Wrist wrapping: why don't we do it?

Elektra Vallens started this discussion · 8/10/2012

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?

51 replies

dustbunny · 8/10/2012
It is not super common to see, but it is used in pole. Amy has blogged about wrist wraps in the past. http://aerialamy.com/blog/2012/05/02/strength-wraps/
darling dearest · 8/10/2012
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?
Leanne Love · 8/10/2012
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?
Ive8899 · 8/10/2012
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 !!
Lyme Lyte · 8/10/2012
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!
Jag5303 · 8/10/2012
^^ are you talking about Kenesio tape? All I know is it helped my pulled hamsrting BIG time. I'm now a beliver in the stuff😎
Lyme Lyte · 8/10/2012
Funny Jag, glad to hear u had success! Can't say I have ever used it only what I heard.
Jag5303 · 8/10/2012
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
Might Grip · 8/10/2012
We do make wrist wraps and supports with and without tack. You may wish to take a look on our web site www.mightygrip.com Joel
Jule · 8/11/2012
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.
stoneycook · 8/11/2012
Nice article: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/10/health/olympics-kinesio-tape/index.html
CNNKinesio tape: The latest Olympic accessory | CNNKinesio tape has been around for decades, but during the London 2012 Olympics, it’s been spotted stretching in interesting patterns on athletes.
RoseMay · 8/11/2012
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 😀 (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.
Veena · 8/11/2012
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! 🥂 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!!! 🌸
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michaelaarghh · 8/12/2012
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.
calipolepixie · 8/12/2012
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.
uvagirl76 · 3/2/2014
has anyone in this thread had a wrist injury that feels like a tendon/ ligament popping to the outside of the pisiform bone in the hand? it's really painful and sometimes feels like it gets stuck to the outside of the bone...
Haloanne · 3/3/2014
I use strength wraps sometimes to relieve the pressure I feel in my wrists especially during handstands, pushups and the like. I don't see it as a crutch and it definitely does not impair muscle function - I have a bony deformation in my wrists that gets pinched when the wrist is bent (here's a pic of my hand http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYmE9VA17uc/TtIe5PIpbWI/AAAAAAAAAr0/ih-6Gg5pTl4/s1600/2011-11-27+062.JPG). Pole can be really tough on the wrists, and if I find something that will keep my wrists safer, I'm all for it :)
Koidragon · 3/3/2014
I use wrist wraps (fabric- like strength wraps) as I have chronic tendonitis in my wrists from years of abuse. All they really do for me is act as a slight support and a reminder to keep my wrists straight and engaged - I wouldn't recommend them by any means for people who don't need them, as I think it is better to not rely on aides if you don't need to, but they do give me just that little bit of support I need. Uvagirl - I would go and get that checked out. Speaking from experience, anything like that could turnout to be something easily fixable in the early stages but be a big problem later if left unchecked...
sassylina · 3/3/2014
I only use my wrap with certain moves like practicing my split grip handspring, but also in handstands. I have an old injury from years of gymnastics. And it does help doing those moves with only little pain. But i don't use them when I don't need them.
luvlee · 3/3/2014
I actually do wrap my right forearm and wrist and wear a wrap on the other. I never pole without them. Always have since I started doing Ayshas years ago!
uvagirl76 · 3/3/2014
i was hoping someone could be like "oh yeah that is ...blah blah blah" . i had what felt like ripped tendons in my right hand once and actually had a orthopedist tell me "if it hurts when you do that, don't do that." i ended up treating it myself. i guess i will break down and go to the doc with yet ANOTHER pole injury lol
korinne · 3/3/2014
UVA- Look up subluxation of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendon. Sounds like what you may be describing.
Krista Bocko · 3/3/2014
sublaxation was my thought too. Have you seen a chiropractor? They adjust all kinds of bones, not just the spine, and I would assume they could help...
uvagirl76 · 3/4/2014
ahhh thank you ladies (korinne and sparrow)! after reading about subluxation of the ecu i now know that i need to describe the pain as "ventral" to the doc...the actual subluxation of the ecu is a dorsal phenomenon happening toward the top and side and what i am suffering is under that and slightly forward at the very corner of where my wrist meets the heel of my hand...thank you so much for giving me a place to start cuz so far i had just come up with "ow" and "the doctor is going to tell me i should quit whatever it is that keeps bringing me back in the office"...i really appreciate you!
uvagirl76 · 3/4/2014
hmm ...after more reading you ladies may be spot on from miles away...what a community!

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