How to Tape a Knee for Patella Support: Techniques, Benefits, and Application Guide

How to Tape a Knee for Patella Support?

Taping the patella (kneecap) can provide immediate support and pain relief for various knee conditions by influencing its alignment and movement within the patellofemoral groove.

Understanding Patella Support Taping

Patella support taping is a common technique used in sports medicine and rehabilitation to manage patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), patellar tracking issues, and other anterior knee pain conditions. The primary goal is to optimize the patella's position and movement, reducing stress on the underlying structures and facilitating pain-free activity. By applying tape with specific tension and direction, we aim to correct subtle biomechanical imbalances that contribute to discomfort.

Why Tape the Patella? Indications and Benefits

Taping for patella support is typically employed for conditions where the kneecap does not track optimally within the trochlear groove of the femur. This can lead to increased friction, pressure, and pain.

• Pain Reduction: By improving patellar alignment, taping can significantly decrease anterior knee pain, especially during activities like squatting, climbing stairs, or running.
• Improved Patellar Tracking: The tape provides a physical cue and mechanical support to guide the patella into a more centralized and stable position, reducing lateral displacement or tilt.
• Enhanced Proprioception: The tactile feedback from the tape can increase the body's awareness of the knee's position in space, potentially improving neuromuscular control.
• Facilitation of Rehabilitation: Taping allows individuals to engage in exercises with less pain, promoting strengthening of muscles like the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) which are crucial for patellar stability.
• Reduced Swelling (Kinesiology Taping): Kinesiology tape, with its elastic properties, can lift the skin, potentially creating more space for lymphatic drainage and reducing localized swelling.

Types of Taping Techniques for Patella Support

Two primary types of taping are commonly used for patella support:

• McConnell Taping (Rigid Taping): This technique uses rigid, non-elastic athletic tape and a hypoallergenic underwrap. It focuses on mechanically correcting the patella's position, often aiming to medially glide, tilt, or rotate the patella. It provides strong, immediate support.
• Kinesiology Taping (Elastic Taping): This technique uses elastic, breathable tape that mimics the elasticity of skin. It aims to facilitate natural movement, provide sensory input, reduce pain, and support muscle function without restricting range of motion.

McConnell Taping for Patella Support: Step-by-Step Guide

McConnell taping is a highly effective method for direct mechanical correction of patellar malalignment. It's crucial to understand the specific direction of tape pull to achieve the desired correction.

Materials Needed:

• Hypoallergenic underwrap (e.g., Cover-Roll Stretch, Mefix)
• Rigid athletic tape (e.g., Leukotape P, zinc oxide tape)
• Skin preparation wipes (optional, for adhesion)

Preparation:

• Clean and Dry Skin: Ensure the knee area is clean, dry, and free of lotions or oils.
• Hair Removal: Shave the area if necessary to improve adhesion and prevent discomfort upon removal.
• Patient Position: The patient should be lying or sitting with the knee slightly bent (approx. 20-30 degrees flexion) and relaxed. The quadriceps muscle should be relaxed.

Application Steps (Common Lateral Glide Correction):

1. Apply Underwrap:
   • Apply a strip of hypoallergenic underwrap from just above the patella, down around it, and ending below the patella on the inner (medial) side of the knee. Ensure it's smooth and wrinkle-free. This protects the skin from the rigid tape.
   • Alternatively, apply two strips: one above the patella horizontally, and one below the patella horizontally, creating anchor points.
2. Anchor Medially:
   • Place an anchor strip of rigid tape vertically on the medial side of the patella, running from above to below the patella on the underwrap.
3. Corrective Strip (Medial Glide):
   • Have the patient relax their quadriceps. Gently push the patella medially (towards the other knee) with your thumb and fingers.
   • While holding the patella in this corrected position, apply a strip of rigid tape starting from the outer (lateral) edge of the patella, pulling it firmly across the patella towards the medial anchor strip.
   • Adhere the end of the tape to the medial anchor strip or directly to the underwrap on the medial side of the knee. The tension should be significant, pulling the patella medially.
4. Additional Strips (Optional):
   • Depending on the specific patellar dysfunction (e.g., tilt, rotation), additional strips can be applied. For a lateral tilt, a strip can be applied from the lateral aspect of the patella, pulling downward and medially.
   • Multiple overlapping strips can be used for increased support, each applied with the same corrective tension.

Key Considerations:

• Skin Integrity: Check for any skin irritation or signs of circulatory issues after application.
• Comfort and Pain: The taping should reduce pain, not cause new pain. If pain increases, remove and reapply.
• Duration: McConnell taping is typically worn for specific activities or for up to 24-48 hours, depending on skin tolerance and comfort.

Kinesiology Taping for Patella Support: Step-by-Step Guide

Kinesiology tape offers dynamic support and can be worn for longer periods. Its application is less about rigid correction and more about sensory input and subtle support.

Materials Needed:

• Kinesiology tape (e.g., Kinesio Tex, RockTape, KT Tape)
• Scissors (if using a roll)

Preparation:

• Clean and Dry Skin: Ensure the knee area is clean, dry, and free of lotions or oils.
• Hair Removal: Shave the area if necessary for better adhesion.
• Rounded Edges: Round the corners of your tape strips to prevent peeling.

Application Steps (Common "I" Strip for Patella Tracking):

1. Measure and Cut:
   • Cut one long "I" strip of kinesiology tape, long enough to go from just above the patella, around one side, and ending just below the patella.
2. Anchor Above Patella:
   • With the knee slightly bent (approx. 20-30 degrees flexion), apply the anchor (first 1-2 inches) of the "I" strip directly above the patella, without any stretch.
3. Wrap Around and Apply Tension:
   • Gently push the patella into its desired position (e.g., medially).
   • Guide the tape around the side of the patella, applying a moderate stretch (25-50%) as you wrap it around the side that needs support (e.g., from lateral to medial to pull medially).
   • Bring the tape down and adhere the end (last 1-2 inches) without stretch, just below the patella.
4. Rub to Activate Adhesive:
   • Gently rub the entire length of the applied tape to activate the heat-sensitive adhesive.

Application Steps (Common "Fan" or "Y" Strip for Patella Stabilization):

1. Measure and Cut:
   • Cut a "Y" strip where the "tail" splits into two "legs" or a "fan" strip with multiple narrow legs.
2. Anchor Below Patella:
   • With the knee slightly bent, apply the anchor of the "Y" strip (the base of the "Y") directly below the patella, without any stretch.
3. Guide Legs Around Patella:
   • Gently push the patella to its desired position.
   • Take one leg of the "Y" and apply it with light to moderate stretch (10-25%) around one side of the patella (e.g., medial side).
   • Take the second leg and apply it with light to moderate stretch around the other side of the patella (e.g., lateral side), creating a "basket" or "hug" around the patella. The ends of the legs should be applied without stretch.
4. Rub to Activate Adhesive:
   • Gently rub the entire length of the applied tape to activate the adhesive.

Key Considerations:

• Stretch Level: Kinesiology tape effectiveness is highly dependent on the amount of stretch applied. For support, a moderate stretch is common.
• Wrinkles: Ensure no wrinkles are formed, as they can cause skin irritation.
• Duration: Kinesiology tape can be worn for 3-5 days, even through showering, as long as it remains adhered and comfortable.

Important Considerations Before Taping

Before attempting to tape your knee, consider the following:

• Accurate Diagnosis: Taping is a supportive measure, not a cure. Ensure you have a proper diagnosis for your knee pain from a healthcare professional (e.g., physical therapist, orthopedist). Taping without understanding the underlying cause can mask serious issues.
• Skin Sensitivity: Always test a small patch of tape on your skin first to check for allergies or irritation, especially with rigid tape.
• Contraindications: Do not tape over open wounds, cuts, blisters, or areas with active infections. Individuals with fragile skin, certain skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis), or circulatory issues should consult a doctor before taping.
• Proper Technique: Incorrect taping can worsen symptoms or cause skin irritation. If you are unsure, seek guidance from a qualified physical therapist or athletic trainer.
• Dynamic Assessment: The effectiveness of the tape should be assessed during movement. It should reduce pain and improve function, not restrict movement or cause discomfort.
• Not a Long-Term Solution: Taping is generally a short-term aid. It should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive rehabilitation program focusing on strengthening, flexibility, and movement pattern correction.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

While self-taping can be beneficial, it is always recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist, sports medicine physician, or certified athletic trainer, for the following reasons:

• Diagnosis Confirmation: They can accurately diagnose the cause of your knee pain.
• Personalized Taping Strategy: They can assess your specific patellar mechanics and teach you the most appropriate taping technique for your condition.
• Comprehensive Treatment Plan: Taping is just one component of a holistic treatment plan that may include exercises, manual therapy, and activity modification.
• Troubleshooting: If the tape isn't helping or is causing discomfort, a professional can adjust the application or suggest alternative solutions.

Conclusion

Taping the knee for patella support can be a highly effective strategy for managing anterior knee pain and improving patellar tracking. Whether utilizing the rigid support of McConnell taping or the dynamic facilitation of kinesiology taping, the goal is to optimize biomechanics and reduce discomfort. However, proper application, careful attention to skin integrity, and an understanding of the underlying condition are paramount. Always remember that taping is a supportive tool and should complement a broader rehabilitation program guided by a qualified healthcare professional.