The influence of Kinesiology Taping on the reduction of lymphoedema among women after mastectomy – preliminary study

Abstract

IntroductionKinesiology Taping is a method that assists healing processes and improves the physical efficiency.The aim of the studyThe aim of the study was to assess the influence of Kinesiology Taping on the lymphoedema reduction among women after mastectomy.Material and methodsThe subject of the research included 44 women underwent single mastectomy along with the removal of lymph nodes. The examination was carried out from the 4th of January to the 4th of February, 2013. The traditional taping method was implemented among 22 women, whereas the own taping method was used among the other 22 women. The therapy took 21 days, during which the tapes were applied three times every 7 days. The measurements were made before every application and at the end of the therapy. In the study, a questionnaire was used and it included questions concerning basic demographic, epidemiological data as well as the evaluation of the therapy effectiveness. The linear measurements of the upper limbs, the measurements of the range of joints’ motion in the upper limb were taken as well as grip strength was made.ResultsThe reduction of the volume of lymphoedema of 55% was reported in the study group, whereas the oedema reduced by 27% in the clinical control one.ConclusionsIn the reduction of lymphoedema, the greater effectiveness of the own taping method in comparison to the traditional one was reported. Kinesiology Taping exerted an influence on the improvement of the upper limb's joints movability and the grip strength.

Safety and tolerability of Kinesio® Taping in patients with arm lymphedema: medical device clinical study

“…The purpose of this bandage is that when applied to the skin, the skin rises, creating a space that contributes to the absorption of interstitial liquid and lymph flow [8,9,11,16]. The Kinesio ® Tex Gold bandage is composed of 100 % cotton material with acrylic glue and polyurethane that reacts to heat.…”

“…In patients with secondary lymphedema after breast cancer treatment, the KT technique arose from the need of an alternative in upper limb volume reduction and maintenance; however, there is controversy regarding the application method, the amount of pressure exerted and indication [5][6][7][8][9][10][11].…”

“…The tape is applied to the skin, and the area will form convolutions that lead to enlargement of the interstitial space, improving the absorption and the lymphatic flow [5,11].…”

“…In this sense, another approach currently discussed in secondary lymphedema after breast cancer is Kinesio ® Taping (KT) [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. The tape is applied to the skin, and the area will form convolutions that lead to enlargement of the interstitial space, improving the absorption and the lymphatic flow [5,11].…”

Advances in the surgical treatment of breast cancer and postoperative physiotherapy

“…Other physical treatments supporting the treatment of secondary lymph oedema are: whirl massage of limbs and instrument vibratory massage (in the case of hard consistency of oedema), and deep oscillation (electrostimulation of lymphatic vessels). In turn, lymphatic applications of kinesiology taping cause the improvement of blood and lymph circulation, which results in an effective reduction of stasis and lymphoedema [30,34,35].…”