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Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common
clinical finding in a wide variety of individuals. (1, 2, 3) Treatment guidelines and underlying rationales remain vague
and controversial. (4) Understanding this information, the purpose of this case study presentation is to present how the Kinesio
Taping Method was utilized to address patients diagnosed with PFP. |
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Case Descriptions
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Patient 1:
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91 year old female who presented to physical
therapy post- op Left Hip ORIF and a secondary diagnosis of PFP. Her onset of knee pain was two weeks prior to the Kinesio
Taping treatment. Significant physical therapy findings included: 1. 5 degree lag with a straight leg raise (SLR); 2.
MMT of Rectus femoris = 3/5, Hip Abductors and Adductors = 3/5; 3. Positive excessive knee valgus with single leg squat; 4.
VMO atrophy.
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Patient 2: |
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56 year old female who presented to physical
therapy for PFP. Her onset of knee pain was 3-4 years prior to the Kinesio Taping treatment. Significant physical therapy
findings included: 1. MMT Rectus femoris = 4-/5, Quads = 4/5, Hip Adductors/ Abductors = 4/5; Pain with ascending and descending
stairs.
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Patient 3: |
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12 year old female who presented to physical
therapy for PFP. Her onset of knee pain was 1 year prior to the Kinesio Taping treatment. Significant physical therapy findings
included: 1. MMT Rectus Femoris = 3+/5, Quads = 3+/5, Hip Abductors = 4/5, SLR with 5 degree lag; 2. Pain with walking, running,
snowboarding, and sitting.
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Kinesio Taping Method Technique
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We used a 2 inch “I” strip
with a split to a “Y” proximal to the superior patellar boarder. The strip started at the origin of the Rectus
Femoris with a 2” base which had zero tension; 50% of available tension was used through the “I” strip.
The lateral tail of the “Y” portion was applied as a Mechanical Correction with 75% of available tension used
over the lateral patellar border with the final 2” with zero tension. The medial tail was applied with 10% (paper off
tension) along the medial patellar border and then zero tension for the last 2”. (see figure 1,2, and 3)
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Figure
1
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Figure
2
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Figure
3
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Outcomes
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Patient 1 = no pain with gait; no night
pain, knee pain was immediately resolved following the application.
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Patient 2 = no pain with normal walking,
no pain with ascend or descend stairs, patient reported less pain at the end of her day.
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Patient 3 = no pain with running or during
ADL’s
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Conclusion
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This case study simply demonstrates that
the Kinesio Taping Method has been used in cases of patellofemoral pain with positive effects on pain and function. Clearly,
further research is necessary to show the benefits of the Kinesio Taping Method |
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