Taping up Your PFPS
Kinesiology (Kinesio) Taping vs Rigid Taping
There has been a lot of talk as to which tape should be used for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) and whether tape is actually needed. More commonly, tape is used for different parts of the body to support, restrict or protect various joints and muscles.
What is kinesiology taping?
This is the brightly coloured tape we are seeing more commonly on the field, court, in the gym or even out and about. Kinesiology has unique elastic qualities meaning that it contours and stretches with the skin helping the athlete move. When compared directly with rigid tape, Kinesio tape is quite stretchy and pliable. Kinesiology tape is also used in the clinic to assist muscles and their interaction with your body, allowing dynamic support. It provides an almost second layer of support that may assist weaker muscles. As the tape is stretched and applied to the skin, it bunches the top layer of skin and lifts it away from the muscle, creating a small gap between skin and muscle, allowing for smooth muscle movement and allowing for increased blood flow and lymphatic drainage, decreasing pain as well.
What is rigid taping?
Taping with rigid (flesh coloured) tape has been used for decades to stabilise a joint and prevent excessive movement, for example supporting the ankle after an inversion sprain (rolled ankle). The main advantage of this kind of taping is that there is no stretch in rigid tape making it perfect where firm or extreme support is required. By support the joint and limiting movement, rigid tape also gives the athlete confidence within the joint.
So, do you use Kinesio Tape or Rigid for PFPS?
BOTH! After a thorough assessment of your knee and analysing the demands you place on your knee, your physiotherapist will determine which style is best for you. There are many ways to use both forms of tape, but here are two common tape techniques we use within the clinic.
If you have any further questions or queries about PFPS and taping, please call us on 9873 2770 or make an appointment online today https://bookings.nookal.com/bookings/location/39XKS