Techniques for How to Tape Knees for Sports

Knee taping is not common for athletes nowadays. The widespread use of knee braces and other techniques has nearly made knee taping obsolete. However, there are still some cases in which knee taping can benefit athletes. However, do not attempt knee taping if you do not have the necessary training, and always consult a physician before performing any type of physio-therapeutic treatment.

  1. MCL Taping

    • Taping of the medial collateral ligament or MCL, one of the four major ligaments of the knee, is acceptable to provide additional support to an athlete who has been fully rehabilitated. Use spray adherent, heel and lace pads, elastic and stretch tape to tape X-shaped strips to both sides of the knee for extra protection from lateral overextension of the MCL.

    Lateral Crosses

    • Knee tape applied as lateral crosses around the kneecap, or patella, provides lower, side and upper support to the knee. This technique is used in knee taping for injuries to the lateral collateral ligament or LCL, and for knee taping for a meniscal tear to provide support and prevent further injuries.

    Knee Compression Wrap

    • When an athlete has suffered an injury that causes swelling in the knee joint, it is important to help the patient manage and remove the fluid causing the inflammation. A compression wrap using a crisscross pattern secured with flexible tape can help in the athlete's recovery. Never allow the athlete to wear the wrap overnight without loosening it first, and always check that circulation is not impaired after the wrap is applied.

    Knee Strap Taping

    • Athletes who have suffered from patella tendinitis can benefit from this knee tendon taping technique. A famous example is tennis champion Rafael Nadal, who often uses patella tendon tape to protect the patella tendon from excessive forces that could overstretch it. This technique involves the application of trainer's tape to the base of the athlete's knee when bent. Pass the tape around the leg several times, twisting the tape in the middle to reinforce the taping. The tape compresses the tendon, which reduces its girth and limits the force that can be transferred to it.