Does kinesiology tape help after ACL surgery?

Written by Dr Sean Leo, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon whose clinical focus is the knee, sports injuries and the lower limb.

Last updated: 9 October 2026.

The evidence is mixed. Some studies in people after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery report less knee pain and swelling, or better hamstring strength, but in the three studies that measured the Lysholm knee function score, the tape did not improve it. ^[1] Tape is an add-on to rehabilitation, not a treatment in its own right.

What does the evidence say about kinesiology tape after ACL surgery?

• Results conflict from one study to the next. ^[1]
• The reported gains are in pain, swelling and hamstring strength. ^[1] They are what some studies found, not a promise of what tape will do for you.
• None of the three studies that measured the Lysholm knee function score found an improvement. ^[1]

More on the research behind this

The evidence here comes from a 2024 review of seven randomised trials (trials in which people are assigned to a treatment by chance), including 278 people, that looked at kinesiology taping after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. ^[1] That is a small body of evidence. This page makes no claim about other knee injuries. How tape might work is not established, so any explanation you read for why it helps is an idea, not a finding. ^[1]

What does this page cover?

• What does the evidence say about kinesiology tape after ACL surgery?
• How is kinesiology tape used?
• Can tape replace treatment?
• When should a knee injury be checked urgently?
• What should I do next?

How is kinesiology tape used?

Kinesiology tape is applied to the skin around a joint such as the knee. It is used as an extra alongside physiotherapy and strengthening exercises, not on its own.

• Tape is an optional extra beside rehabilitation, not the main part of a plan.
• Whether to add it is a personal choice. The evidence above is a reason to keep expectations modest.

Can tape replace treatment?

No. Kinesiology tape is not a substitute for medical care, and it is not a sole method of managing a knee problem.

• If the knee is not settling, or you are unsure what is wrong, have it assessed.
• An assessment looks at what happened, examines the whole knee and uses tests that help, so you and your clinician can decide what to do.

When should a knee injury be checked urgently?

What should I do next?

If you are recovering from a knee injury or surgery and wondering whether tape is worth adding, bring the question to your clinician or physiotherapist. It is a fair thing to ask.

• Read about recovery after knee surgery.
• See how an ACL injury is assessed and how the treatment options compare on the ACL reconstruction surgery page.
• Browse the Knee Hub or the Knowledge Centre for other knee problems.
• Read about tips for recovering after ACL surgery.
• Read about three things to know about ACL injuries.

References

1. Chen P, Wang L, Zhou W, Wang L. Efficacy on knee function of Kinesio taping among individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review. PLOS ONE. Published 29 February 2024. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0299008. PMID:38421970. PMCID:PMC10903864. Open access.