Athletic Tape: HSA Eligibility

Under Internal Revenue Code 213(d)(1), "medical care includes amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body." This includes medical equipment, supplies and devices.

No prescription required.

How is athletic tape used?

Athletic tape is a term that encompasses many different types of products that aid in athletic rehabilitation from minor aches and pains to more significant injuries that could require a lengthy recovery period. There are a wide variety of tape styles to suit specific injuries and activity levels, and how they're applied is also vital to any treatment plan (LIVESTRONG). The following are the most common types of athletic tape:

• Under Tape: Before the application of tape with strong adhesives that could become difficult to remove from bare skin, athletic trainers suggest using softer under tape to prep injured muscles/joints. Under tape is easier on the skin and can make removing additional tape much easier after a workout.
• Rigid Tape: This is the most common form of athletic tape that uses a strong adhesive to stay attached to the skin. It is designed with strength in mind and made with resilient fibers to immobilize affected areas to prevent re-injury by stabilizing the muscle/joint.
• Elastic Tape: This type of tape offers far more flexibility when taping a part of one's body, as it can be tightened or relaxed based on the severity of the injury. Additionally, this tape is usually made with cotton and can breathe more easily, which can allow moisture to escape during periods of heavy activity.
• Cohesive Bandages/Felt Tape: These tape types utilize different materials, but both do not feature an adhesive to attach to an affected muscle or joint. These bandages offer optimal comfort with a construction of softer materials, and the woven design means that the material will stick to itself as it is wrapped around the skin. This tape can also be held into place with hook closures for longer periods.
• Kinesiology Tape: This elastic tape is designed to treat musculoskeletal or sports injuries by limiting an individual's range of motion and constrict muscle movement to promote a speedy recovery. However, due to its ability to adjust to the contours of the skin and the shape of an individual's body, it has the ability to flex and adjust to give wearers more agility during physical activity.