What to Expect from Kinesiology Taping for a Ligament Sprain

Elastic tape is placed along the injured region to give a reminder about alignment and movement, and it may help some people manage a sense of discomfort or swelling. It does not stitch a ligament together, replace a brace when firm support is needed, or establish how severe the sprain is.

Ligaments in different parts of the body need different protection. A clinician should examine the joint, check stability and consider whether imaging or another support is appropriate before relying on tape.

Have the first application demonstrated by a qualified clinician. Skin should be clean and dry, with no open wound or active rash beneath the tape. Check the skin after application and remove the tape if it causes burning, persistent itching, blisters, marked redness or altered sensation.

Keep following the rehabilitation plan: protect the joint from aggravating loads, maintain permitted motion, strengthen progressively and practise control. Tape should not be used to hide pain while returning suddenly to sport, lifting or twisting.

Seek reassessment when pain, swelling or instability is increasing, the joint cannot bear its usual load, or function is not improving as expected. Get urgent help after a deforming injury, or for a cold, blue or numb limb, severe escalating pain, or sudden breathlessness with leg swelling.

Which ligament is injured and how stable is the joint? Is tape enough, or do I need a brace? How should I apply, remove and replace it? Which movements are allowed now, and what milestones should I meet before returning to activity?