Taping Techniques For More Serious Injuries
Keep In Mind:
Always locate individual painful points first
Diamond center go directly over painful areas
Test all applications by bending knee
Perpendicular strips = enhanced stability
General Knee Instability
Apply first strip below patella/above tibia → Anchor on medial/lateral distal femur
Add 2 strips on each side of patella (align with joint space)
For MCL pain: Diamond opening over painful spot → Tape up/down along ligament
For LCL pain: Same as MCL on lateral side
Test: Bend knee to check tape stretches properly
Applicable for: General instability, poor tracking, mild MCL/LCL laxity, giving-way sensation, early OA
Meniscus / Runner's Knee / Patellar Pain
Position: Knee flexed 90°+
Apply tape below patella/above tibia
Anchor ends on medial/lateral distal femur
Test: Check tape stretches when bending
Applicable for: Meniscus tears, Patellar tendonitis, Runner's knee, Patellofemoral pain
Arthritis & Post-Surgery Pain
Position: Knee flexed maximally (60° minimum, 90° ideal)
Apply tape below patella/above tibia → Anchor on distal femur
Add 2 strips along patella sides (align with joint space)
Test: Check tape stretches effectively
Applicable for: Severe OA, medial compartment arthritis, morning stiffness, post-replacement pain, swelling
Inner Knee Pain (Medial Meniscus)
Locate pain on vastus medialis above medial meniscus
Position: Bend knee comfortably
Diamond opening over painful spot → Apply along meniscus direction
Second strip perpendicular to first
Test: Check smooth stretching
Note: Vastus medialis compensates for meniscus injury - this supports both
Applicable for: Medial meniscus pain, MCL injuries
IT Band Syndrome
Locate pain at distal IT Band
Diamond opening over painful spot → Apply along IT Band
Second strip perpendicular to first
Test: Check smooth stretching
Applicable for: IT Band Syndrome
ACL Injuries
Position: Knee FULLY EXTENDED (different from all others)
Apply tape over tibial tuberosity on proximal tibia (NOT in space below patella)
Anchor on medial/lateral distal femur
Add 2 strips beside first (limits anterior tibial translation)
Test: Bend knee to check stretch
Applicable for: ACL injuries
MCL injuries
Diamond opening over MCL painful point → Tape up/down along ligament
Second strip: Anchor medial tibial tuberosity → semitendinosus (resists valgus)
Third strip: Vastus medialis painful spot → Along MCL direction
Test: Check effective stretching
Note: Vastus medialis compensates for MCL injury - supports both
Applicable for: MCL injuries
Knee Bursitis-Prepatellar
First strip: Above to below patella (midpoint over bursa) → Anchor distal femur/proximal tibia
Decompression: 2 strips with diamond openings flanking swelling
Creates decompression zone over bursa
Applicable for: Prepatellar bursitis
Knee Bursitis-Pes Anserine
First strip: Below patella/above tibia → Anchor on distal femur (reduces anterior load)
Locate pain at anteromedial lower tibia (where 3 tendons meet)
Diamond opening over pain → Apply upward along pes anserinus group
Applicable for: Pes anserine bursitis
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The information provided should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan, exercise routine, or if you have gout or acute joint inflammation. Individual results may vary. Easy Tape is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.