Knee pain can be a debilitating issue, especially for the physically active. One of its most common types is anterior knee pain, which is the pain above the kneecap. Patellar abnormalities and arthritis typically cause this pain. Conversely, less common pains under the kneecap are caused by cartilage breakdown.
Fortunately, the MedTAC Synthetic Kinesiology Tape can relieve and support anterior knee pain and other types of pain. Kinesiology tape for knees is a flexible and elastic tape designed to support and stabilise the muscles, tendons, and joints, including those in your knees. Here we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to strap your knee for pain and further explore the benefits of kinesiology tape.
How Does Kinesiology Tape Help for Pain in the Knee?
Kinesiology tape is a popular option for those who suffer from knee pain. It helps by micro-massaging the skin and underlying tissues to help reduce inflammation and increase blood flow.
For knee pain, the tape is applied in a specific pattern to support the knee joint and the surrounding muscles. Aside from helping you get over anterior knee pain, kinesiology tape can also correct your knee’s improper alignment.
Good kinesiology tape knee should be made of high-quality, breathable materials. Comfort is one of the key benefits of using kinesiology tape, as it allows a full range of motion despite the pain or injury. Aside from comfort, it must also be waterproof so you can wear it despite sweat or when doing activities in the water.
Some kinesiology tapes, like the MedTAC Peppermint Kinesiology Tape, treat comfort with utmost importance. This specific tape isn’t only synthetic and latex free. It also offers a cooling effect to instigate pain relief further. If you like the cooling sensation, this knee-strapping tape makes all the difference.
How to Tape a Knee for Pain?
To strap your knee for pain, you will need a knee strapping tape like the MedTAC Capsaicin Kinesiology Tape, which also has a heating effect. Other than that, you will need scissors and your physiotherapist or a friend to help apply the tape. Follow these steps:
1. Clean Your Skin
Make sure your skin is clean and dry before applying the tape. Any liquids, such as sweat or lotion, may reduce the tape’s effectiveness.
2. Cut the Tape
Cut the tape enough to cover the painful part of your knee. Some techniques suggest four to six wide and long strips to cover your knee. However, other techniques require cutting multiple lengths of tape to cover the painful or injured area.
3. Apply the Tape
There are many different application styles when taping for knee pain. One is the fan-like pattern, where the end of the tape extends down the pain below the knee cap above the shin. There’s also one where you use long and short Y-strips. This one is more popular and often used, although you may need to cut the strips to form one long and one short Y-strip. The longer strip should be 1-2 feet long.
- First, sit on the edge of anything elevated (for example, a bench or a chair) where you can bend your knee.
- Get the longer Y strip and peel off the first inch of its tape. Place it first in the center of your thigh.
- After securing the tape, split the Y and remove its backing. You will attach them on both sides of your kneecap. Then, stretch the Y tails by 25 to 50 percent, secure them, and rub gently to activate the adhesive.
- This time, peel off the first inch of the shorter strip and secure it on the outer side of your kneecap.
- Repeat the same process as the longer strip, but the tails should hug below and above your kneecap.
4. Finish the Process
Rub the tapes gently so it stays in place. It also avoids wrinkles and creases. Cut off excess tape and ensure all ends are securely attached to your skin.
Knee pain can be frustrating, but kinesiology tape for pain in the knee can provide relief and support. Make sure the tape you apply is tight enough but not too tight to restrict motion or cause discomfort. If you experience discomfort or irritation, immediately remove the tape and consult a healthcare professional.
Ultimately, kinesiology tapes are an excellent support for those who suffer from knee pain and other pain.
Also Read : How K Tape Can Relieve Your Lower Back Pain