Introduction
In the so-called taping process, a special technique is used to apply elastic, plaster-like adhesive strips to certain parts of the body. This is intended to relieve and stabilize the muscles of this part of the body, so that tension, injuries and overstrain can be prevented. Many athletes use Kinesio-Tapes to support their joints and muscles.
Since the knee joint is a very stressed joint, it is particularly popular for taping. The tapes are often used to stabilize the kneecap, which would otherwise slip out of position under stress. People who suffer from knee pain during sports or everyday life also use kinesio tapes to relieve their knee. Many people therefore subjectively benefit from the effect of the tape bandages, even though the actual effectiveness of the tapes has not yet been proven in scientific studies.
Taping for meniscus complaints
Tape bandages can be used to alleviate complaints of the inner or outer meniscus. However, it should be clarified in advance by a doctor whether an injury is present that requires a different therapy. If there is no reason not to, taping can finally be started.
It is important that the corresponding area of skin is cleaned in advance and shaved if there is a lot of hair, as only then will the tape stick properly. For meniscus complaints, different adhesive techniques can be used. In the first technique, you cut a short and two long strips of tape.
The short strip is then stuck horizontally underneath the kneecap with the knee bent. The two long strips, each beginning below the kneecap, are glued to the right and left of the kneecap to the thigh. The tape should be pulled as little as possible, otherwise skin irritation may occur. Afterwards the tape must be rubbed vigorously with the fingers so that the adhesive of the tape is activated and holds properly.
Wallpapering in case of a torn cruciate ligament
Kinesiotapes can support conservative (i.e. non-surgical) therapy for torn cruciate ligaments by stabilizing the knee and stimulating blood circulation in the knee. It is important that the taping can be applied according to the instructions of the treating physician or physiotherapist, otherwise the effect is lost if used incorrectly. Before taping, the skin on the knee is cleaned, and hair should be removed for better adhesion.
To tap the knee, you need 3 strips. The knee is slightly bent during the whole taping process. The first strip is glued in the middle and crosswise to the patellar tendon (i.e. directly underneath the kneecap).
The second strip is glued to the front, outer thigh about 15 cm above the kneecap. The strip is then led laterally past the patella and then diagonally across the patellar tendon to the inner side of the lower leg. The same is done with the third strip, except that this time the tape is stuck to the front inner side of the thigh and then leads to the outer side of the lower leg. The tape can then remain on the knee for about a week until it is changed. This topic might also be of interest to you:
- Splint for the therapy of a cruciate ligament rupture
- Operation of a cruciate ligament rupture
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