Purpose

• Help to alleviate pain associated with muscular strains, particularly of the quadriceps.
  • NOTE:  This techniques can also be utilized following strains of the hamstrings, adductors, and/or abdominal muscles.
• Provide support and compression to injured muscles and thus facilitate recovery or facilitate function upon 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:  Seated on the treatment table with their leg extended and a bolster or rolled towel under their knee.
• Preparation:  Apply a light misting of quick dry adherent or skin toughner.
• Anchors:  Using 1.5-inch athletic tape, apply two vertical anchors.   One on the lateral aspect of the thigh above the knee joint to just below the greater trochanter of the femur. The other on the medial aspect of the thigh above the knee joint to the groin area.
• Herringbone Strips:  Starting distally, apply a strip from the medial anchor, across the thigh, at an oblique angle, to the lateral anchor. Apply another strip, starting from the lateral anchor, across the thigh to the medial anchor. This creates an “X”. Repeat these steps and move proximally up the thigh. Ensure to overlap these strips by half the width of the athletic tape. You should not leave any gaps or openings.
• Closing Strips:  Finish by re-applying the vertical anchor strips on the lateral and medial aspect of the thigh to secure the end of the herring bone or “X” strips. For added compression and durability during activity, apply 3-inch elastic tape over the entire tape technique.  Ensure to start distally and move proximally.

 Post-Tape Testing

• Check motor control, sensation, and circulation (MSC) after application.
• Manually assess the leg 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 leg 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.