Trusted by professionals for 25+ years
Europe-wide shipping
Free delivery from €100

Learn how to stabilize your knee and support ACL recovery with kinesiology tape

Follow our step-by-step kinesiology taping guide — at home.

CureTape — How to tape an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury


Are you dealing with an overstretched ACL, recovering from surgery, or simply looking for more stability in your knee? Then this taping method could be a helpful solution.

ACL problems can occur after a sprain, partial tear, or as part of the recovery process following reconstruction surgery. On this page, you’ll find a taping technique designed to support the ligament so your knee feels more stable and secure while healing.

Jump to: Preparation  ·  Measuring & cutting  ·  Application


This taping method may help with:

Relieve pain

Reduce tension and discomfort in the affected area

Support the tissue

Gentle stabilisation during movement and recovery

Improve movement

More comfortable daily activities during recovery

Support recovery

Allow overloaded tissue to recover while staying active

It can be applied for:

Overuse complaints

Pain from repetitive strain or prolonged activity

Acute injury support

Additional stability after sudden strain or sprain

Sports-related pain

Support during training and return to sport

Daily discomfort

Relief during walking, standing, or daily tasks

How to tape your meniscus yourself

Tips to make ACL taping more effective:

First, make sure the cause of your knee pain or discomfort is clear.

Read the taping instructions carefully before you begin.

Select the tape color you like best.

Do not apply any stretch to the starting and ending points of the tape.

Firmly rub the tape after application to activate the adhesive.

Check if there are any reasons why taping might not be suitable for you.

On average, the tape can stay on the skin for 3–5 days.

You can safely shower while wearing the tape.

For easier removal, apply a bit of oil to loosen the tape.

Preparation before taping the ACL

Shape
I-strip of approximately 25 cm
Number of strips
1
Technique
Ligament technique with around 50% stretch in the middle section and no stretch on the anchors.

Measuring and cutting the tape

 

Step1

Measure & Cut

  1. Cut a strip of tape measuring about 25 cm. Round the edges with scissors to reduce the chance of the tape peeling off too soon and to ensure better adhesion during movement.

Taping the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

Step2

Step 2

  1. Sit down with your knee bent.

Step3

Step 3

  1. Tear the backing paper in the center and fold it back toward both ends.

Step4

Step 4

  1. Apply the middle section of the tape with about 75% stretch, starting just below the kneecap so that it slightly overlaps the patella.

Step5

Step 5

  1. While applying, gently press the knee downward in a smooth motion and allow the tape to follow the curve.

Step6

Step 6

  1. Secure the anchor ends without stretch, placing them to the left and right of the knee toward the thigh.

Step7

Step 7

  1. Finally, rub the tape firmly to activate the adhesive and ensure it sticks well.

Popular products to tape your knee

Trusted by professionals for 25+ years
Europe-wide shipping
Free delivery from €100

Advice from Christina on taping the ACL

When taping your knee, it’s crucial to choose a tape that provides strong adhesion and support. That’s why I recommend CureTape kinesiology tape. For regular use, CureTape Classic or Art is ideal. However, if you’re engaging in extreme sports or swimming, opt for the extra sticky CureTape Sports variant! I have selected practical, easy-to-follow self-taping applications alongside a few valuable tips from clinical experience. For an optimal recovery, remember to combine this taping with specific knee strengthening exercises, and always consult a physiotherapist or GP if your symptoms persist.

For the self-taping guidelines, I’ve chosen techniques that can be applied independently without too much difficulty. To ensure the process is both safe and effective, I provide practical advice on what to consider before, during, and after taping. These recommendations are based on my extensive hands-on experience. This particular taping method offers supportive relief for an ACL injury. If you have questions about the application, or if your symptoms don’t improve, always seek guidance from a qualified therapist or physician.

Christina Peter

Christina Peter
Physiotherapist & Taping Instructor

Christina Peter

Disclaimer: Please note: the suggested tape applications and the information on our website regarding the possibilities of the Medical Taping Concept are not yet scientifically proven. The stated claims are based primarily on extensive experience from therapists and users of CureTape® products. No rights can be derived from the content on this website.

Contraindications for not using tape: pregnancy, open wounds, bone fractures, unexplained complaints, allergies and skin conditions, medication use such as blood thinners, thrombosis, and fever. Always consult a medical professional if in doubt.