How To Tape Patellar Tendonitis: A Step-by-Step Kinesiology Taping Guide

Kinesiology taping for patellar tendonitis provides mechanical support, unloads stress from the patellar tendon, and enhances proprioceptive feedback without restricting full range of motion. By lifting the skin to decompress underlying soft tissue, this therapeutic application reduces localized inflammation and stabilizes the kneecap during high-impact loading activities.

Pre-Taping Preparation & Material Specifications

Proper preparation is non-negotiable for achieving longevity and therapeutic efficacy from kinesiology tape, especially over high-friction joints like the knee. Failing to prep the skin properly results in premature peeling, edge curling, and lost tensioning properties.

• Essential Gear & Materials:
  
  
  • 2-inch wide rolls of uncut elastic kinesiology tape (such as Kinesio Tex Gold or RockTape).
  • High-grade isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) or an adhesive skin prep wipe.
  • Medical-grade hair clippers or a safety razor (for removing dense leg hair).
  • Sharp trauma shears or medical scissors with rounded tips.
• Prerequisite Knowledge & Standards:
  
  
  • The skin must be completely clean, dry, and free of oils, lotions, or residual soaps.
  • Always round the corners of every tape strip using scissors to prevent the fabric from catching on clothing, which is the primary cause of premature peeling.
• Benchmarks & Budgets:
  
  
  • An application typically requires two strips of tape measuring roughly 8 to 12 inches each, depending on the patient's height.
  • The total material cost per application is minimal (approximately $0.75 to $1.50 per session), and a properly applied therapeutic layout will maintain structural integrity for 3 to 5 days, even through showers and light workouts.

Step-by-Step Patellar Tendon Taping Workflow

Step 1: Skin Conditioning and Hair Removal

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the anterior knee region—spanning from the mid-quadriceps down to the tibial tuberosity—using isopropyl alcohol. If hair density in the area is moderate to thick, shave the target zone completely to ensure direct epidermal contact for the acrylic adhesive backing. Allow the skin to dry completely for a minimum of 60 seconds before applying any tape.

Warning: Never apply kinesiology tape over open abrasions, active skin rashes, or fresh surgical incisions, as the acrylic adhesive can exacerbate dermatological irritation or pull fragile tissue.

Step 2: Measuring and Cutting the Unload Strip

Take your first strip of uncut kinesiology tape and measure it while the knee is flexed at a 90-degree angle. Measure the distance from the midpoint of the patellar tendon (directly between the bottom of the kneecap and the top of the shin bone) up along both sides of the patella, ending near the superior pole. Cut a strip approximately 10 inches in length and round all four corners with your scissors to create aerodynamic, snag-resistant edges.

Step 3: Applying the High-Tension Structural Anchor

Fold the cut strip in half lengthwise and snip a small tear in the middle paper backing to create a split-back anchor. Peel away the central paper backing, leaving the two terminal ends protected. Instruct the patient to flex the knee to roughly 90 degrees to fully stretch the quadriceps and skin over the patellar tendon. Grasping both paper ends, stretch the central portion of the tape to 75% to 80% of its maximum elastic capacity.

Step 4: Positioning the Tendon Support and Anchoring Ends

Press the heavily stretched middle section of the tape firmly and directly across the patellar tendon, sitting horizontally right in the gap between the patella and the tibial tuberosity. Next, peel the paper backing off the remaining two ends. Lay these terminal anchors down onto the skin with zero stretch (0% tension), sweeping them upward along the lateral and medial borders of the kneecap.

Pro-Tip: Rub the entire surface of the applied tape vigorously with the palm of your hand for 10 to 15 seconds. The friction generates mild heat, which activates the pressure-sensitive acrylic adhesive and ensures a watertight bond.

Step 5: Applying the Secondary Stability Fan Strip

For enhanced structural unloading, cut a second, shorter strip of tape measuring roughly 6 inches. Tear the paper backing down the exact middle and peel it back so the center is exposed. Apply 50% to 75% tension directly over the center of the first strip right across the patellar tendon. Lay down the two unstretched ends outward toward the sides of the knee to lock the primary application in place and provide a cross-hatch matrix of mechanical support.

Kinesiology Tape Versus Rigid Athletic Tape Comparison

Common Taping Failures and Field Fixes

Even experienced clinicians and athletes occasionally encounter application failures due to anatomical movement or improper environment prep.

• Root Cause: The edges of the tape begin curling or peeling up within 24 hours of application.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: You likely forgot to round the corners of the tape before application, or applied the terminal anchors with active tension. Always trim square edges into smooth curves and ensure the final 2 inches of every strip are laid down completely flat with zero stretch.
• Root Cause: Skin irritation, itching, or blistering develops beneath the tape anchors.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: The tape was applied with excessive tension on the anchors, creating a localized traction blister, or an adverse reaction to the acrylic adhesive occurred. Remove the tape immediately using baby oil or adhesive remover, let the skin recover for 48 hours, and apply a hypoallergenic under-wrap spray prior to future taping.
• Root Cause: The tape falls off during athletic sweating or showering.
  
  
  • Actionable Fix: The skin retained natural body oils, lotions, or soap residue prior to application. Scrub the area more aggressively with 70% isopropyl alcohol, ensure complete air drying, and use an auxiliary skin prep liquid before laying down the adhesive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does kinesiology tape cure patellar tendonitis?

Kinesiology tape does not cure patellar tendonitis on its own, but it serves as an effective palliative adjunct. It unloads stress from the inflamed patellar tendon, reduces localized pain, and improves neuromuscular feedback, allowing you to perform physical therapy and strengthening exercises more comfortably.

Should I wear the tape while sleeping or showering?

Yes, high-quality synthetic or cotton-blend kinesiology tapes are engineered to be water-resistant and breathable. You can comfortably wear the application through showers, swimming sessions, and overnight sleep for up to five consecutive days before hygiene dictates removal.

How tight should I pull the tape across the kneecap?

The central portion crossing directly over the patellar tendon should be stretched to approximately 75% to 80% of its total capacity to provide mechanical unloading. However, the final 1 to 2 inches of the tape at both ends must be laid down with zero tension to prevent skin blistering and edge peeling.

Can I tape my knee if I have hairy legs?

While tape can adhere to light hair, dense leg hair prevents the acrylic adhesive from forming a direct bond with the epidermis, drastically shortening the lifespan of the application. For optimal clinical performance and longevity, shave or clip the treatment area thoroughly before applying the tape.

When should I remove the tape?

You should remove the tape immediately if you experience burning, severe itching, numbness, or increasing pain around the knee joint. Otherwise, remove the tape after 4 to 5 days, or when the edges begin to fray and peel naturally from regular wear and tear.

Consult a licensed physical therapist or sports medicine physician for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation if patellar tendonitis pain persists beyond two weeks of conservative home management and conservative taping.