Skip to main content

Knee Taping: MCL

Need a reminder of how to apply?  Check out the video

Simon Hall, physiotherapist at Zone 34 sport’s physiotherapy and the Sydney Kings, demonstrating how to tape for a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) knee injury.

This technique is typically used to provide additional stability to the knee when returning to activity following MCL sprain.

For time reasons this video shows the minimum amount of tape we would recommend. Most athletes prefer additional criss cross pieces. Heavier and stronger athletes require more tape.

If you experience skin reactions to tape, be sure to apply the hypoallergenic tape (such as Fixomul mentioned in the video) liberally, so that the brown tape does not touch your skin.If the tape starts to feel itchy remove it as soon as possible.

If you have had a new injury please seek assessment from a Sports and Exercise physiotherapist, physical therapist or doctor.
Higher grade (2-3) MCL injuries may require bracing in the early stages to minimise the risk of ligament laxity and long term joint instability.

When returning from lower limb ligament injuries it is important to assess functional stability and confidence.  Time and a lack of pain is not enough to judge if it is safe to return to basketball.   Commonly in the clinic we will use a hop test battery, involving linear (forward) and lateral (sideways) movements.

if you have had a MCL injury and woud like a tailoring return to play rehab program, please email david@basketball.physio