Kinesiologic taping reduces morbidity after oral and maxillofacial surgery: a pooled analysis

Laryngeal Taping as a Supportive Tool to Relieve Phonasthenia in Singers: A Preliminary Report

AIM

This report aims to perform a preliminary evaluation of the role of taping in the improvement of phonasthenia among professional voice users. The larynx is a vital organ but also a work instrument for many people. Prevention of erroneous use of the vocal mechanism is essential for an optimal voice performance.

METHODS

Nineteen singers complaining voice fatigue underwent taping application in peri-laryngeal areas of the anterior neck for 10 days. Taping effects were estimated by the evaluation of voice analysis parameters (jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonic ratio and singing power ratio) performed in M1 and M2 mechanisms with PRAAT software before and after treatment. In addition, a subjective assessment of phonasthenia was performed using a self-administrated questionnaire.

RESULTS

Statistically significant reduction of Jitter% in M1 (P = 0.021) was reported at the end of treatment; also, an improvement of NHR in M2 was found immediately after the application (P = 0.012) and after 10 days (P = 0.002). These outcomes suggest possible beneficial effects of laryngeal taping on relieving voice fatigue, and therefore improving voice quality. Self-assessment results are consistent with this finding.

CONCLUSION

Since the application of muscular taping in phoniatrics is still in its early stage, further studies and in particular a standardized protocol of application, could facilitate the spread of this technique, also offering help in comparing results.

Effectiveness of Elastic Therapeutic Tape in Reducing Edema, Pain and Trismus following Surgery for Facial Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Facial fractures cause postoperative morbidity, including edema, pain, and trismus. Elastic therapeutic tapes are used for optimizing recovery. Background: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of elastic tape Kinesio taping (KT) in reducing postoperative morbidity in facial fractures surgeries. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted in the Cochrane, Medline, Scopus, Embase and Web of Science databases using a pre-established search strategy. Results: A total of 811 studies were retrieved after the duplicates were removed, and only randomized clinical trials were included. Eight trials, involving 319 participants, were deemed eligible. One study solely investigated the effect on edema, while the others analyzed at least two of the variables of interest. Results from two RCTs, where qualitative analysis was applicable, suggest a potential reduction in edema in the KT group compared to the control group on the second (RR -0.55, 95% CI -0.89 to -0.22; p = 0.01; I2 = 0%) and third postoperative days (RR -0.71, 95% CI -1.01 to -0.40; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%). Conclusions: KT is effective in controlling postoperative edema following surgery for facial fractures. However, the effects on pain and trismus should be explored further in studies with standardized methods.

Kinesio Taping as an Adjunct Therapy in Postoperative Care after Extraction of Impacted Third Lower Molars—A Randomized Pilot Study

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly administered according to protocol for the management of complications such as pain, swelling, and trismus following the removal of the third impacted lower molar; however, treatment with NSAIDs may result in multiple adverse effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT) and the use of NSAIDs in the treatment of postoperative complications after extraction of an impacted third lower molar. Material and methods: The study comprised a group of 30 patients, randomly divided into the test group (with KT, n = 15) or the control group (without KT, n = 15). The surgery was performed according to standard procedures. In the test group, KT was applied immediately after surgery. Pain, swelling, and trismus were assessed. The VAS scale was used to assess pain. Swelling was measured based on six reference points on the face using a tailor’s meter, and a caliper was used to measure the distance between the upper and lower medial incisors of the upper and lower teeth to determine the extent of trismus. Measurements were performed three times: on the day of the surgery, on the second day following the surgery, and on the 7th day after the surgery. Results: Pain intensity (day of procedures), maximum mouth opening (on the seventh day after the surgery), and the use of NSAIDs (day of surgery) were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the test group than in the control group. Conclusions: Kinesio taping in addition to NSAIDs was found to be more effective than NSAIDs alone in increasing the degree of jaw opening, decreasing pain intensity, and reducing the non-steroid anti-inflammatory dosage in patients after impacted mandibular wisdom teeth surgery.

Does Training Background Influence Outcomes after Coronal Scalp Incision for Treating Craniomaxillofacial Injuries?: A German Pilot Study

Objectives

To examine outcomes of the coronal scalp approach to craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fractures performed by oral-maxillofacial or craniofacial plastic surgery residents (OMFS/CFPS-Rs) vs. trauma surgery residents (TS-Rs), and to determine differences in treatment outcomes between both operator groups.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled a sample of CMF fracture adult patients treated via the coronal approach in a German level one trauma center during a two-year interval. The predictor variable was training background (OMFS/CFPS-Rs vs. TS-Rs; each n = 5). All trainees must assist in ≥ two surgeries before self-performance. The main outcomes were length of hospital stay (LHS) and coronal flap-related complications (CFRCs). Appropriate statistics were computed at α = 95%.

Results

Of the 97 patients identified during the study period; 71 of whom (19.7% females; mean age, 40.2 ± 15.2 years; 46.5% operated by TS-Rs; 38% combined upper and midfacial fractures) met the inclusion criteria. Operative time, LHS, CFRCs, readmission rates, and post-discharge emergency room visits were not significantly different between the trainee groups. 60% of CFRCs were visible/unfavorable or hypertrophic scar with/without alopecia. The number needed to treat of short LHS was 44 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9 to 4.8), the number needed to harm of CFRCs was 14 (95% CI, 3.6 to 7.4), i.e., the likelihood to be helped or harmed was 0.32.

Conclusions

Coronal flap raising by OMFS/CFPS-Rs does not appear beneficial over that by TS-Rs in terms of LHS and CFRCs evaluated until postoperative month six. Trainees from any surgical specialties could gain partial independence from skilled surgeons in CMF trauma “sub-steps” and favorable clinical outcomes. Further studies in a larger sample cohort are required to confirm this pilot data.

The effects of treatment timing on the management of patients with multiple facial fractures and on the self-perception of TMD recovery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of time on the orofacial functions and on the self-perception of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) recovery in a population of patients with multiple facial fractures.

METHODS

Orofacial functions and self-perception of TMD recovery was verified in patients with midface and/or lower face fractures. Patients were divided according to the time between fracture reduction and the clinical assessments: 0-1 month (Group 1), 1-3 months (Group 2), and 15 >3 months (Group 3).

RESULTS

Patients in Group 1 presented a greater compromise of swallowing and mastication when compared to patients with older fractures (p = 0.015), whereas patients in Group 3 presented a poorer TMD recovery (TMJ pain: p = 0.010 and tinnitus: p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Delays in functional treatments involving the myofunctional orofacial system have a negative impact on the recovery of essential orofacial functions and on TMD symptoms..

Does kinesio taping reduce pain, swelling, and trismus after mandibular third molar surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study is to provide an evidence-based conclusion regarding the effectiveness of kinesio taping (KT) in reducing postsurgical discomforts after mandibular third molar surgery and critically appraise the available literature. Eligible clinical trials evaluating patients older than 18 years who were treated with any type of KT compared to no taping in which pain, swelling, or trismus scores were reported were included. An electronic literature search was carried out in the following databases to identify relevant papers up to May 30, 2021: Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Scopus. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). The effect sizes were calculated using mean difference (MD) and standardized mean difference (SMD). The heterogeneity analysis was conducted using (I²) statistic at alpha = 0.10 (PROSPERO; CRD42021252670). Nine randomized clinical trials with 444 participants were included in the qualitative analysis and eight in the quantitative analysis. The results of the meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in pain and swelling scores before the 7th postoperative day. On the 7th postoperative day, no significant difference was observed between KT and control groups in terms of pain and swelling. Additionally, KT led to an increase in patients' maximum mouth opening of more than 3 mm in postoperative intervals. KT is effective in reducing postoperative pain within the first 48 h after surgery and improving mouth opening during all postoperative intervals with moderate to high certainty of evidence.

A literature review of applications of Kinesio Taping® in the craniomaxillofacial region

This study was conducted to achieve an understanding of the potential applications of Kinesio Taping® (KT) in the craniomaxillofacial region. A comprehensive search of pertinent literature was performed through PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect. The focused question that was addressed was, "What are the potential applications of KT in the craniomaxillofacial region?". The preliminary search identified 52 studies. Once duplicates were removed, the remaining 43 titles/abstracts were screened, where 9 studies were excluded and the remaining 34 were assessed. Three additional studies were obtained through reference review of the retrieved articles. KT is being used for the management of various conditions, including temporomandibular joint disorders, side effects associated with maxillofacial surgeries, various neurological conditions, etc. KT has not been proven as a reliable independent treatment option; however, it is considered to be useful as a complementary option to improve treatment outcomes for various conditions.

Can Kinesio taping improve discomfort after mandibular third molar surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Kinesio taping (KT) can improve patient discomfort after mandibular third molar surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the PICO strategy. We searched 4 databases for related articles. All controlled trials or randomized controlled trials that evaluated the application of KT after mandibular third molar surgery were included. Screening and article selection were carried out by two independent reviewers. The main evaluation indicators were facial swelling, pain, and trismus. All statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.3 software.

RESULT

This analysis included 8 articles. The combined results showed that compared with the control group, the postoperative application of KT significantly reduced pain in the early (early stage mean difference (MD), - 2.00; 95% confidence interval (CI), - 2.40 to - 1.60; P < 0.00001) and late (late stage MD, - 1.18; 95% CI, - 2.26 to - 0.11; P = 0.03) postoperative periods and, thus, reduced the intake of painkillers. KT also reduced facial swelling in the early and late postoperative periods (early stage standardized mean difference (SMD), - 1.34; 95% CI, - 1.99 to - 0.68; P < 0.0001; late stage SMD, - 0.31; 95% CI, - 0.51 to - 0.11; P = 0.002). In addition, the postoperative application of KT improved restricted mouth opening in the early and late postoperative periods (early stage MD, - 5.03 mm; 95% CI, - 6.32 to - 3.74 mm; P < 0.00001; late stage MD, - 3.42 mm; 95% CI, - 5.31 to - 1.52 mm; P = 0.0004).

CONCLUSION

KT can significantly reduce postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus after impacted mandibular tooth extraction. Additional high-quality and rigorously designed randomized controlled trials should be conducted to verify these conclusions.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

KT is a low-cost, simple, effective nondrug therapy for the postoperative management of mandibular third molar extraction and has broad prospects for clinical application.

Quality of Life of Patients after Kinesio Tape Applications Following Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgeries

Today, extraction of the impacted third molar is the most common procedure performed in oral surgery departments. One of the methods currently investigated—in terms reducing the severity of non-infectious complications and decreasing Quality of Life following third molar surgeries—is Kinesio Taping (KT). The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of Kinesio Tape application on Quality of Life. A total of 100 asymptomatic patients with impacted third lower molar were included. The study participants were randomly divided into two groups: a study group with the application of KT (n = 50) and a control group (without KT) (n = 50). Removal of the impacted third lower molar was performed in each patient in a standardized fashion. For assessment of Quality of Life, the modified University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (UW-QoL v4) was used. Patients with Kinesio Tape application scored higher in all domains. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found in the following domains: “Activity”, “Mood”, “Health-related QoL during the past 7 days” and “Overall QoL during the past 7 days”. There were no significant differences in significant problems and important issues between groups. Kinesio Taping has a significant impact on Quality of Life after impacted third molar removal. It should be considered as one of the noninvasive methods to reduce postoperative non-infectious complications.

Comparison of Surgical Drain Placement With Use of Kinesiologic Tape on Postoperative Pain, Swelling, and Trismus in Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery

PURPOSE

The aim of this prospective study was to compare the effects of a surgical tube drain with kinesiologic tape (KT) application on postoperative complications such as trismus, swelling, and pain after impacted third molar surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This single-center, randomized study included 90 patients divided into 3 groups. After impacted third molar removal, 30 patients were treated with a tube drain (drain group), 30 patients were treated with KT application (KT group), and 30 patients were treated with a routine surgical operation and no extra procedure (control group).

RESULTS

A total of 29 male and 61 female patients were included. Mouth opening was greatest in the drain group over a period of 7 days. Patients in the control group had more pain than those in the drain and KT groups. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of pain and swelling between the drain and KT groups over the 7-day period of the study. The tube drain was found to improve patients' quality-of-life compared with the KT and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the effects of a tube drain and KT in terms of pain and swelling were similar, the tube drain was more effective in reducing postoperative complications.

Effects of kinesiology tape after enucleation of mandibular dentigerous cysts

Objectives

Kinesiology tape (KT) creates a pulling force on the skin, thus improving blood and lymph flow by alleviating hemorrhage and congestion of lymphatic fluid. The authors hypothesized that the use of KT could be beneficial for the management of complications after head and neck surgery and designed this study to evaluate the effects of KT on swelling, pain, and trismus after enucleation of mandibular dentigerous cysts with third molar extraction.

Materials and Methods

Forty patients who underwent enucleation of a dentigerous cyst with extraction of the mandibular third molar were selected. The patients were randomized into two groups (n=20 each): a KT group, where KT was applied after surgery in addition to basic postoperative care, and a control group, where patients received basic postoperative care without KT application. Swelling, pain, and trismus were evaluated before surgery (T0) and on postoperative days 1 (T1), 2 (T2), and 3 (T3). Cyst volume, gauze weight for assessing bleeding, and operation time were recorded.

Results

There was a significant difference between the two groups in the change in swelling up to T1 and the change in swelling between T1 and T2. The maximum swelling in the KT group was significantly less than that in the No-KT group and maximum swelling appeared faster in the KT group than in the No-KT group. Both groups showed a mild pain response but there was no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference on interincisal distance change between the two groups. There were no correlations between cyst volume, bleeding, operation time, and maximum swelling.

Conclusion

KT can effectively manage facial swelling after oral and maxillofacial surgeries such as cyst enucleation and third molar extraction, thus improving postoperative patient satisfaction levels and quality of life.

Comparison of Different Kinesio Taping Techniques After Third Molar Surgery

PURPOSE

Elastic therapeutic taping method has been shown to reduce pain and edema after surgery. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of 2 different Kinesio taping (KT) techniques on swelling, pain, and trismus after third molar surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study was designed as a split-mouth, single-blinded, and controlled randomized clinical trial. Patients undergoing lower impacted third molar extraction at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, were included in the present study. Group I included 30 patients and was used to compare the classic KT technique (technique A) and the new KT technique (technique B). Group II included 15 patients and was used to compare the classic KT technique (technique A) and no KT (No-KT [control]). Group III included 15 patients and was used to compare the new KT technique (technique B) and No-KT (control). Swelling was assessed using the 3dMD Face System (3dMD, Atlanta, GA). The maximum interincisal distance was recorded using a digital caliper preoperatively (T0) and at postoperative days 2 (T1) and 7 (T2). The visual analog scale for pain scores were recorded postoperatively at 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 hours, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 days. The effects of operative time, patient age, and patient gender were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The data from 60 patients (27 men and 33 women) with a mean age of 22.28 years (range, 18 to 31 years) were analyzed in the present study. The amount of swelling and the interincisal distance were less with technique B than with technique A and no KT (control group).

CONCLUSIONS

KT is a useful method for reducing postoperative morbidity after impacted third molar extraction. In particular, the application of KT using the new technique described in the present study could be more effective than the classic methods.

Kinesio taping use to reduce pain and edema after third molar extraction surgery: A randomized controlled split-mouth study

OBJECTIVE

Evaluating Kinesio Taping (KT) use to reduce pain and edema in individuals subjected to surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirteen individuals (5 men and 8 women, mean age: 23.25 years) were subjected to mutual extraction of two mandibular third molars based on the same surgical protocol and pharmacological approach. All individuals were subjected to kinesio taping application on one side of patients' face (test group - KT), in the immediate postoperative period. The other side of the face was not subjected to KT application, and it was used as control (No KT). An examiner assessed individuals' pain and edema based on the visual analog scale (VAS) and on the Todorović-Marković method, respectively, at the preoperative, immediate postoperative, and second and fifth postoperative days. Statistical analysis was based on the Scheirer-Ray-Hare test.

RESULTS

Edema (48 h and 120 h after surgery) and pain intensity (24 h, 48 h and 120 h after surgery) were lower on the KT side (p < 0.05). Moreover, edema and pain intensity fully reduced on the KT side 120 h after surgery (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Kinesio taping adopted in the current study was effective in reducing edema and postoperative pain in patients subjected to oral surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

KT enables patients to experience a more comfortable postoperative period and helps improving their quality of life.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of the Effects of Kinesio Taping on Postoperative Swelling and Pain after Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of kinesio taping on pain and swelling after surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion.

Material and Methods

A total of 21 (12 male and 9 female) patients with transverse maxillary deficiency were enrolled in the study. Kinesio taping (KT) was applied unilaterally in each patient, whereby sides of the face with KT application were included into the (a) KT group and the other sides were included into the (b) non-KT group. Changes in facial volume were evaluated on digital images using the 3dMD Face System. Pain scores were assessed at postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 using the visual analog scale (VAS). Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance and Mann Whitney U test were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Swelling was significantly lower in the KT group compared to the non-KT group from T0 to T1 (36.42 [SD 19.71] mm³ vs. 183.84 [SD 49.33] mm³) and was significantly greater in the non-KT group compared to the KT group from T0 to T2 (70.88 [SD 15.73] mm³ vs. 21.46 [SD 13.39] mm³) (P < 0.001 for both). The VAS scores were significantly lower in the KT group compared to the non-KT group at all time points (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The application of kinesio taping after maxillofacial surgery reduced the pain and swelling in the postoperative period. Kinesio taping can be used as an alternative to other methods that are used for the reduction of postoperative complaints.

Pain-diminishing effects of Kinesio® taping after median sternotomy

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pain and severe side effects of opioid analgesics present a clinical challenge after cardio-thoracic surgery. In this study, the impact of Kinesio® taping on postoperative morbidity after median sternotomy was observed.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients (mean age 66 ± 9 years, CI: 63.28; 68.98) who underwent median sternotomy between 09/2014 and 11/2014 participated in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Patients were assigned into a treatment on a non-treatment group. Patients in the treatment group were taped after leaving the intensive care unit. We assessed, pain, consumption of pain medication, the subjective estimation of patients' ability to breathe, radiologic and microbial abnormalities as well as adverse effects resulting from the tape use daily until discharge. To determine the patients' satisfaction a discharge questionnaire was offered after completion of data.

RESULTS

Patients who were treated with tape report significantly less pain (2.14 ± 0.5, CI: 1.1; 3.13) than patients from the control group (4.16 ± 0.6, CI: 2.92; 5.41, p = 0.01). The need for opioid pain medication, as assessed by total analgesic consumption per patient, was significantly less in the treatment group (1.2 ml ± 0.4 ml, CI: 0.40 ml; 2.01 ml) versus (3.1 ml ± 0.5 ml, CI: 2.0 ml; 4.2 ml, p = 0.01). The subjective estimation of patients' ability to breathe was significantly better (p < 0.001) and the satisfaction was higher in the Kinesio® tape group compared to the control group. Taped patients had a mean hospitalization of 10 ± 1 day (CI: 8.74 days; 11.78 days) untapped patients stayed for 11 ± 1 days (CI: 9.17 days; 11.83 days). Adverse effects from the tape treatment were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Kinesio® taping after median sternotomy is a low-risk, non-pharmacologic, cost effective, and promising method for improving patients' breathing conditions, reducing postoperative pain, pain medication consumption, and thus, potential adverse effects of analgesics.

Could kinesiology taping help mitigate pain, breathlessness and abdominal-related symptoms in cancer?

We present the case of a woman who was an amateur athlete diagnosed with primary breast cancer, and 10 years later with terminal metastatic cancer. This case report was prepared posthumously in co-operation with her next of kin (husband). The patient first presented to a sports physiotherapist (AR) for her pain-management and to help maintain physical fitness so that she could continue with sports and an active lifestyle. The patient continued with physiotherapy for several months to enable her to be active. However, when her health deteriorated significantly due to advancing cancer, the treatment was modified and aimed at improving the patient's general well-being. The physiotherapist applied kinesiology tape over the patient's lower rib cage, diaphragm and abdomen in an attempt to manage pain, breathlessness and abdominal bloating. The patient reported alleviation of pain, breathlessness, abdominal discomfort and nausea, accompanied by improvements in eating, drinking, energy levels and physical function.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of early or delayed treatment upon healing of mandibular fractures: A retrospective study

Objectives:

This study was aimed to assess the impacts of delay treatment of mandibular fracture and its complications. In addition risk variables related such as time to repair, fracture types, substance abuse, causes, surgical management, muddling or complications and duration of clinic stay were also evaluated.

Materials and Methods:

The data of patients attending the Newcastle General Hospital, UK for the management of mandibular fractures were probed. This retrospective clinical trial conducted over 6 months, included 91 patients attending trauma operating theatre during weekdays or weekends. Data were analyzed for time to admission and treatment and its relationships to various factors using SPSS version 20 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL).

Results:

Time to treatment from the point of admission was 31.50 ± 3.83 h during week days that has been significantly more for patients attending the hospital at weekends or nights. Similar trend was observed for total summative time from the incident to treatment analysis.

Conclusions:

This investigation has demonstrated that the rate of infection and postoperative complications following surgical treatment of mandible fractures can be eased off by reducing the waiting time from presentation to the emergency and to the operating theater.