Best Techniques For Applying Kinesiology Tape Knee

Whether it’s a sharp, shooting pain or a dull ache, most people experience knee pain at some point in their lives. Our knees are one of the most important joints in our body, but they are also one of the most vulnerable. They are responsible for stabilizing and supporting your weight in daily activities like walking and turning. Kinesiology Tape also have a complicated structure and are largely unprotected, making them prone to acute injuries and long-term deterioration.

Kinesiology taping is a popular therapeutic method used by physiotherapists and sports therapists to relieve pain, aid recovery and prevent re-injury in all parts of the body, including the knee. The tape is strategically placed on and around the injured area for maximum therapeutic effect. Before trying knee taping for yourself, you should consult a professional to learn the correct taping technique.

It should also be noted that Kinesiology taping works best as a supplement to other forms of treatments, including therapeutic exercise and medication.

When applying Kinesiology tape, always ensure that the skin is clean, dry, and free of any lotions or oils. If there is dense hair in the area, you will need to trim the excess hair so that the tape can have a good grip on the skin. Other things to keep in mind are:

• Cut rounded corners at the ends (if they don’t already have them) so that they don’t get as easily snagged by clothing and will stay on longer.
• Avoid touching the adhesive, as that will make it less sticky.
• Rub the entire strip for several seconds after application. The heat will activate the glue.

Kinesiology Taping Technique For Knee Stability And Support

The key to taping for increased stability and support is to apply it tight enough so that the patient feels supported, but not too tight where it feels restrictive. The following taping technique can be used to correct patella tracking and tendon issues, improve stability and mediate pain at the front of the kneecap.

Patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome, commonly known as “runner’s knee”, will also benefit from this technique. Some common causes include muscle imbalances or overuse and repetitive stress in activities such as running or jumping. When Kinesiology tape is correctly applied, the patient should feel reduced pain and improved functionality.

To tape the knee:

1. Measure from the bump under the kneecap to the quadriceps tendon and cut two tape strips of equal length. Cut a third shorter strip that fits around the bottom of the knee cap without going behind the knee. Remember to round the corners.
2. Sit with the knee at 90 degrees.
3. Take the shorter strip and split the backing in the middle to create tabs.
4. Hold on to the tabs and apply the middle section of the tape underneath the kneecap with 80% stretch. Lay down the ends of the tape with no stretch.
5. Take one of the longer strips and peel off one inch of the backing. Lay it down on the mid-thigh area without stretch.
6. Peel the backing off further to about halfway. Hold on to the secured part of the tape and stretch to 40%. Wrap the tape around the outer knee, following its natural curve. Secure the end with no stretch and rub over the tape.
7. Repeat with the second strip along the inner knee, crossing the ends, forming an X.

Kinesiology Taping Technique For Medial Knee Pain Relief

Medial knee pain, or inner knee pain, is commonly caused by a medial meniscus injury or a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury or sprain. This taping method will provide support and stability for those who wish to return to sport or daily activities with confidence post-injury. A similar technique can also be employed on the lateral (outer) part of the knee after a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury.

To apply the tape:

1. Cut out one 10-inch “I” strip and round the ends.
2. Bend the knee at 90 degrees.
3. Peel one inch of the backing off and lay the tape down below the inner knee/ on the upper part of the calf with no stretch.
4. Peel the backing off further to create a tab. Hold on to the tab and stretch the tape to 10 percent, guiding it along the inner knee and ending on the inner thigh. Rub the tape to activate the glue.
5. Cut two 5-inch “I” strips and round the ends. Split the middle of the tape backing to create tabs. Stretch it to 80 percent and apply vertically on the site of pain so that the strip extends from the top of the knee to the inner calf.
6. Repeat with the second strip. It should extend from the inner thigh to the kneecap, creating an “X”.

Kinesiology Tape Technique For Anterior Knee Pain Relief

Anterior knee pain describes pain at the front and centre of the knee commonly caused by overuse, misalignment, muscle imbalances and arthritis. The first technique mentioned can be used for this condition, but you can also use pre-cut Y-shaped tape to provide similar support and pain relief.

You’ll need two Y strips. To apply:

1. Bend the knee at 90 degrees.
2. Secure the bottom of the Y strip in the middle of the thigh.
3. Take the outer projection and apply it along the outer knee with no stretch. It should extend across the bottom of the kneecap to the opposite side.
4. Repeat with the other projection on the inner knee.
5. Secure the bottom of the second Y strip on the bottom of the kneecap.
6. Remove the outer projection’s backing and lay it down along the outer knee, extending towards the base of the first Y strip. Apply the tape with no stretch.
7. Repeat with the other projection on the inner knee.
8. Rub over the entire application to activate the glue.

There are many ways to tape the knee, and it’s always best to consult and learn from a professional. They’ll show you the best taping technique for your specific conditions and symptoms.

Author’s Bio
Kristy Ngai is a content writer for BreezeMaxWeb that helps businesses showcase their brand through enticing copy. When she’s not working, you can find her playing net in a local beer
league or biking around the city.