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Learn how to relieve jumper’s knee pain with kinesiology tape

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

CureTape — How to tape Jumper's Knee​ - Tendonitis of the knee cap​


Curious how to tape your patellar tendon yourself? In this guide we’ll show you step by step how to do it safely and effectively.

One of the main causes of irritation in the patellar tendon, also known as jumper’s knee or patellar tendon syndrome, is repeated overloading during sports. Activities that involve frequent jumping or sudden start and stop movements, such as basketball, athletics or dancing, place significant strain on the kneecap. The area where the tendon attaches below the kneecap to the shinbone can easily become irritated, which may lead to tendon damage and, if untreated, even small tears.

People often experience sharp pain while exercising, after sitting for extended periods, or when pressure is applied to the shin. Initially, the pain might only appear during activity, but over time it can occur more frequently and eventually become persistent if the tendon continues to be overloaded.

The taping techniques explained below are intended to relieve tension on the irritated tendon and help reduce discomfort. If you notice ongoing pain in this area, it is advisable to consult a therapist to determine the best way to reduce strain on the knee while strengthening it at the same time. In every case, easing the load on the tendon and strengthening the quadriceps are key to recovery.

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

Taping your own jumper’s knee

Tips to make your patellar tendon taping more effective:

First, be sure you know the actual cause of your knee pain or discomfort.

Take a moment to carefully review the taping steps before you begin.

Select the tape color you like best.

Never apply stretch at the start or end of a strip.

Firmly rub the tape after application to activate the adhesive.

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

On average, the tape stays on for about 3 to 7 days.

You can safely shower while wearing the tape.

For easier removal, apply a little oil before taking the tape off.

Preparing to tape the patellar tendon

Shape
I-strip
Number of strips
1.
Technique
Ligament technique (maximum stretch).

Measuring and cutting the tape

 

Step1

Measure & Cut

  1. With your knee slightly bent, measure the strip from the shinbone, across the kneecap, to about one hand’s width above the knee.

Applying the tape to the patellar tendon

Step2

Step 2

  1. Position the base of the strip about 10 cm below the kneecap without any stretch.
  2. Hold the anchor in place, bend your knee slightly (as if rising from a chair), and apply the tape with full tension across the tendon and over the kneecap.

Step3

Step 3

  1. Once you reach the top edge of the patella, ease the tension and slowly extend the leg while guiding the tape upward along the thigh with light stretch.
  2. Rub the tape firmly to activate the adhesive.

Popular products to tape your knee

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Christina’s advice for taping the patellar tendon

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 these self-taping instructions, I’ve selected methods that are straightforward enough to apply by yourself. To keep the treatment safe, I share practical guidelines to follow before, during, and after taping. These insights come from many years of hands-on experience in practice. For faster recovery, it’s best to combine taping with strengthening exercises for the thigh muscles. If your symptoms continue, make sure to consult a physical therapist or doctor.

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.