Taping for Medial Ligament Injuries

Medial Ligament Taping Instructions

The following guidelines are for information purposes only. We recommend seeking professional advice before beginning rehabilitation.

The aim of this taping is to provide support to the medial collateral ligament. This may be important if the athlete has an unstable knee or laxity in the joint. Tape will provide support. It may also be useful to protect the area when gradually returning to full fitness. Do not tape if unsure of the injury or why the taping is being used.

What is required?

• 5cm (2 inch) elastic tape.
• 7.5 cm (3 inch) elastic tape.
• Underwrap.
• 3.8cm (1.5 inch) non stretch white tape.
• Adhesive spray.

Step 1

• Prepare the leg by shaving or applying the spray adhesive followed by underwrap.
• Place a roll of tape or similar under the heel of the athlete to achieve the correct position for taping.
• The calf, knee and thigh need to be covered. This will help the tape stick properly and protect the leg from pain hair removal when removing the tape.
• Once the leg is bent, ensure the toes face inwards slightly so the lower leg is partially rotated inwards (not shown).

Step 2

• Using two or three 7.5 cm strips of elastic tape apply anchors to the mid / upper thigh of the athlete.
• Ensure the athlete contracts both the calf and thigh muscles while the anchors are applied so blood flow is not restricted later on.
• Repeat the above applying two 7.5cm elastic anchors to the middle of the calf muscle.
• Again ensure muscles are contracted when this is done.
• The taping will have more support if these anchors can attach to the skin - the leg will need to be shaved for this.

Step 3

• Using 5cm elastic tape apply a strip of tape from the outside of the lower leg, upwards and inwards crossing the joint line of the knee (but staying below the knee).
• Pull firmly upwards when applying this strip to stretch it before applying it to the upper anchor.

Step 4

• Using 5cm elastic tape apply a second strip of tape starting on the inside of the calf anchor.
• The tape passes up across the knee joint line and above the kneecap.
• Again stretch the tape firmly before fixing on the upper anchor.

Step 5

• Repeat both of the above taping strips with non stretch 3.8 cm zinc oxide tape.

Step 6

• Complete the taping by applying strips of 7.5 cm elastic tape over the original anchors to close the taping off.
• Avoid finishing a tape strip on the inside of the thigh as may peel off due to friction of the legs.