P5140095

Anterior Crudate Ligament Kinesio Technique

The anterior cmdate ligament (ACL) of the knec is most commonly injured as the result of extension and mtation forces. The ACL may be injured by itselfor in combination with the mediaI collateral ligament, medial meniscus or lateral meniscus. When the ACL is sprained therę is generally an associ-ated joint effusion whfch occurs. The joint effusion causes a loss in rangę of motion and delays the rchabilitation of the injured knee joint.

The injured ACL will be treated acutely by reducing the joint effusion by appiication of a lymphatic correction. Following the acute injury a modified ligament correction technique may be used to provide proprioceptiee stimuli to reduce anterior transfation of the tibia on the femur.

During the first 24 - 72 hours apply a lymphatic corrective technique to the anterior aspect of the knee. Three fan strips should be applied.

The first lymphatic fan strip should start from approximateJy the medial epicondyle of the femur and wrap across the patella to the lateral aspect of the knee.

The second lymphatic fan strip should start from approximately the lateral epicondyle of the femur and wrap across the patella to the medial aspect of the knee. This will create a fan like pattem over the anterior aspect of the knee.

For complete review see lymphatic correction appiication.

The third lymphatic fan strip should start superior to the popliteai fossa on the posterior aspect of the knee. It should extend downward over the popliteai fossa and end approximately mid-belly of the gastrocnemius muscle.

An optional elastic compressive dressing mayalso be wom to reduce initial effusion. For example of compressive dressing please see medial collateral ligament correction technique.

Either during acute phase or post-acute phase the practitioner may apply a quadriceps superior Y technique from origin to insertion to facilitate muscle contraction.

For complete review see patella tendonitis tech-nique.

-Eost-acute phase. afier 72 hours Apply a modified ligamcnt correction technique from thc tibial tuberosity to both thc media! and latcral epicondylcs of thc femur to limit anterior translation of the tibia on thc femur.

Begin by measuring an 1 strip from approximately 4 inches above the medial epicondyłe, to the tibial tuberosity, to 4 inches above the lateral epicondyłe.

Tear the Kinesio Tex paper backing in the middle. Place the middle of the Kinesio 1 strip onto the tibial tuberosity with no tension.

Place the patients knec in approximately 30 degrees of flexion. Peel back the paper backing, leaving enough so you can grip the tape without placing your hand on the glue. Apply a ligament correction technique, 75-100% of available tension, to both strips eąually along the medial and lateral collateral ligaments.

For complete review see ligament correction technique.

Lay down the ends of the I strip with no tension. Initiate glue adhesion prior to any further patient movement.

It may be appropriate to use a 3" wide Kinesio strip for larger or stronger patients.

An optional techniąue may be to apply a second strip which has an overlap of the first Kinesio strip This may be required for larger patients or to prov a morę significant proprioceptive stimuli.