One of the common sporting injuries amongst athletes and the active population is pain around or underneath the kneecap.
The general term for this is PFPS - patellofemoral pain syndrome. The application of Mobility Tape aims to provide comfort, relieve pain and also try to change the tracking of the patella as the knee bends and extends.
Common causes include running, cycling, or any sports or actions where the knee is undergoing repetitive motion over the course of a long period of time.
For knee cap application:
- Use two pre-cut pieces of tape that have been rounded at both ends.
- Position the knee in a gently bent position, so that you can clearly see the borders of the patella or the kneecap.
- Find the midline above the kneecap, and attach tape
- Cross over the midline and then wrap around the knee, coming down the tibial tubercle - the bony prominence of the shin.
- Wrap the patellar tendon as well.
- Using the second piece of tape, overlap at the top and follow the same procedure on the other side.
- The kneecap should be encircled and well supported by the tape while the analgesic action will provide relief.
- If required, apply an anchor wrap around the leg at the top and bottom.
As always, with any undiagnosed pain, please check in with your medical provider.
Watch this knee taping demo with James Gardner, certified athletic therapist and Strength and Conditioning Specialist.