Buddy Strapping Advice

Following your finger or hand fracture, your hand therapist has advised you to ‘buddy strap’ your fingers. This is also known as neighbour strapping. This leaflet explains the following.

• What buddy strapping is.

• How to apply the strapping at home.

• Whether you need to exercise your fingers with the strapping on.

We hope this leaflet answers some of the questions you may have. If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of the Fracture Clinic team.

• Fracture Clinic team
  Telephone: 01233 616849 (option 2)
  Email

What is buddy strapping?

Buddy strapping is strapping your injured finger to the finger next to it. Buddy strapping protects your injured finger or hand while allowing you to move it, to prevent stiffness. Your therapist will tell you which fingers to strap together.

The strapping needs to be secure, so it keeps both fingers together as you bend and straighten them. It must not be too tight that it causes your swelling to increase or cuts off your circulation. Loosen the strapping if:

• your finger starts to change colour; or

• you get pins and needles (which you did not already have).

How do I reapply the strapping?

You can change the strapping daily to:

• clean / wash your hand; or

• if you need to for comfort.

The strapping does not need to be changed every time it gets wet. However, if it gets wet it may not work as well and your fingers may become sore. Please change the strapping as you need to.

To change the strapping, you will need gauze and firm tape. Firm tape is zinc oxide tape or tape which does not stretch. If you are allergic to these tapes, use a hypoallergenic tape. The Urgent Treatment Centre may have given you a supply of tape. If you need any more you can buy this at any pharmacy.

You may need to cut your tape in half lengthways to make it narrow enough so you can move your fingers.  

1. Cut a piece of gauze to approximately the same length as the fingers to be strapped. You can place the gauze between your fingers for hygiene and comfort purposes. This is your choice.

2. Apply one length of tape around the base of your fingers. Make sure the tape is below the joint.

3. Apply a second length of the tape above the joint. This allows you to gently move your fingers.

4. Do not apply the tape too tightly. If the area is swollen this could restrict your circulation.

1. 
   Step 1
2. 
   Step 2
3. 
   Step 3

1. 
   Step 3
2. 
   Step 4

Can I do exercises or use my hand while wearing ‘buddy strapping?

Yes. You must keep your fingers and thumb moving as much as possible to prevent them from getting stiff. People who exercise their fingers regularly regain their strength and movement more quickly.

If the exercises hurt, do not push through the pain. Perform the exercises slowly and gently.

What if I have any questions or concerns about the taping? 

If you have any further questions or concerns, please speak to a member of the Fracture Clinic team.

• Fracture Clinic team
  Telephone: 01233 616849 (option 2)
  Email

Further information

• East Kent Hospitals. Tendon glide exercises patient leaflet.

[Website last accessed 12 February 2026]

What do you think of this leaflet?

We welcome feedback, whether positive or negative, as it helps us to improve our care and services.

If you would like to give us feedback about this leaflet, please fill in our short online survey. Either scan the QR code below, or use the web link. We do not record your personal information, unless you provide contact details and would like to talk to us some more.

If you would rather talk to someone instead of filling in a survey, please call the Patient Voice Team.

• Patient Voice Team
  Telephone: 01227 868605
  Email