Kinesio Tape & Edema

Results have shown mixed effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in the reduction of Edema. Any conclusive findings are difficult to determine at this time due to differences in: Study Diagnoses (e.g., Breast Cancer vs. Musculoskeletal), Duration of Edema (i.e., acute vs. subacute), and Lack of procedural specificity (i.e., methods sections lack procedural details).

While more research is warranted to identify the populations best suited for Edema reduction by Kinesio Taping, the proposed mechanism of action is deformation of tissues, which increases the space between the skin & muscle tissue facilitating blood and lymph flow.

Can Any Conclusion Be Drawn? - A few tentative ones

1) Effectiveness—For at least some patients with Edema, Kinesio Taping does provide a reduction compared to control patients. Generally, found more effective in earlystage edema management.

2) Safety—No identified Evidence to suggest a negative impact of Kinesio Taping on Edema.

3) Pain—Kinesio Taping has moderate evidence for effective pain relief while applied, but the post-taping effects are not long lasting.

Submitted by Dr. Lauren Collier Peterson, PT, DPT

Clinical Director FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers of Oklahoma City

Dr. Peterson and her staff provide Physical Therapy for patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, imbalance and falls risk, & orthopedic injuries in OKC.

She has treated hundreds of men and women with pelvic floor issues ranging from incontinence and constipation to pain and prolapse. While she has a particular clinical interest in pelvic pain disorders, she wants everyone to enjoy good pelvic health and to know that “Leaks are not normal!”

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