Chondromalacia Patella
Chondromalacia Patella is a softening and degeneration of the under surface of the patella. The exact cause is unknown, generally it is related to patella tracking abnormalities, increased quadriceps angle, abnormal patella alignment, and muscle weakness, just to name a few. Patients with the possible list of causes sometimes do not develop chondromalacia, some without any known factors develop chondromalacia. The condition is generally associated with inflammation surrounding the patella, medial patella retinaculum pain, and increased symptoms with increased activity levels.
The Kinesio Taping® Method will assist by reducing pain, inflammation, and if indicated provide proprioceptive stimuli to alter patella tracking.
| Following evaluation the practitioner may determine muscle weakness as a causative factor in the Chondromalacia Patella. For example, the vastus medialis is involved. For an acute inflamed or overused muscle use insertion to origin application technique. For a chronic weakness or weakness resulting from surgery, use an origin to insertion application technique.
This example is demonstrating the origin to insertion technique. A modified space correction technique will be applied. |
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| 1. Begin by applying a Kinesio® I strip to the tibial tuberosity of the tibia with no tension and the knee in extension. Angle the Kinesio® strip so it will be placed with one half of the Kinesio® Tex above and below the lateral or medial border of the patella. | 
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| 2. With one hand hold the initial application base to ensure no tension will be added. Apply light to moderate tension, 25-50%, for this technique less is usually better. As the tension is applied to the Kinesio® strip, instruct the patient to move their knee into flexion. As the patient moves their knee into flexion, apply the Kinesio® strip around the patella to approximately the patella apex. | 
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| 3. Lay down the last approximately two inches of the Kinesio® strip with no tension. Initiate glue activation prior to any further patient movement. | 
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| 4. Repeat the above steps on the opposite side of the patella. When the patient moves their knee into extension following the application technique, convolutions should be visible surrounding the patella. If convolutions are not evident, the Kinesio® strip was applied with too much tension. | 
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| OPTIONAL TECHNIQUE: I STRIP Once the described technique is applied, the practitioner may determine that patella alignment correction may be beneficial. The use of the mechanical correction technique for patella tracking may be appropriate. Technique application depicted in photo is for lateral tracking using an I strip. Other patella alignment abnormalities may be present; this is only given as an example of one potential problem. |
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| OPTIONAL TECHNIQUE: MECHANICAL CORRECTION TENSION ON BASE Once the described technique is applied, the practitioner may determine that patella alignment correction may be beneficial.The use of the mechanical correction technique for patella tracking may be appropriate. Technique application depicted in this photo is for lateral tracking using tension on the base. |
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| Source: Clinical and Therapeutic Applications of the Kinesio Taping Method, by Dr. Kenzo Kase and Jim Wallis |  |
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