EAB & Cohesive Tapes

What’s the difference between EAB tape and cohesive bandage?

The former is short for Elastic Adhesive Bandage. It sticks to itself and to skin, giving firm, lasting support for joints and muscles during activity. Cohesive bandage tape, by contrast, only sticks to itself and not to skin, which makes it useful where a lighter, self adhesive elastic bandage is needed without the tackier hold of a true EAB.

Both fall under general strapping and first aid supplies, but the choice comes down to how much fixation you need. A cohesive support bandage such as Tensoplus is a good option for compression without adhesive residue on the skin. A tear EAB tape, like Tiger Tear EAB, is better suited to joints that need to stay firmly taped through a full training session or match.

Tear EAB tape: what it's used for and how to choose a width

Tear EAB is designed to be torn by hand rather than cut with scissors, which makes application quicker in a busy clinic or on the side of a pitch. Tiger Tear EAB is one of our most requested products for this reason. It gives practitioners a fast, reliable EAB tear tape option when time between patients or players is limited.

Widths vary by application. A white 5cm tear EAB roll is a common choice for ankles, wrists, and smaller joints, giving enough coverage for support without excess bulk. The wider tapes are useful for covering larger surfaces such as the thigh or shoulder. If you’re equipping an entire team instead of a single practitioner, it will be beneficial for you to have a variety of widths.

EAB tape for rugby players and contact sports

EAB tape for rugby players needs to hold through tackles, scrums, and repeated contact, which is a tougher test than most clinical strapping sees. Tiger Tear EAB and similar elastic adhesive bandage products are built for this kind of use, staying in place through a full match without needing reapplication at half-time.

Club physiotherapists and sports therapists working across multiple players often keep a stock of both Tear EAB and cohesive bandage wrap on hand: EAB for joints needing firm adhesive support, and cohesive bandage for lighter compression or for players with sensitive skin who can't tolerate strong adhesive.

What is the difference between elastic adhesive bandage and Tensoplast?

Tensoplast elastic adhesive bandage is probably one of the best-known products of its kind, with practitioners frequently asking for this particular brand by name. In terms of functionality, Tensoplast is basically another name for a regular elastic adhesive bandage; it’s the same self-adhesive, stretchable, breathable support. The main differences among manufacturers are stretch recovery, adhesive properties, and the way the tape performs over a longer period of time.

Ordering for clinics, clubs, and teams

If you're stocking EAB tape and cohesive bandages for a clinic, sports club, or team setup, it's worth ordering in bulk to avoid running short mid-season. trimbio supplies physiotherapists, sports therapists, and NHS Trusts across the UK. Orders over £75 ex VAT qualify for free delivery, dispatched within 2 working days.

Explore our Kinesiology Tapes range if you need a different type of support alongside EAB and cohesive tape, or see our full Taping & Strapping category for underwrap, fixation tape, and taping accessories.

Frequently asked questions

What is EAB tape used for?

EAB (elastic adhesive bandage) is used for providing stable support to joints and muscles when doing sport, during the rehabilitation process or when performing first aid. EAB can stick both to the skin and to itself, so that it stays in its place despite any activity of a person.

Differences Between Cohesive Bandage and Elastic Adhesive Bandage

A cohesive bandage is the kind of bandage that only bonds to itself, but not to the skin, while EAB is the type of bandage that is able to bond with skin and itself.

Is Tiger Tear EAB suitable for rugby and contact sports?

Yes. Tiger Tear EAB is a tear EAB tape designed to hold through repeated contact and movement, which makes it a common choice as EAB tape for rugby players and other contact sports.

What width of EAB tape should I use?

It depends on the joint or area being taped. A white 5cm tear EAB is a common choice for ankles and wrists, while wider rolls suit larger areas such as thighs and shoulders. Most practitioners keep a mix of widths in stock.

Do you supply EAB tape and cohesive bandages in bulk for clinics and teams?

Yes. trimbio supplies NHS Trusts, private clinics, and sports clubs across the UK. For larger or recurring orders, contact our team directly. Orders over £75 ex VAT qualify for free UK