Judo therapy bandage treatment

1 Description of bandage

Soft Fixation in Judo Therapy

In Judo therapy, not every injury needs a hard cast or metal brace. Sometimes, the best care comes from soft fixation materials—tools that provide gentle support, help with healing, and keep things comfortable for the patient. They're light, flexible, and easy to use, but don’t let their softness fool you—they’re essential for good treatment.

Let’s explore some of these soft materials and how they’re used in Judo therapy clinics across Japan.

1. Bandages: The Basics Everyone Must Master

Non-Elastic Bandages

These are the classic cotton wraps you’ll find in every clinic.

They don’t stretch, which makes them perfect for keeping an injured area still.
Often used for fractures or dislocations where firm support is needed.
Training versions even have blue lines printed on them to help students practice proper wrapping.

Elastic Bandages

These are the soft, stretchy ones.

Great for reducing swelling in sprains or bruises.
They’re comfortable and flexible, but not ideal when strong support is needed.

Pro Tip:
Choose the bandage based on the injury.
Firm and still? Go non-elastic.
Need light support and compression? Elastic works best.

2. Cotton Cushion (Menka Chinshi): The Comfort Pillow for Your Joints

This is a simple cotton pad wrapped in gauze. It's placed under bandages, especially in sensitive areas like:

Underarms
Elbows
Behind the knees

Why use it?
Because it protects nerves and blood vessels from pressure.

If you don’t have one?
A small towel works just fine. The goal is comfort and safety.

3. Triangular Bandage: The Ultimate Multi-Tool

Think of this as the Swiss army knife of soft fixation. It's just a triangle-shaped cloth, but it can do so much:

Makeshift sling for arm injuries
Folded and used for light compression
In emergencies, it can even become a tourniquet to stop bleeding

Every student of Judo therapy learns how to use one—because you never know when you’ll need it.

4. Jusei Pad (Judo Therapy Pad): Soft Power for Strong Healing

This felt pad is used to apply pressure where needed, but in a gentle way.

You can cut it to size for the perfect fit
It’s ideal for adding pressure to swollen areas or as padding under harder materials
Even a piece of rubber or soft foam can be used if needed

It may not look like much, but it’s a Judo therapist’s secret weapon.

5. Commercial Joint Supports: Store-Bought, Still Useful

You’ve probably seen these in pharmacies—elastic sleeves for knees, elbows, or wrists.

They’re easy to wear, offer warmth, and help joints rest
Some even have metal inserts for a bit more stability
Perfect for light support during daily activities or recovery

That said, in Judo therapy, we prefer to make our own fixation tools to suit each patient perfectly. Still, store-bought supports have their place when used wisely.

Making Your Own Fixation Tools: A Judo Therapist's Craft

Judo therapists take pride in crafting custom supports for each patient. This might involve:

Wrapping a metal splint with cotton cushion and a firm bandage
Using a triangular bandage with a splint to support an injured arm
Recycling unused scraps from other tools to avoid waste

It’s not just about healing—it’s about being smart and creative, too.

Why Soft Fixation Matters

Soft fixation might sound gentle, but it’s a powerful part of Judo therapy. These tools:

Support the body without restricting it too much
Help reduce swelling, pain, and discomfort
Can be used on their own or with hard materials for better results

Every good Judo therapist learns to balance strength and softness, and soft fixation materials are the perfect example of that balance.

Want to Learn Judo Therapy the Right Way?

Many of these soft fixation materials are hard to find outside Japan. If you’re serious about becoming a Judo therapist, try to practice using authentic Japanese materials.
Check online—some Japanese suppliers will ship internationally.

Learning to use soft fixation is not just about wrapping bandages. It’s about learning how to listen to the body, respond to what it needs, and apply healing with skill, care, and confidence.

2 Basic bandaging techniques

Bandaging Basics in Judo Therapy

A Simple Guide for Beginners

In Judo therapy, bandaging isn't just wrapping—it’s a skill that blends precision, care, and tradition. Whether you're treating a sprain or stabilizing a fracture, knowing how to handle a bandage makes all the difference.

How to Hold a Bandage

There are two main ways to grip a bandage:

1. Whole Palm Grip

Easy to control
Great for beginners
Slower but more stable

2. Thumb and Middle Finger Grip

Faster and smoother
Requires a tightly rolled bandage
Best for experienced therapists

Tip: Start with the palm grip. Once confident, try the thumb-and-finger method for better speed.

Rolling Techniques: Jun-maki vs. Gyaku-maki

Jun-maki (Normal Rolling)

Roll left to right using your right hand
Standard in Judo therapy
Ensures even pressure

Gyaku-maki (Reverse Rolling)

Roll right to left
Not part of formal training
Sometimes used by left-handed or advanced therapists

Surface Orientation: Omote-maki vs. Ura-maki

Omote-maki (Front Rolling)

The inner surface of the bandage touches the patient’s skin
Smooth, even pressure
Officially recommended

Ura-maki (Back Rolling)

The outer surface touches the skin
Can cause uneven pressure and circulation issues
Not recommended for general use

Rule of Thumb: Always roll the bandage gently across the skin—not pull it tight. Pulling causes problems like swelling or numbness.

Wrapping Tips

Start Smart: Leave a small folded flap at the beginning to secure the wrap.
Use It All: Don’t cut leftover bandage—wrap it around again to save material.
Secure the End: Use paper tape or fold the end into a triangle and tape it down. Avoid traditional metal clips—they can poke or scratch.

When to Ask for Help

Some bandaging situations need two people, especially when:

The injury area is large
You’re working with a splint or hard support
You need even tension across joints

A Cultural Note: “Grown” Bandages

In Japan, therapists often reuse and wash bandages. Why? Because over time, they become softer, more flexible, and easier to work with. These well-used bandages are called “grown” bandages—like a trusted tool that gets better with age.

Finding Materials

Bandaging tools specific to Judo therapy—like bandage stoppers or Japanese-style bandages—may be hard to find outside Japan. Look for:

Amazon Japan
Specialized online shops
Japanese suppliers that ship internationally

Why It Matters

Learning how to bandage properly is one of the most important skills in Judo therapy. It keeps patients safe, speeds up recovery, and reflects your care as a therapist.
Master the basics, and you’ll carry the heart of Judo therapy in every wrap.

3 Kikko-tai (Turtle shell method)

Kikko-tai (Turtle Shell Method): Smart Bandaging for Joints

In Judo therapy, there's a special way to wrap joints like elbows and knees—it’s called Kikko-tai, or the Turtle Shell Method. The name comes from the way the bandage looks: like the pattern on a turtle’s shell or a Japanese folding fan. It’s beautiful, but more importantly, it’s practical.

Why Use Kikko-tai?

Kikko-tai is perfect for joints that need protection but still need a little movement. It stabilizes the area without making it too stiff. This helps with healing, keeps the blood flowing, and prevents joint stiffness.

When Do We Use It?

Kikko-tai is the go-to method for bent joints. Wrapping a straight arm or leg tightly can block blood flow, so we never use spiral wrapping (Rasen-tai) on elbows or knees. Instead, we bend the joint and apply Kikko-tai.

Two Wrapping Styles

There are two ways to wrap:

Rikai Kikko-tai (Spreading Method): Start in the middle and fan the bandage outwards.
Shugo Kikko-tai (Gathering Method): Start at the edges and wrap inward to the center.

Both create a layered effect that holds the joint snugly.

How to Do It

Bend the joint to about 90 degrees.
Wrap once with a simple base layer (Kanko-tai) to secure things.
Apply Kikko-tai in your chosen direction, overlapping the bandage as you go.
Finish with another base wrap and secure it with tape or a bandage clip.

When to Use Each Method

If you’re focusing on stabilizing the joint, use both Rikai and Shugo methods.
If you’re just passing through the joint (like wrapping a whole limb), one wrap is enough.

Why It Works

Keeps joints stable but not frozen
Spreads pressure evenly
Works for both injuries and long-term joint issues

Common Mistakes

Wrapping too tightly or loosely
Not overlapping properly
Not adjusting the angle for the joint

Tips to Improve

Practice regularly
Use soft, broken-in bandages
Study the joint’s shape so your wrapping fits naturally

More Than a Technique

Kikko-tai isn’t just useful—it’s part of Japanese tradition. The turtle shell stands for strength and long life, and the folding fan represents beauty and skill. Kikko-tai brings those values into modern healing.

4 Shoulder joint treatment

Shoulder Immobilization with Cardboard Splints

In Judo therapy, shoulder injuries are common—especially from throws like Seoi Nage or bad landings during falls. That’s why knowing how to immobilize the shoulder safely is so important. Let’s look at an easy and effective way to do it using a cardboard splint.

Why Should We Immobilize the Shoulder?

The shoulder moves a lot, which means it’s easy to hurt. Injuries like dislocations, torn rotator cuffs, and joint sprains often need to be stabilized so they can heal. If not supported, these injuries can get worse.

Why Use Cardboard Splints?

They're light and easy to cut
They’re cheap and always available
You can shape them to fit any body
Great for clinics and emergencies

What You Need:

Two cardboard splints
Cotton padding for comfort (especially in the armpit)
Cotton bandages (non-elastic)
Tape or a bandage clip

How to Do It:

Prepare the Shoulder:
- Cut two splints to fit the front and back of the shoulder.
- Pad the inside of the splints with cotton to protect the skin.
Wrap the Arm (Kanko-Tai):
- Start with a circular wrap on the upper arm to hold the splints in place.
Apply the Splints:
- Place one splint on the front of the shoulder and one on the back.
- Keep the shoulder in a natural, resting position.
Wrap with Spiral Method (Rasen-Tai):
- Wrap the bandage from the arm to the shoulder, holding the splints in place.
- Make sure the bandage is firm but not too tight.
Protect the Armpit:
- Place a soft cotton cushion under the armpit to protect nerves and blood vessels.
Wrap in a Figure-Eight (Bakusui-Tai):
- This stabilizes the shoulder even more by wrapping around the arm and chest.
Secure Everything:
- Finish with another circular wrap and fasten with tape or a clip.

Extra Tips:

For small injuries, a simple triangular sling may be enough.
For serious injuries, a cast may be needed.
Always pad the skin to avoid irritation.

Why This Matters in Judo Therapy

This method isn’t just about using a splint—it’s about being resourceful, careful, and patient-focused. Even with something as simple as cardboard, Judo therapists can do a lot to help recovery. Mastering this method means you’re ready to act quickly and help someone heal safely and comfortably.

Learn it well, and you’ll be ready to protect one of the body’s most important—and injury-prone—joints.

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The lectures are arranged so that not only those who are already active as medical professionals, but also those without medical experience can enjoy learning Judo therapy.

If you are interested in our online course, please apply for enrollment and take classes.

We look forward to seeing you again!

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Kumazawa
Judo Therapy
Academy

255-0003

Kanagawa-ken Naka-gun Oiso-machi Oiso 1582

Japan

Tel. 0463-61-0749

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