is shortened before strapping begins. Barry then demonstrates the crossed supporting strips, vertical reinforcement strips and horizontal tape used over the ligament.

The video also shows how to apply the elastic adhesive bandage while the person is standing, before securing the finished strapping with rigid tape. Particular attention is given to anchoring the tape correctly so it stays in place during training or competition.

Correct knee strapping should feel firm and supportive without causing numbness, tingling, increased pain, skin colour changes or restricted circulation. This technique may provide temporary support, but a painful or unstable knee should be assessed by a physiotherapist or medical professional.

How to Strap an AC Joint Injury

In this video, former All Blacks physiotherapist Barry Donaldson demonstrates a supportive strapping technique for an injured AC joint at the top of the shoulder. He explains how the AC joint helps suspend the arm and why the shoulder needs to be positioned correctly before the tape is applied.

You will learn how to place the arm in an abducted position, apply the initial fixing strips and use crossing layers of rigid tape to compress and support the AC joint. Barry also demonstrates how to add vertical reinforcement strips and secure the finished strapping with elastic adhesive bandage.

The video highlights several important safety points, including keeping the tape smooth, anchoring the elastic bandage correctly and avoiding a complete rigid tape circle around the arm, which could restrict circulation.

Correct AC joint strapping should feel firm and supportive without causing numbness, tingling, increasing pain, colour changes or reduced circulation. Shoulder injuries can vary in severity, so seek advice from a physiotherapist or medical professional before returning to sport or relying on strapping alone.

How to Strap an Acutely Sprained Thumb

In this video, former All Blacks physiotherapist Dr Barry Donaldson demonstrates how to strap an acutely sprained thumb using professional grade strapping tape and skin adhesive. You will learn how to position the thumb correctly and apply the tape firmly enough to limit extension and sideways movement while supporting the injured joint.

Barry explains how to create an anchor around the hand, apply supporting strips over the base of the thumb and use a figure six strapping technique for added stability. He also highlights an important safety point: avoid placing too much pressure over the artery on the inside of the thumb.

The video is designed to help you understand how firm thumb strapping can provide support during warm ups, training or sport. Strapping should not be painfully tight, cause numbness, change skin colour or reduce circulation. Seek advice from a physiotherapist or medical professional if you are unsure about the injury or the correct strapping technique.