Applying KT Tape to the knee involves placing elastic therapeutic tape on the skin covering muscles, ligaments, and joints to provide support, alleviate pain, and potentially improve function. It's not applied directly to isolated muscle fibers but rather to the skin overlying the target area, which often includes major leg muscles surrounding the knee joint like the quadriceps and hamstrings.
Here's a breakdown of the process, including techniques based on common applications and insights from the provided reference about a "Full Knee Support" method.
Getting Started with Knee Taping
Before applying any tape, ensure the skin is clean, dry, and free of lotions or oils. Trimming excess hair can also help the tape adhere better. Rounding the corners of the tape strips can prevent them from peeling prematurely.
General Principles for Taping Muscles and Joints
- Anchor Points: Always apply the first and last inch of the tape with zero stretch. These are your anchors.
- Muscle Position: Tape is often applied with the muscle or joint in a stretched position.
- Stretch Levels: The amount of stretch applied to the tape varies depending on the goal (support, muscle facilitation, pain relief).
Applying Tape Around the Front of the Knee (Based on Reference)
The reference highlights a specific application technique around the front of the knee, likely part of a comprehensive knee support taping. This method involves applying different levels of stretch to the tape along its path over the skin covering the muscles and structures at the front of the knee.
According to the reference:
"Down around the front of the knee you are now going to apply 80%. Or sorry 50% stretch. And then the last bit of stretch or tape we're going to lay. Down with absolutely zero. Stretch."
This suggests that as you apply the main body of the tape strip around the front of the knee, you use approximately 50% stretch. The very end portion of this tape strip, the "last bit," is applied with absolutely zero stretch to create a secure anchor point.
Stretch Levels for Front Knee Application
| Section of Tape | Recommended Stretch |
|---|---|
| Main body of the strip | 50% |
| Last inch (Anchor) | 0% |
Note: The reference mentions both 80% and 50% stretch, correcting to 50%. Always follow specific application instructions for the desired outcome.
Steps for a Basic Knee Support Application (Common Technique)
While specific patterns vary, a common method for supporting the muscles around the knee (like the vastus medialis oblique or VMO, part of the quadriceps) and the joint involves applying tape strips in a 'Y' or 'I' shape around the kneecap.
- Prepare the Tape: Cut one or two strips of KT Tape to the appropriate length needed to go around or across the knee area. Split one strip into a 'Y' shape, leaving an inch or two unsplit at the base (anchor).
- Apply Anchor: For a VMO application, apply the unsplit base (anchor) with 0% stretch to the skin below and to the inside of the kneecap.
- Follow the Muscle: With the knee slightly bent, peel the backing off one tail of the 'Y'. Apply this tail with light-to-moderate stretch (e.g., 25-50%) along the path of the VMO muscle, upwards and inwards towards the thigh. Apply the end of the tail with 0% stretch.
- Second Tail: Apply the second tail similarly, potentially guiding it around the other side of the kneecap or following another muscle path depending on the technique. Again, apply the end with 0% stretch.
- Additional Strips: Depending on the support needed, additional 'I' strips can be applied with varying stretch levels across specific areas of pain or instability, such as horizontally above or below the kneecap. Use 50% stretch for support strips as indicated in the reference for the front of the knee area, always ensuring the anchors at both ends have 0% stretch.
- Activate Adhesive: After applying all strips, rub the tape vigorously with your hand. This generates heat, which activates the adhesive and helps the tape stick securely.
Practical Tips for Effective Taping
- Clean Skin: Essential for tape adherence.
- Rounded Corners: Prevents snagging on clothes.
- Avoid Overstretching: Applying too much stretch can cause skin irritation. Use recommended percentages.
- Listen to Your Body: If the tape causes increased pain, itching, or numbness, remove it immediately.
- Professional Guidance: For best results and proper technique tailored to your specific issue, consult a physical therapist or sports medicine professional.
By following these steps and understanding the importance of varying stretch levels, particularly applying 50% stretch around the front of the knee for support and 0% stretch for anchors as mentioned in the reference, you can effectively apply KT Tape to the skin over the muscles and joints of the knee.
