Purpose

• Relieve pain associated with patellar tendinopathy (a.k.a. jumper’s knee) or Osgood-Schlatter’s disease.
• Offset the load on the distal pole of the patella or tibial tuberosity by reducing the strain on the patellar tendon during physical activity.

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

Option #1: Roll Up Technique

• Individual Positioning:  Seated position on the edge of their chair, with their knee slightly flexed (approx. 60 to 70°).
• Preparation:  Apply a light misting of quick dry adherent or skin toughener.  Wrap pro-wrap from just above the patella to below the tibial tuberosity. This will help to prevent pinching at hamstring tendons in the popliteal fossa area and to cover the proximal aspect of the lower leg.
• Support Strips:  Starting at the anterolateral aspect of the knee, between the line of the inferior pole of the patella and the tibial tuberosity, wrap 2-inch or 3-inch elastic tape around the lower leg. Repeat this step three times.  When completed, tightly roll up the pro-wrap and elastic tape from the bottom and top.  This will create a band positioned midway between tibial tuberosity and the distal pole of patella.

Option #2: Twist Technique

• Individual Positioning:  Same as described above.
• Preparation:  Same as described above.
• Support Strips:  Starting at the anterolateral aspect of the knee, between the inferior pole of the patella and the tibial tuberosity, wrap 2-inch or 3-inch elastic tape around the knee. After completing a revolution, pinch or fold the elastic tape and start twisting the tape repeatedly to create a band. Lay this  band flat over the patellar tendon. Flatten the elastic tape again and continue to wrap around the knee (take care not to pull too much as this could potentially impair circulation or cause pinching).  Once the tape is passed around the knee, you can twist it a second time to make a second band. Complete the support technique by flattening the tape again and wrap it around the knee.  Roll up excess or tear off any excess pro-wrap.

Option #3: Pad Technique

• Individual Positioning:  Same as described above.
• Preparation:  Apply a light misting of quick dry adherent or skin toughner.  Cut a small piece of dense foam padding (PPT blue or camping beige foam) and place it between the inferior pole of the patella and the tibial tuberosity, directly over the patellar tendon.  Apply pro-wrap from mid-patella to below the tibial tuberosity.
• Support Strips:  Apply three strips of 3-inch elastic tape around the knee to secure the piece of foam between the distal pole of the patella and the tibial tuberosity.  Finish by applying three strips of athletic tape directly over the piece of foam for added tension and security.

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.