Bodybuilding exercises like squatting can put a tremendous amount of stress on the knee joints. Applying knee wraps can help alleviate this pressure during maximum lifts. Don't forget to train with a spotter when doing squats or deadlifts to reduce the risk of injury and maintain proper form.
Anatomy
Bodybuilding.com notes your knee is a hinge-type joint which moves about a dynamic axis. The patella, tibia and femur are the bony structures within the knee. The ligaments are tissues connecting bone to bone and the tendons are bands connecting bony structures to the muscles acting on the knee joint. These muscles are the hamstrings on the rear thigh and the quadriceps on the front thigh.
Benefits
Knee wraps can improve safety and performance during squatting. You can stabilize the knee joint with a properly applied wrap and squatting with wraps helps you lift heavier weights. Keeping your knees wrapped loosely increases the elasticity of the tissue in your knees and improves blood flow through the area, helping you perform squats or deadlifts with greater power.
Usage
Only use wraps for maximum lifts. Wrapping up for lifts under 85 percent of your maximum lift takes most of the adaptive stress off your knee tissues. This means your knees won't get stronger as the wrap will be absorbing most of the stress. Apply the wrap under your knees, working upward, with your leg straight. Wrap from the inner portion of the knee to the outward section, wrapping two layers below the knee and overlapping each layer by one half the wrap's width. Increase the tension in the wrap when applying at the knee joint and stop wrapping in the lower thigh area.
Considerations
Knee wraps can be used for barbell squats, hack squats, deadlifts, leg presses or any other heavy compound movement. Before starting a resistance training regimen consult a physician.
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