Coban Wrap
Coban™ Wrap
Patient Information
Upper Limb Unit, Wrightington Hospital
- Author ID: CF
- Leaflet ref: UL 002
- Version: 7
- Leaflet Title: Coban™ Wrap
- Last Review: June 2025
- Expiry Date: June 2027
About Coban™ Wrap
Coban™ wrap is an elasticated wrap that sticks to itself when wrapped around a finger or hand. It provides constant pressure along the skin's surface, helping to reduce swelling after an injury or surgery. Swelling is a natural healing phase but can cause complications if persistent, leading to stiff and uncomfortable joints.
Coban™ wrap helps by:
- Maintaining compression along the skin's surface
- Preventing fluid pooling into the finger joints
- Supporting the swollen area while allowing joint movement
Applying Coban™
- Wrapping around the finger (1 inch width)
- Make a loop around the tip-end of the affected finger, leaving the fingertip free.
- Wrap the Coban™ around the finger, moving half the thickness of the strip as you go down to the base of the finger.
- Maintain the crinkles of the strip while wrapping. Do not tense the elastic threads within the Coban™.
- Pinching along the finger (2-3 inch width depending on finger length)
- Unroll a length of wide Coban™ wrap.
- Cut down the width of the Coban™ to match the length of the finger, allowing the fingertip to remain free.
- Bring the Coban™ around the finger and pinch the overlapping edges together. Begin at the fingertip end and continue along the length of the finger.
- Carefully cut off the excess material just above the surface of the finger. Flatten the small ridge left to secure the sealed edges further.
- Maintain the crinkles of the strip while wrapping. Do not tense the elastic threads within the Coban™.
Guidelines for Using Coban™
- Coban™ is designed to permit full movement of your finger joints.
- Once applied, it can be worn throughout the day and at night if advised by your therapist.
- Your skin may appear wrinkled when the Coban™ is removed; this is normal.
- Coban™ should be removed and replaced if the hand becomes wet.
- Store the Coban™ flat when not wearing.
Precautions
- The tip of the finger should be left exposed for monitoring of circulation and sensation.
- Regularly check for signs of tingling, numbness, color change, and coldness. Remove the Coban™ wrap if any of these signs occur.
- It should be applied with appropriate tension as demonstrated by your therapist.
- You may feel a pulsing sensation following application. This is normal and should not restrict your circulation.
- Coban™ should not be applied directly into an open wound.
- Do not wear the Coban™ at night unless advised by your therapist.
If you experience any problems, please contact your therapist:
Wrightington Therapy Department
Phone: 01257 488272
Email: wwl-tr.therapyadmin@nhs.net
Hours: 08:00-16:30 Monday to Friday
Leigh Health Centre Therapy Department
Phone: 0300 700 1597
Email: wwl-tr.leighphysio@nhs.net
Hours: 08:00-16:30 Monday to Friday
Boston House
Phone: 0300 707 1113
Email: wwl-tr.mskphysio-bostonhouse@nhs.net
Hours: 08:00-16:30 Monday to Friday