How to Tape the Patellofemoral

Patellofemoral taping is a widely used method for relieving patellofemoral pain, though it is not completely understood how this method works. Patellofemoral pain is a term used to describe pain on the front of the knee of which the cause is not known. The McConnell method for patellofemoral taping was developed by Jenny McConnell in 1984 and was designed to shift and stabilize the patella or knee cap on the femur or thigh bone.

Things You'll Need

• 2-inch Kinesio Tape
• Towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Have the patient lay down on their back with the knee bent. Roll the towel and place under their bent knee. Ask the patient to relax their leg.

• 2

  Cut off a 6 inch piece of athletic tape and place one end over the outer edge of the knee cap. Keep your thumb on the tape to make sure it does not slip off of the skin as you use the thumb to gently press the knee cap toward the inner part of the leg. At the same time, use the rest of your hand to push the skin on the inner part of the knee in the opposite direction as your are pushing the knee.

• 3

  Grab the free end of the tape with your free hand and pull it over and lay down over the knee cap and skin. Repeat Steps 1-3 to attain the desired amount of knee support.