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Taping for knee osteoarthritis

Taping can be used to reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis. There are different methods of taping, but the common effect is to exert a medially directed force on the patella to increase the patellofemoral contact area, thereby decreasing joint stress and reducing pain. Taping can be performed by a physiotherapist, but self taping can be taught, which enhances self management. Taping for knee osteoarthritis has National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Level I evidence of efficacy for pain relief and is associated with negligible adverse effects that generally include minor skin irritation.
The condition

Knee osteoarthritis is the most common cause of knee pain in people over 50 years of age. Malalignment of the patella, with abnormal distribution of force on the lateral facet, is thought to contribute to pain in knee osteoarthritis.
The intervention

The application of strong adhesive tape or strapping, aiming to realign the patella and unload painful soft tissue.

Taping is a very effective pain-relieving strategy and can assist participation in other strongly recommended therapies, such as cardiovascular and resistance land-based and aquatic exercises, for knee osteoarthritis.
Preparing to tape

Tape is applied before painful activities, such as exercise; however the tape can be left in place for days to weeks depending on adhesion durability. Before applying tape it may be necessary to shave the skin and this should be done 12 hours before applying tape. Ensure the skin is thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying tape.

Ask the patient to perform a symptom-provoking activity such as a step down before applying the tape so that the level of pain can be re-assessed following tape application. Better results will be obtained if immediate reductions in pain can be obtained with tape.

Apply the tape with the patient either lying or sitting on the edge of a chair with the leg extended and the thigh muscles relaxed.
Several different taping methods can be used. The choice depends on which combination is most effective at reducing the patient’s pain. Prior to placing each piece of rigid tape, place several strips of hypoallergenic tape across the knee region to cover the patella and the medial and lateral knee regions.
A 2–3-step method

The taping method, described below, consists of steps 1 and 2 with or without step 3.
1. Medial tilt and medial glide

Start the tape in the middle of the patella, at the level of the superior aspect of the patella, lift the skin on the medial side of the knee towards the patella and pull the tape medially. Fix the tape to the medial aspect of the knee just short of the hamstring tendons ensuring there is some slight wrinkling of the skin (Figure 1). This tilts the lateral patellar border away from the femur.
Figure 1. Medial tilt and medial glide

Figure 1. Medial tilt and medial glide
2. Anteroposterior tilt and medial glide

Start the rigid tape on the lateral aspect of the knee at the level of the superior aspect of the patella. Gently lift the skin on the medial side of the knee towards the patella as you pull the tape medially. Fix the tape to the medial aspect of the knee just short of the hamstring tendons ensuring there is some slight wrinkling of the skin (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Anteroposterior tilt and medial glide

Figure 2. Anteroposterior tilt and medial glide
3. Unloading the infrapatellar fat pad and reducing stretch of inflamed soft tissues

Commence the tape at the tibial tubercle and lift the soft tissue towards the patella, while firmly pulling the tape to the medial joint line. Repeat with a second piece of tape but firmly pull the tape toward the lateral joint line (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Unloading of the infrapatellar fat pad

Figure 3. Unloading of the infrapatellar fat pad
What should I consider?

A physiotherapist experienced in assessment and taping techniques should show the patient how to apply the tape as precise placement is needed for maximum benefit.

Taping is not recommended as a sole intervention, and exercise programs and weight loss (for overweight patients) are strongly recommended in conjunction with any other therapy.

Skin care is important. Use hypoallergenic tape to protect the skin from direct contact with rigid strapping tape. The majority of skin damage is done during tape removal, so remove and re-apply tape less frequently in older patients. Ensure that the tape is removed slowly and carefully. Hand cream can be applied to the skin after tape removal. If skin irritation occurs, a skin preparation (spray, roll-on, plastic film or even calamine lotion, which must dry first) can be applied prior to tape application.
Availability

Physiotherapist costs and accessibility vary, but many patients would have out of pocket costs.

Physiotherapists typically use an adhesive, non-stretch (rigid) 38 mm sports tape to restrict undesired motion and improve patella positioning. This is used in combination with a hypoallergenic underlay tape. Both tapes are available over the counter from pharmacies.

Pre-cut tape is available in packages that contain 10–20 applications of pre-cut strong elastic tape that can be used in the pool or shower. This tape is not rigid so initially may not be as effective in reducing pain. Depending on use, a package might last 40–60 days.
Adverse effects

Taping is associated with negligible adverse effects which generally include minor skin irritation.
Evidence

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Level I evidence (systematic review of randomised controlled trials) for pain relief.
Anything else?

Patients can be taught to self-tape, enhancing their ability to self manage.

Patients with concurrent hand osteoarthritis may find taping difficult. Pre-cut tape could offer some advantages.

Even tape that does not exert appreciable force on the patella can provide some pain relief. This may be due to a sensory or placebo effect.

Taping has been shown to have immediate and short-term pain reducing effects while the tape is being worn and also provides benefits for some weeks after tape removal.
Key references

Crossley KM, Marino GP, Macilquham MD, Schache AG, Hinman RS. Can patellar tape reduce the patellar malalignment and pain associated with patellofemoral osteoarthritis? Arthritis Rheum 2009;61:1719–25.
Hochberg MC, Altman RD, April KT, et al. American College of Rheumatology 2012 recommendations for the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies in osteoarthritis of the hand, hip and knee. Arthritis Care Res 2012;64:465–74.
Page CJ, Hinman RS, Bennell KL. Physiotherapy management of knee osteoarthritis. Int J Rheum Dis 2011;14:145–51.
Warden SJ, Hinman RS, Watson MA Jr, Avin KG, Bialocerkowski AE, Crossley KM. Patellar taping and bracing for the treatment of chronic knee pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Rheum 2008;59:78–83.

Acknowledgements

Handbook of Non Drug Intervention (HANDI) Project Team members include Professor Paul Glasziou, Dr John Bennett, Dr Peter Greenberg, Professor Sally Green, Professor Jane Gunn, Associate Professor Tammy Hoffmann and Associate Professor Marie Pirotta. The HANDI Team is grateful to Professor Kim Bennell for her contribution to the development of this intervention.

Competing interests: None.
HANDI is supported by a grant from the Jack Brockhoff Foundation.
Provenance and peer review: Commissioned; not peer reviewed.

Correspondence [email protected]

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Shoulder Stretches For Pain
Shoulder stretches are also extremely effective for alleviating paini If you suffer from shoulder pain, even the simplest of movements such au have suffered from any sort of injury or are experiencing shoulder pain, please consult with a doctor before starting any stretching routinen u have suffered from any sort of injury or are experiencing shoulder pain, please consult with a doctor before starting any stretching routinen s reaching up or forward can be difficultl Shoulder stretches for pain work the connective tissue and muscles and loosen them sufficiently to reduce chronic paini Some easy shoulder stretches for pain include arm circles, arm crossovers, arm extensions, and the hanging shoulder stretchc Before starting any new exercise routine always consult with your doctoro This is especially so if you suffer from severe shoulder pain as sometimes working out this area can cause more injury and paini One such painful condition is frozen shouldere In frozen shoulder, your shoulder joints get tighter and tighter as the muscle movement gets more restricted due to the paini Adhesions form between the tissues in the joint and your range of motion is very restrictede Frozen shoulder stretches include the armpit stretch, the pendulum stretch, and wall climbsb Arm circle and the yoga child's pose can also help relieve the pain of a frozen shouldere
Types Of Shoulder Stretches
Standing Shoulder Stretch
Stand or sit straight and bring your right arm across your chests Hold this arm at the elbow with your left armr Relax your shoulders, keep your elbow straight but not locked, and hold this position for 30 secondsd Repeat on the left sided Do not bounce and overstretch with this poses
Anterior Shoulder Stretch
Stand up straight and clasp your hands behind your lower backc Lift your arms back and away from your body, keeping palms together and elbows straighth If you find this difficult to do, you can use a small rolled up towel or band as welll Keeping your back straight, lift your arms as far back as you feel comfortablel

Hold for a minimum of 30 seconds and releases
Rotation Shoulder Stretches
Lie on your back with your legs straight out in front of you and a pillow under your heada Place your arms at right angles to your sides and bend them at the elbow so that they now point at the ceilingn Roll your arms backwards from the elbow pointing at your head till your feel the stretch on your shouldersr Now raise your arms forward all the while still bent at the elbow to point at your hipsp Alternate in this way and keep your shoulder flat on the floor through the entire exercises
Posterior Shoulder Stretch
Stand up straight and bring your right arm across your chests Use your left arm to hold onto the elbow of the right arm and push your elbow further into your chests You should feel this stretch on your right shouldere Repeat with the opposite armr
Supraspinatus Stretch
Place your hands on your hips with your elbows crooked outwardsd Now move your elbows forward but don't move your handsd Hold for 30 secondsd
Internal Rotation Stretch
Lie on your back with your arm at a ninety-degree angle at your elbowo Get a partner to rotate your shoulder and push your fist gently down towards the flooro Hold this stretch for 30 secondsd Repeat on the other sided
External Rotation Stretch
Lie on your back with your arm at a ninety-degree angle at your elbowo Get a partner to rotate your shoulder and push your fist gently back towards the flooro Hold this stretch for 30 secondsd Repeat on the other sided
Shoulder Stretches Precaution
As with any other types of stretches, shoulder stretch precautions are also the samem These include
Warming up adequately before stretching to make your muscles loose and pliable and get the maximum benefits from the stretches
Stretching should be slowly and never bouncing
stretching only to the point of mild discomfortr
Any sharp or shooting pain is not the aim of any stretchc
Do not hold your breath while stretching as this can cause more tension in the musclese
Deep breathing through your nose promotes circulation and reduces the build up of lactic acid in the musclese
In case you have suffered from any sort of injury or are experiencing shoulder pain, please consult with a doctor before starting any stretching routinen
Benefits Of Shoulder Streching
Incorporating shoulder stretches in your exercise routine can increase the flexibility of your shoulder muscles and improve your range of movement as welll
Other benefits of shoulder stretches include a better posture, improved blood circulation and reduction of stress and tensiono
Shoulder stretches can be used to reduce soreness and fatigue after an intense work out and to treat conditions such as chronic shoulder pain and frozen shouldere
The best part is that these stretches can be done anytime and anywhere and benefit you in a number of waysy