Living in Boulder I have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Andy Pruitt, a leading cycling bio-mechanical specialist. I saw him last month for a check up on my knee pain and riding schedule this year. Along with my continual iliotibial (IT) band syndrome he also diagnosed some minor patella tendinitis in my left knee. The IT band syndrome results in both my patella's being pulled laterally or to the outside which in turn has caused the patella tendinitis. Something I've been doing regularly since my post surgery physical therapy last year is taping my left knee. I normally do single strip across the top of my patella pulling it medially or inside.
During my visit Dr. Pruitt took X-Rays of my patella with and without tape to see how it tracks. The difference is a mere 3mm, which is almost indistinguishable without calipers. The X-Ray also revealed that even though my left knee is the one that bothers me, my right patella is being pulled more laterally than my left.
Dr. Pruitt recommended an additional taping technique to support the patella and reduce patella tendinitis pain, seen below.
I feel like it gives me the ability to load my knee more than normal with less pain and swelling afterwards, but there is a trade off. In my opinion, taping is a "band aid" more than a fix for poor muscle alignment / balance. It may create temporary relief, but pain will eventually present at another weak spot within the muscle system. For now, I'm trying to keep my taping to a minimum. My long term plan is continue to work with my applied kinesiologist and use Yoga, Tai Chi, or some other stretching / body symetery crosstraining.
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