Kinesiology Taping for Oedema (Swelling)

What is Kinesiology Tape used for?
In a sports therapy setting, kinesiology tape is used alongside other treatment modalities to assist in patient recovery. It lifts the skin and underlying tissues, which allows for lymphatic drainage and a faster healing process. The fact that the tape is applied and is then 'working' 24/7 for the duration that it is applied, is a major advantage as it continues a treatment long after a sports therapy appointment is over.
So as you can imagine, it has great possibilities for swelling (Oedema) and such haematoma and impact or trauma injuries in sport (or life!).

How does it work in the context of swelling?
The lymphatic system is commonly referred to as the bodies 'drainage' system and is responsible for removing excess fluid from around the body and directing it back to the cardiovascular system via the lymph nodes which act as filters, then allowing the cleaned lymph fluid back to the bloodstream. If this system is compromised or overloaded (because of a traumatic impact to the body for example), then fluid can accumulate in a localised area which causes swelling.

"Swelling causes pressure & pressure causes pain." - John Gibbons

By being in place over the affected area the k-tape microscopically lifts the skin to allow the fluid to move more freely, allowing more blood to flow to the injured area which accelerates recovery and repair, and allows more lymph fluid to drain from the area reducing swelling and inflammation. Other treatment methods can also be used at the same time as kinesiology taping, e.g. ice packs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Kinesiology Taping is available as a Specialist treatment at Flow Sports Therapy

By David Watson BSc. (Hons), Dip BmP