-
Wrist wrapping: why don’t we do it?
I've been watching gymnastics in the Olympics recently, and it really got me to wondering why we don't use wrist wraps in pole. I was especially thinking about this as I watched the men's high bar routines, in which they regularly use "eagle grip", which appears to be basically a twisted grip. I found myself wondering if the wraps really help them avoid injury from that, and if so, whether that could translate to pole. Does anyone out there have any info about using wrist protectors for pole? Is there a reason no one does this in pole? Would it work? What kind would you get?
-
52 Replies
-
It is not super common to see, but it is used in pole. Amy has blogged about wrist wraps in the past.
-
I saw Amy had written about it some time ago! I’m a little iffy about using aids when I don’t absolutely need them cos I don’t want to use them as some sort of crutch. Is there a reason why it’s not so common to see on pole dancers?
-
I know gymnasts and weight lifters use them, but to me it really just looks like a piece of fabric wrapped around one's wrist. How do wrist wraps work?
-
I have been thinking the exact same thing why dont we use it and what is it for? I know it’s for support but what kind ? What else? And what’s the use of that tape I see on olympians??? Great topic !!
-
The tape u see is called Kinesiotape. It is supposed to help give muscle support and help w sore muscles. Studies have shown it doesn’t really do much. Wish I bought stock in it before the Olympics. It’s a hot item that everyone wants. Someone is going to become super rich!
-
^^ are you talking about Kenesio tape? All I know is it helped my pulled hamsrting BIG time. I'm now a beliver in the stuffhttps://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cool.gif
-
Funny Jag, glad to hear u had success! Can’t say I have ever used it only what I heard.
-
Yep! I've been going to a Sports doc and he's been treating me with it. I can now straddle without pain… and I'm back to being able to stretch that side again
-
We do make wrist wraps and supports with and without tack. You may wish to take a look on our web site http://www.mightygrip.com
Joel
-
I'm using both, selfmade Strength Wraps and Kinesio Tape and I absolutly love it!
Kinesio Tape really helped my with my tendonitis and a pulled harmstring. But its too expensive for me to use it more often, so I'm using my strength wraps to stabilize my wrists if they are a bid overused. -
Are we talking about wrist wraps or this kinesio tape? There is a difference..
I'm using wrist wraps for lifting weights to stabilize the wrist and keep it neutral. When you're working with weights you don't want the wrist to bend under load and you can use more weight if the wrist is stabilized. I got really tiny and fragile wrists that often hurt when I'm doing too much flexion based movements (handstands etc). Don't think my wrists are made to support the weight used in weight lifting https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_e_biggrin.gif (Of course I'm also always working on strengthening them.)
I wouldn't use MY wraps for pole though because they allow very little movement in the wrist. There are lots of moves that I wouldn't be able to do with them, like handstand dismounts. The type of wraps gymnasts use (or the mighty grip ones) must allow more movement though, so they might be worth looking into. I think they would help with split grips and stuff like that. Also they help with keeping the joints warm.
-
I myself will wrap my wrists from time to time during practice. Just with a normal ace bandge. I use it when I'm working a lot of split grips. You'll see it in some of my old pole practice videos, I even have a photo where I have one on! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2345099631625&set=a.1586974038959.74737.1374030246&type=3&theater I would bet that many pros DO wrap their wrist, but you don't see it because pole is an art and sport of beauty, so they probably don't perform with wraps. I think if I needed to wear them I would make sparkly wraps so I could perform with them! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_cheers.gif
The Kinesio, tape is different then the Strength Wraps…which look amazing by the way!
However I do not think we all should run out and start using wraps all the time for pole. If you only use aids such as wraps, then you are robbing yourself of the benefits of pole, which is gaining strength!!!! If you always work with wraps, or other aids you will not be strengthening these muscle groups.
To prevent injury…. condition, strengthen, stretch and work within your ability. Aids are great but use them wisely!!! https://www.studioveena.com/img/smilies/icon_flower.gif
-
I thought that with gymnastics it was to help against friction and/or for injury?
I don't think its wise to use tape unless you actually need it – and if you do it the wrong way you can actually do damage to your muscles. I've had my back and my calves (for shin splints) taped up by a physio before. It helps to support the muscles while they're healing. He showed me how to do it properly myself, because if you do it wrong it can pull on the muscles and actually cause more damage.
-
I was thinking the same thing especially after i hurt my wrist the other day working on split grip moves. I just ordered the strength wraps aerial amy mentions in her blog. I plan on only using them when working extensively on SG & TG moves. Once the strength in my wrist gets stronger my goal is to use the strength wraps less & less. I really think(& hope) i can benefit from the stability & support that wrapping the wrist can provide.
Log in to reply.