How to Tape Superior Patellas

Taping the patella, or kneecap, is a common treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association. The study speculates that the patella shifts superiorly, or upward, causing pain. Taping shifts the patella inferiorly, or downward, and decreases the pain. If you suspect you have patellarfemoral pain syndrome, or if you have frequent knee pain, consult your physician, or physical therapist, before self-treating with patellar taping.

Things You'll Need

• Safety razor
• Alcohol swabs
• Cushion
• Hypoallergenic tape
• 38mm adhesive rigid sports tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Shave the area around your kneecap at least 12 hours before taping. Shaving beforehand keeps the tape from pulling out your hair and waiting 12 hours allows the skin to heal after shaving.

• 2

  Lie on your back with a cushion beneath your knee. Your knee should have a slight bend.

• 3

  Put a loose layer of hypoallergenic tape on your knee cap. This tape acts as a barrier to prevent skin irritation.

• 4

  Start the sports tape on the lateral, or outside, aspect of your knee, at the midpoint of your knee cap. Use your thumb to press your knee cap toward the medial, or inside, aspect of your knee.

• 5

  Pull the sports tape snuggly across your knee, to the medial aspect, and press it firmly on the inside of your knee. You should have a single strip of tape spanning across your kneecap.

• 6

  Repeat steps four and five one or two more times depending on how much stabilization you need.