Why does taping around the kneecap help reduce patellofemoral pain? I've tried everything else and this is the first thing that's worked.

Patellar (kneecap) taping has been used with good results in many patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Decreased pain and increased function are the two main benefits of taping.

Studies have not been able to show a difference in alignment to explain why taping works. Some doctors think taping helps with the timing of muscle contractions. Patients with PFP have been shown to have abnormal contraction of the four parts that make up the quadriceps muscle.

Other parts of rehab may be equally important in the overall results. Strengthening the quadriceps muscle will help with activities like walking down the stairs. The quadriceps power is used in this activity to keep the knee from collapsing under the load.

Flexibility is important too. Poor flexibility may add to the load on the PF joint. Flexible muscles help absorb energy during loading activities. Joint proprioception or sense of position must be retrained, too.

So if you find your results are short-lived and you have to tape for more than six weeks, reconsider some of these other elements of rehab for PFP.