How to Wrap a Knee for Patellofemoral

Patellofemoral syndrome is caused when the kneecap does not track along the leg properly and rubs against the thigh bone (femur). There is a natural groove in the femur that the kneecap (patella) moves in. If the patella gets pulled out of that groove, it will begin to rub against the femur and create inflammation and pain under the patella. Wrapping the kneecap in a way that will keep it tracking in the femur groove has shown to reduce the friction and offer short-term relief from pain.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Latex-free stretch tape
• Super-rigid, cotton mesh, highly adhesive tape

1. Lie down on your back with your leg straight but not locked. For best results, have someone else wrap your knee.

2. Cut a strip of Latex-free stretch tape the width of your thigh and tape it directly over the knee cap.

3. Cut a strip of the super-rigid, highly adhesive tape a bit shorter than the stretch tape. Place one end of adhesive tape on the outside of the kneecap.

4. Pull the tape toward the inside of the thigh so that it causes the patella to line up in the center of the thigh. There should be a crease or "pouch" of skin noticed.

Tips & Warnings

• This is not a treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome. It can help with short-term pain, but is not meant to be used long-term. Proper medical exercise therapy is needed to correct muscle imbalances that may be causing pain in the knee.

References

• Princeton University; Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome
• Journal of Athletic Training