Patellar tendonitis, often known as Jumper’s Knee, results from inflammation or degeneration of the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). The tendon is subjected to high tensile forces during activities like jumping, running, or sudden stopping, leading to micro-trauma and pain just below the kneecap. Taping the knee is a common, non-invasive method used to provide immediate support and temporary pain relief, allowing individuals to engage in rehabilitation or continue daily activities with reduced discomfort. The technique alters the forces acting on the irritated tendon, but it is a temporary aid that must be combined with a comprehensive treatment plan.
Necessary Supplies and Skin Preparation
Effective taping requires selecting the correct materials and properly preparing the skin to maximize adhesion and minimize irritation. Two primary types of tape are used: rigid athletic tape (often used in the McConnell technique) and elastic therapeutic tape (Kinesiology tape). Rigid tape offers strong mechanical support to correct the kneecap’s position, while elastic tape provides a more subtle lift to the skin and soft tissues.
Before application, the skin must be clean, dry, and free of oils or lotions, which prevent the adhesive from bonding securely. Cleaning the area with rubbing alcohol is recommended to remove residual oils and sweat, enhancing the tape’s longevity. If the skin is hairy, shaving is necessary to ensure a smooth surface for adhesion and to make tape removal less painful. For prolonged wear, especially during intense physical activity, an adhesive spray can be lightly applied to the skin to create a tacky layer that further secures the tape placement.
Detailed Application Techniques
Two distinct taping methods are commonly used to manage patellar tendonitis, utilizing either elastic or rigid tape. The elastic tape method focuses on unloading the tendon directly, often employing an “I” strip applied with significant stretch over the painful area. To begin this method, the knee should be slightly bent, placing the quadriceps muscle and tendon on a slight stretch.
Kinesiology tape is measured to span from below the tibial tuberosity, over the patellar tendon, and up past the top of the kneecap. The first two inches are applied without tension below the tibial tuberosity. The central section is stretched to 50 to 75 percent of maximum capacity and laid directly over the patellar tendon and the inferior pole of the patella. The final two inches are laid down above the kneecap with zero tension, and the tape is rubbed to activate the adhesive.
The second method uses rigid athletic tape, often applied over a protective underwrap to prevent skin irritation from the strong adhesive. This technique, known as a patellar tracking correction or McConnell taping, is designed to glide the kneecap into a more favorable alignment, typically medially. A short strip of rigid tape is anchored to the outer (lateral) side of the kneecap.
The patella is then manually shifted toward the inner (medial) side of the knee by pressing on the outer border of the kneecap. Maintaining this medial glide, the tape is pulled tautly across the center of the kneecap and firmly anchored to the skin on the inner side of the knee. This rigid pull helps to counteract any lateral tilting or displacement of the patella, a common biomechanical contributor to anterior knee pain. Multiple strips can be overlapped to reinforce the correction, ensuring the kneecap remains in the corrected position during movement.
How Taping Stabilizes the Knee
Taping provides stability and pain relief through mechanical and neurosensory effects. Mechanically, the tape reduces tensile strain on the patellar tendon during dynamic loading, such as jumping. Applying tape with tension directly over the tendon creates a compressive force that shortens the functional length of the tendon, altering force distribution and reducing stress.
Rigid tape corrects patellar alignment by physically guiding the kneecap to track correctly within the trochlear groove of the femur. This improved tracking reduces friction and uneven pressure on the underlying cartilage and soft tissues, which can be a source of pain. Ensuring the patella moves along a smoother path optimizes compressive forces throughout the patellofemoral joint, lessening irritation.
Beyond the mechanical support, taping also provides a neurosensory effect through proprioceptive feedback. The constant presence and slight tension of the tape on the skin send sensory signals to the brain, enhancing the body’s awareness of the joint’s position and movement. This heightened awareness encourages the user to subconsciously adjust movement patterns, promoting better muscle recruitment and control around the knee. The improved sense of stability can lead to an immediate reduction in perceived pain, even if the actual mechanical correction is subtle.
Safety Guidelines and Duration of Wear
Safety protocols must be followed when self-applying tape to manage patellar tendonitis. Kinesiology tape is generally safe to wear for an extended period, typically three to five days, as it is water-resistant and breathable. Rigid athletic tape, however, is usually worn for shorter periods, often only during the activity itself, due to its non-elastic nature and greater potential for skin irritation.
The tape must be removed immediately if any signs of adverse reaction occur, including excessive itching, redness, blistering, or numbness below the application site. These symptoms indicate an allergic reaction or that the tape is applied too tightly, which could impede circulation. When removing the tape, peel it back slowly, pulling in the direction of hair growth while pressing down on the skin to minimize trauma.
To facilitate gentler removal, especially for rigid tape, applying baby oil or adhesive remover to the tape’s surface can help dissolve the adhesive bond. While taping offers short-term pain relief and support, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice or a rehabilitation program. If pain persists, worsens, or returns immediately after removal, a healthcare professional should be consulted for a proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan.