Hip and Thigh Support Techniques
15 Hip Joint/Hip Flexor Support Technique (Spica Wrap)
Purpose
- Provide support to reduce stress on muscular structures (hip flexors – iliopsoas and rectus femoris) and limit excessive extension, in order to reduce pain and promote healing during recovery and/or upon return to play.
- Provide compression to limit pain and inflammation.
Materials Required
- One 4-inch or 6-inch tensor bandage/tensor (Double length roll recommended but depends on size of the individual)
- One roll of 1.5-inch athletic tape
- One roll of 3-inch Lightplast Pro elastic tape
Pre-Tape Testing
- Determine MOI (traumatic injury versus repetitive overuse strain versus pathological biomechanics/malalignments versus muscular imbalances versus poor footwear).
- Ask if they have been taped before and if there were any issues encountered.
- Rule-out allergies to sprays and/or taping products.
- Inspect the skin for any signs of soft tissue injury (i.e., cuts, abrasions, blisters).
- Check motor, sensation, and circulation (MSC) before execution of the support technique.
Components and Execution Procedures
- Individual Positioning: Standing position with their knee slightly flexed (knee over toes; approximately 30°), trunk leaning forward and their weight supported on the leg being wrapped. Place a roll of athletic tape under their heel.
- NOTE: Wrap should be applied directly onto skin but can be applied over compression shorts.
- Application: Apply the tensor bandage starting at the medial aspect of the thigh and wrap it posteriorly around the thigh for two revolutions and then pull it up over the hip joint, over the buttocks, to the other side of the pelvis. Ensure to “hook” it over the iliac crest. From the iliac crest, continue wrapping the tensor across the abdomen, towards and around the thigh again. The wrapping should produce an “X” over the antero-lateral aspect of the hip. Repeat this pattern until the tensor is used up. Maintain appropriate tension throughout the wrapping process. The direction of pull should gently encourage hip flexion.
- Closing Strips: Using 3-inch elastic tape, re-trace the entire spica pattern and secure the elastic tape ends with strips of 1.5-inch athletic tape.
Post-Tape Testing
- Check motor control, sensation, and circulation (MSC) after application.
- Manually assess the hip joint to test the integrity of the support technique. In other words, has the support technique limited the movement(s) that are painful?
- Functionally assess the hip joint to test the integrity of support technique. This testing should be specific to the individual’s sport or activity and specific to their position in that same sport or activity.
