The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is a broad, flat band of tissue running along the inner side of the knee, connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). The MCL’s primary function is to resist valgus forces, which are stresses that push the knee inward, preventing the joint from collapsing medially. Taping provides temporary, external support intended to limit excessive side-to-side movement, offering stability for mild ligament strains during activity. Taping is a support measure and is not a replacement for a professional medical diagnosis or treatment plan. This guide details the materials and specific application techniques necessary to apply both rigid and elastic tape for MCL support.
Pre-Taping Safety and Materials
Before beginning any taping application, gather the necessary supplies. For rigid taping, you will need non-elastic athletic tape (1.5 or 2 inches wide) and pre-wrap to protect the skin. Optional adhesive spray improves grip, and blunt-tipped scissors or a tape cutter are needed for safe removal. Elastic kinesiology tape is required for dynamic support techniques.
Skin preparation is important for comfort and tape adhesion. The area around the knee must be clean, dry, and free of lotions or oils; shaving dense hair growth can prevent irritation. Injuries involving severe pain, significant joint instability, or noticeable swelling should be evaluated by a medical professional before taping. After application, check for signs of circulation compromise, such as tingling, numbness, or a change in skin color below the tape, which indicates the wrap is too tight.
Rigid (Non-Elastic) Taping Technique
The application of non-elastic athletic tape creates a physical barrier that mechanically limits inward stress on the medial side of the knee. Position the knee in a slightly flexed position, typically between 15 and 30 degrees. This slight flexion ensures the tape provides maximum resistance to valgus stress without excessively restricting movement when the leg is straight.
The process begins by establishing anchor points, which are strips of tape or pre-wrap applied completely around the limb. Place one anchor above the knee joint on the lower thigh and one below on the upper calf. These anchors provide a secure starting and ending point for the support strips that carry the mechanical load.
The rigid support strips are then applied to the medial side of the knee. Apply these strips in a series of overlapping diagonal and horizontal lines, often forming a fan or an “X” pattern over the path of the MCL. The application direction should pull the leg toward the midline, counteracting the valgus force. Each successive support strip should overlap the previous one by about half its width to ensure maximum strength and uniform coverage.
The final step involves securing the support strips with additional circular strips, known as locking strips. Apply these locking strips over the initial anchor points. This prevents the support strips from peeling up during movement and secures the entire application. The completed tape job should feel secure and restrictive but must not cause discomfort behind the knee.
Kinesiology (Elastic) Taping Technique
In contrast to rigid tape, elastic kinesiology tape provides dynamic support and proprioceptive feedback rather than a mechanical block. This method is preferred for milder strains or later rehabilitation stages because it allows for a greater range of motion. The application typically uses one or more I-strips (long, single strips) or Y-strips (cut to fork at one end).
For MCL support, position the knee in slight flexion. Anchor the first I-strip without stretch, either above or below the joint line. The body of the tape is then stretched to approximately 50 to 75% of its maximum tension and applied directly over the path of the MCL. Applying tension over the ligament lifts the skin slightly, which can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
A second strip is often applied to reinforce the first, sometimes crossing it at a different angle to create a basket weave over the area of maximal tenderness. The last two inches of the tape, known as the tail, must be laid down onto the skin with zero tension. After all strips are applied, rub the tape briskly to activate the heat-sensitive adhesive, ensuring firm adherence.
Post-Application Care and Removal
Once the tape is applied, continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure the application remains effective and safe. Check the tape immediately and periodically for signs of skin irritation, such as redness, itching, or blistering. If pain increases or if any signs of circulation loss develop, the tape must be removed immediately.
The duration for which tape can be worn varies between the two types. Rigid athletic tape is intended for temporary use only, such as during a specific activity, and should be removed shortly after completion. Elastic kinesiology tape is designed to be worn for a longer period, often lasting between three and five days, provided there is no skin irritation.
When removing the tape, take care to protect the underlying skin. Peel the tape back slowly, pulling it flat and close to the skin surface in the direction of hair growth to minimize discomfort. Adhesive removers or baby oil can be used to dissolve the sticky residue, making the process easier. After removal, the skin should be washed and moisturized and checked for any signs of blistering or abrasion.