The effects of Kinesio tapes on facial swelling following bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in the supraclavicular region

BACKGROUND

Several osteotomies are required for orthognathic surgery to reposition the jaws correctly. This study aimed to evaluate whether Kinesiotaping can reduce swelling, pain, and trismus following orthognathic surgery of the facial skull.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study consists of two phases. In the split-mouth phase, 16 skeletal class III patients underwent Bimax Orthognathic surgery, and Kinesiological tape (KT) was applied on one half of the face. In the prospective case-control phase, 30 patients were divided into two groups. Kinesio tape was applied on both sides of the face of the Kinesio group, and pressure dressing and ice therapy were used for the second group. The tape was parallel to the lower border of the mandible along its entire length, tangent to the labial commissure area on the studied side. The tape was placed in place for 5 days. Edema was evaluated by measuring the distance from the menton to the lower edge of the tragus. The maximum mouth-opening trismus was evaluated, and the VAS index was used to evaluate pain.

RESULTS

There was evidence of swelling reduction after KT; within the same study, differences between the left and right sides as well as for the same side were statistically significant (p < 0.001). As a result of tapping lymphatic Kinesio tape on the affected area, tension was reduced, and lymphatic circulation was restored. Blood and lymph microcirculation was improved, enabling the body to heal itself.

CONCLUSION

Kinesio tape reduced swelling after orthognathic surgery in a positive way. As a simple, non-traumatic, economical method, Kinesio taping seems promising.

Effects of Kinesio Taping on Muscle Force of Quadriceps Femoris and Hamstring Tendon in Un-Dominant Side in Normal Adults

Objective To observe the effects of kinesio taping on muscle force of quadriceps and hamstring in un-dominant side.

MethodsThe subjects are consisted of 25 normal adults ranging from 20 to 25. The experiment was carried out by Biodex S4 in the angular velocity of 60°/s. 24 hours of ongoing taping later, the experiment was taken again by multijoint isokinetic test and training system before applying the tape, taping immediately and 24h-taping. The indexes are peak torque (PT), relative torque (PT/BW), total work (TW) and the radio of the muscle force between hamstring tendon and quadriceps femoris (R).

Results Compared with un-taping(T1), in taping immediately(T2), it is significantly increased at PT, PT/BW and TW in quadriceps femoris (P<0.05); it is increased at PT, but there’s no difference (P>0.05), and it is significantly increased at PT/BW(P<0.01) and TW (P<0.05) in hamstringtendon; it is very significantly increased at R in taping immediately(T2) (P<0.01). After 24 h’s taping(T3), compared with un-taping(T1), it is very significantly increased at PT, PT/BW both in quadriceps femoris and hamstring tendon (P<0.01), while it is very significantly increased in quadriceps femoris (P<0.01) and significantly in hamstring tendon (P<0.05) at TW; it is significantly increased at R(P<0.05). Compared with taping immediately(T2), it is increased at PT, PT/BW in quadriceps femoris, but there is no difference (P>0.05), while it is significantly increased at TW (P<0.05) ; it is significantly increased at PT and TW (P<0.05), but it is no difference at PT/BW (P>0.05) in hamstring tendon; it is no difference at R (P>0.05).

Conclusion The technology of Y-style kinesio taping can improve the muscle force of quadriceps and hamstring in the un-dominant side in normal adults, while the effect of consisting taping is significant.

Kinesio taping and low-level laser therapy in breast cancer-related lymphedema in an arm with arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis

Secondary lymphedema mainly occurs as a result of impairment or obstruction of the lymphatic system. Although complex decongestive therapy is recognized as the best management technique of lymphedema, we encounter various patient profiles in our clinical practice and may need to apply alternative treatment options. In this article, we report a 57-year-old female patient with breast cancer-related lymphedema and arteriovenous (AV) fistula for hemodialysis in the same arm. We performed low-level laser therapy treatment for 12 sessions, kinesio taping, and remedial exercises to the patient as the compression part of complex decongestive therapy was contraindicated in the AV fistula. Self-manual lymphatic drainage training and skin care education were also given. The arm volume difference was decreased from 691 mL to 454 mL after the treatments. Low-level laser therapy and kinesio taping should be kept in mind as alternative techniques for appropriate cases in the treatment of lymphedema.

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.

The effects of bandaging with an additional pad and taping on secondary arm lymphedema in a patient after mastectomy

[Purpose] The purpose of this case study was to determine the effectiveness of bandaging the arm of a patient with secondary lymphedema on the patient's quality of life, arm volume and arm function using an additional pad and taping along with some other standard therapy modalities for lymphedema. [Subjects and Methods] I used a bandage with an additional pad and taping, along with MLD, exercise, and skin care to treat a patient with unilateral breast-cancer-related arm lymphedema who had fibrotic tissue on her lower arm and hand. I made a pad called a "muff" and applied it under tape while using Vodder's technique. Treatment was performed during 5 therapy sessions a week for 2 weeks. [Results] After the physiotherapy sessions, the excess edema volume decreased to 608 ml, and the percentage of excess volume (PEV) was 9.6%. The therapeutic efficacy, measured as percentage reduction of excess volume (PREV), was -79.5%, meaning that the edema volume was reduced 79.5%. The use of an additional pad and taping on a large edematous site with fibrotic changes can produce more efficacious lymphedema care. [Conclusion] The use of an additional pad and taping on a large edematous site with fibrotic changes has demonstrated a positive result in lymphedema management for a post mastectomy patient and, therefore, further studies on this method are suggested with a larger sample size.

Lower Extremity Lymphedema Management after Gynecologic Cancer Surgery: A Review of Current Management Strategies

Lymphedema can be described as an accumulation of protein-rich fluid in interstitial spaces. It affects patients in multiple aspects. Gynecologic cancer survivors might experience lower extremity lymphedema after cancer surgery or treatment. In literature, most of the studies have been performed on upper extremity lymphedema. As gynecologic cancer malignancies have increased in the recent years, treatment options and related complications have been gaining attention in studies. In this manner, this review focused on the management of lower extremity lymphedema after gynecologic surgery. Studies indicated that the incidence of lower extremity lymphedema ranges between 2.4% and 41% after pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with gynecologic malignancies. Thus, management of lower extremity lymphedema in patients after gynecologic cancer surgery is an important issue. Complex decongestive therapy method is still the gold standard of lymphedema management. Controlling, evaluating, and preventing the risk factors are also substantial points; hence, it is very important to provide accurate knowledge in the management of lower extremity lymphedema.

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.

Effects of Kinesio taping compared to arterio-venous Impulse System™ on limb swelling and skin temperature after total knee arthroplasty

PURPOSE

It is an established fact that post-operative (p.o.) soft-tissue swelling and lymphoedema after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have a major influence on the p.o. early functional outcome. Kinesio taping has a proven clinical effect in increasing lymph drainage. Despite the decades of experience gained and the assumed positive effects, hardly any investigations have been conducted to date on the influence of Kinesio taping on the p.o. healing process after TKA. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that Kinesio taping used as a lymph application leads to a reduction of p.o. soft-tissue swelling. As a secondary objective, it was to be tested whether there is an effect on skin temperature as a surrogate parameter for dermal micro-circulation.

METHODS

In this prospective study with a historical control (A-V Impulse System™ group), 42 subjects were included and treated with Kinesio taping after implantation of a TKA. The patients of the study group were treated immediately p.o. with Kinesio® Tex Gold™ fan cut tape as a lymph application with a common base. A thermographic temperature determination of the knee joint operated on was performed on each patient in the supine position every day from the first to the seventh p.o. day. The leg circumference was documented daily at eight specified measuring points on both lower limbs. As a statistical analytical approach, the so-called principal component analysis was used. An analysis of variance was performed. The significance level was set at p < 0.001.

RESULTS

The course of soft-tissue swelling of the study group did not differ from that of the control group at any point in time. For the temperature course of the medial wound aspect, no difference was seen between the Kinesio taping study group and the A-V Impulse System™ group. In contrast, the temperature course of the lateral wound aspect showed a reproducibly higher temperature in the Kinesio tape group than in the control group (0.6 °C (0.5-0.8), p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The hypothesis of the study that Kinesio taping as a lymph application induces a reduction of soft-tissue swelling after TKA must be rejected on the basis of the present data. Solely the temperature of the lateral wound aspect was higher in the Kinesio taping group than in the control group, so that an increased blood circulation can be assumed here. Considering that the actively working A-V Impulse System™ used in the control group also increases local blood circulation, the effect of the passive Kinesio tape is surprising. However, this was not reflected in a quicker wound healing, as the day of last wound secretion was the same in both groups. Kinesio taping as a lymph application represents an equivalent alternative to the A-V Impulse System™ for therapy after total knee arthroplasty with regard to soft-tissue swelling and wound healing.

Kinesiology taping as an adjunct for pain management in cancer?

We present the case of a 46-year-old woman who developed severe pain described as 'tearing' and 'searing' in the left side of the mid-trapezius region near the thoracic 8 vertebra (T8). The patient had undergone surgery for T8 fracture which had resulted from metastasis (secondary breast cancer). A community nurse referred the patient for physiotherapy assessment and treatment for her musculoskeletal pain and related symptoms that had affected her mobility and functional activities. The patient was treated with soft tissue therapy with the addition of kinesiology taping on follow-up visits. Kinesiology tape was applied over her left side trapezius region and left shoulder. The patient reported significant reductions in pain severity and felt greater control and stability over her left shoulder region, which resulted in better function and overall quality of life measures. She did not report any adverse effects.

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

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to assess the safety and tolerability of Kinesio Taping (KT) in patients with arm lymphedema.

METHOD

Medical device clinical study in women with arm lymphedema. Kinesio Tex Gold bandage was applied by the KT technique. Assessments and interviews were carried out both at the beginning and 4 days after intervention. Skin disorders, reported tolerance and modification of limb volume and function after intervention were assessed. Changes in limb volume and functionality before and after intervention were compared by the Student's t test and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, considering significant p value <0.05.

RESULTS

Twenty-four women were studied. After intervention, no patient had cutaneous lesions, vesicle or limb hyperthermia, and 4.2% presented skin peeling and redness. Most patients reported no change in social life and that they felt safer in the daily activity and were very pleased with the treatment. The patients presented improvement of upper limb functionality after intervention (p < 0.001). No difference of limb volume was found after intervention (p = 0.639).

CONCLUSIONS

Kinesio Tex Gold bandage by the KT technique proved to be safe and tolerable in patients with lymphedema, with improved functionality and no change of the affected limb volume.

Influence of Kinesiologic Tape on Post-operative Swelling After Orthognathic Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Orthognathic surgery involves making several osteotomies that lead to varying degrees of post-operative swelling. The use of KT may be beneficial for postoperative treatment after head and neck surgery, accelerating drainage of tissue reaction or haemorrhages. The goal of this study was to find out if the application of KT prevents or improves swelling, pain and trismus after orthognathic surgery, improving patients' postoperative quality of life.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this double-blinded, randomized, control trial, 24 patients in whom bimaxillary orthognathic surgery was indicated, were included. Before surgery each patient alternatively was randomly included in the study group (treated with K-Taping(®) and corticosteroid) or in the control group (treated with corticosteroid). In the present study a MakerBot(®) Digitizer 3D™ was used to assess accurate volume measurements. All swelling measurements were expressed as total 3-D area of the landmarks (cm(2) ) in T0 pre-operative, T1 fourth day after surgery.

RESULTS

The differences T0-T1 are highly significant (p < 0.01) between group 1 or study group (treated with K-taping(®)) and group 2 (control group).

DISCUSSION

The use of KT appears promising, because it is simple to carry out, less traumatic, economical, can be performed everywhere in the world, free from side effects on the body. Even when swelling persists, KT gives patients the impression of a minor swelling detracting them from their pain and morbidity. Further studies have to be performed to find out if KT can reduce or replace the need for additional medications such as the use of steroids.

Physical therapy post-hallux abducto valgus correction

This article discusses physical therapy considerations after hallux valgus correction. Hallux valgus is a fairly common occurrence, and corrective surgery is an option when conservative measures fail. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulty walking may persist after surgical correction of bunion deformity that addresses soft tissue and bone structure. Physical therapy is helpful after corrective hallux valgus surgery to address impairments and continued dysfunction and to improve overall patient outcome expectations. This article describes the benefits of a multifaceted physical therapy program after hallux valgus correction.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of kinesio taping application in a patient with secondary lymphedema in breast cancer: a case report

Breast cancer-related lymphedema is one of the complications resulting from treatment. It is defined as arm oedema in the breast cancer patients caused by interruption of the flow of the axillary lymphatic system from surgery or radiation therapy, which results in the accumulation of fluid in the subcutaneous tissue of the arm, with a decrease in tissue distensibility around the joints and an increased weight of the extremity.

Decongestive lymphatic therapy is common management for lymphedema. A program combining skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, and compression therapy (multilayer bandage or garment) is recognised as the best practice in lymphedema management.

Kinesio taping (KT) for lymphatic drainage is a new choice in the field of physical therapy. The material and the original concept of the taping technique were introduced by Dr Kenso Kase in 1973. K-tape had been designed to allow 30-40% longitudinal stretch. It is composed of 100% cotton fibers and acrylic heat sensitive glue. Development of the technique for its administration is still ongoing.

The paper discusses the case of a woman with breast cancer, in whom lymphedema occurred. The patient had three weeks of therapy. The treatment consisted of 12 manual lymphatic drainage, 12 pneumatic compressions and 3 applications of the KT method (due to the lack of standard multi-layer bandaging). During the measurement of oedema it was noted that KT had a significant effect on the reduction of lymphedema and accelerates healing effects compared to standard methods.

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

BACKGROUND

Postoperative morbidity is a major disadvantage after oral and maxillofacial (OMF) surgery, often caused by pain, trismus and swelling affecting patients' quality of life. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of kinesiologic taping (KT) on swelling, pain, trismus and patients' satisfaction after OMF surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Performing a pooled analysis of 96 patients that were assigned for maxillofacial treatment (midface fractures n = 30, mandibular fractures n = 26, wisdom tooth removal n = 40) divided into treatment either with or without kinesiologic tape application. Tape was applied directly after surgery and maintained for at least 5 d postoperatively. Facial swelling was quantified at six specific points in time using a five-line measurement. Pain and degree of mouth opening was measured. Patients' objective feeling and satisfaction was queried.

RESULTS

Application of KT after OMF surgery has a significant influence on the reduction of swelling decreasing the turgidity for 60% during the first 2 d after surgery. Evaluating all patients swelling was significantly lower in the KT treatment group (T2: 63.5 cm ± 4.3; T3: 62.5 cm ± 4.2; T4: 61.6 cm ± 4.2) than in the no-KT group (T2: 67.6 cm ± 5.0; T3: 67.0 cm ± 5.0; T4: 64.8 cm ± 4.8) at T2 (p < 0.001), T3 (p < 0.001), and T4 (p = 0.001). VAS Pain values were scored significantly lower for the KT group (T1: 2.5 ± 2.0 (p = 0.006); T2: 1.7 ± 2.0 (p < 0.001); T3: 1.5 ± 2.3 (p = 0.004); T4: 0.6 ± 1.1 (p = 0.001) compared to the no-KT group (T1: 3.8 ± 2.5; T2: 3.5 ± 2.7; T3: 2.9 ± 2.2; T4: 1.6 ± 1.7). A statistically significant amelioration in mean mouth opening ability was observed in the KT group (T1-BL: -0.08 cm ± 0.49 (p = 0.025); T2-BL: 0.07 cm  ± 0.59 (p = 0.012); T3-BL: 0.20 ± 0.63 (p = 0.013); T4-BL: 0.42 ± 0.59 (p = 0.003)) compared to the no-KT group (T1-BL: -0.47 cm ± 0.86; T2-BL: -0.39 cm ± 0.84; T3-BL: -0.24 ± 0.89; T4-BL: -0.13 ± 1.02).

CONCLUSION

KT after OMF surgery is a promising, simple, less traumatic, economical approach free from systemic adverse reaction upgrading patients' quality of life.