How to Put on Ace Wraps

An Ace wrap is a woven elastic bandage which supports and compresses injured body parts. Compression reduces swelling and eases pain. An Ace wrap also protects bruises or cuts, by acting as an additional layer of padding and lessening the range of motion. Ace wraps are also used to assist with other treatment methods, such as holding gauze pads, or an ice pack in place. It is commonly used on ankles, knees, wrists and elbows.

Instructions

• 1

  Clean the area you are going to wrap.

• 2

  Hold the rolled bandage at the side in one hand, while the other hand holds the loose end of the bandage. Place the loose end on the area you are going to wrap.

• 3

  Take the rolled end and wrap it around the injured area twice -- overlapping the layers -- to form a base of support.

• 4

  Continue wrapping the area, but now in a diagonal swirling pattern, with the layers overlapping somewhat. Continue in this fashion, until the entire Ace wrap has been used.

• 5

  Secure the bandage with either the metal clips, the Velcro that come on the Ace wrap, or with medical tape.