Purpose

• Provide stability for the knee joint following medial and/or lateral collateral (MCL and LCL) ligament sprains by limiting excessive valgus and/or varus movements.
• Provide support and improve stability during recovery and  return to play.

Pre-Tape Testing

• Determine MOI (traumatic injury versus repetitive overuse strain versus pathological biomechanics/malalignments versus muscular imbalances versus poor footwear).
• Ask if they have been taped before and if there were any issues encountered.
• Rule-out allergies to sprays and/or taping products.
• Inspect the skin for any signs of soft tissue injury (i.e., cuts, abrasions, blisters).
• Check motor, sensation, and circulation (MSC) before execution of the support technique.

Components and Execution Procedures

• Individual Positioning:  Standing position with their knee slightly bent (knee over toes or approximately 30°), with their heel raised on a roll of athletic tape.
• Preparation:  Apply lubricated heel and lace pads in the popliteal space (behind the knee) over the hamstring tendons as this will reduce friction and prevent tape cuts or blisters.  Apply a light misting of quick-dry adherent and follow with the application of pro-wrap, from mid-calf to mid-thigh.
• Anchors:  Apply two anchors to the calf and two or three anchors to the thigh using 3-inch elastic tape. Ensure to overlap each strip of tape and anchor at least one full strip onto the individual’s skin for better adhesion.
• Support Strips:  Using a roll of athletic tape, apply a strip of tape from the anterior aspect of the lower calf anchor up towards the medial aspect of the thigh anchor. Apply another strip from the posterior-medial aspect of the calf up towards the anterior aspect of the thigh anchor. This will create an “X”. Remember to crimp or fold the tape as it passes joint lines as this will reduce chances of the tape ripping during movement.  Repeat the above two steps and finish with a total of three X’s (hence the term “fan” technique). Ensure that these strips cross at the joint line and overlap slightly. NOTE:  Do not restrict the movement of the patella (kneecap).  Repeat the entire process on the other side of the knee.
  • NOTE: If this is done correctly, there is a diamond-shaped area, without any tape around the patella.
• Closing Strips:  Finish the technique by re-applying calf and thigh anchors utilizing 3-inch elastic tape.

Post-Tape Testing

• Check motor control, sensation, and circulation (MSC) after application.
• Manually assess the knee to test the integrity of the support technique. In other words, has the support technique limited the movement(s) that are painful?
• Functionally assess the knee to test the integrity of support technique. This testing should be specific to the individual’s sport or activity and specific to their position in that same sport or activity.