Lymphedema is basically caused by a back up or congestion of lymphatic fluid. This is caused either when the lymphatic system is unable to transport large proteins and other molecules to be reabsorbed by the venous system, or when surgical procedures require the removal of lymph nodes and in turn lymph fluid can not drain and process normally.   

How Does Kinesio Taping Help?

When the Kinesio Tex Tape is applied, small convolutions in the tape cause the skin to be lifted and this helps to give more space and take pressure off the interstitial fluid. This allows for greater drain of the lymph, and as the body moves, the tape acts as a pump continually stimulating the lymph circulation on a 24hr/day basis. 

NOTE: The Kinesio Tex Tape is designed to the same thickness of the epidermis of the skin.

Technique Development

*** Correction techniques for lymphatic drainage were developed from traditional Kinesio Taping applications for acute clinical conditions. These techniques have been developed and tested in clinical trails and patient case studies. Additional research is currently underway.

By spreading the application to cover a larger area, it was discovered that the overall effectiveness in reducing edema was greater than with traditional techniques for acute rehab. In development, it was also discovered that not only area coverage was important, but also the placement of the tape. By positioning the tape, the tape was able to help facilitate and channel the lymph in a specific direction. To cover this larger area, and to help channel the lymph drainage more effectively, a cut known as a “fan” shape cut  of tape was adopted. Then, other considerations in treating lymphatic disorders were taken into account. As is often recognized, in order to drain specific areas of the body, it is necessary to first open up areas that the lymph will be draining towards.  In other words, clear out one section to be able to clear out another. Therefore, applications for lymph drainage often include applications to facilitate circulation of other areas of lymph as well.

Lymph Correction Technique

On your left is a picture of the fan shape cut. This application allows the practitioner to cover a larger area of edema. The Kinesio Tape is applied in small strips that lift the skin and facilitate lymph circulation. This amazing technique helps actually channel the lymph in the direction of the lymph nodes.

Lymph Drainage in Action

The increased circulation of lymph and blood using Kinesio Taping is demonstrated on this knee.

Taping Procedure

First, the length of tape will vary depending on how large the area of edema, and how far away the closest and next closest (secondary) lymph nodes are, but in general, a 6 to 8 inch strip is used. Then, a fan cut (left top picture) is performed. Next, with the skin or area of edema in a stretched position, the base of the Kinesio Tape is placed towards the closest lymph nodes and the fingers of the fan cut are applied with little to no stretch around and over the edema area.  The next application is placed from a different angle and direction to draw the lymph towards the secondary lymph nodes or the heart using the same technique as the first application. Lastly, an additional strip is placed to draw lymph away from the secondary lymph nodes, in order to open up and facilitate lymphatic flow in the general region as a whole. The same technique is used to channel the flow of lymph away and towards the heart. 

Notice:The following techniques have been developed by trained medical and lymphatic practitioners. This is a lymph correction technique that evolved from traditional Kinesio Taping applications in which facilitation of circulatory and lymphatic flow was the result. It is recommended that only practitioners trained in treating lymphatic disorders and application of the Kinesio Taping Method apply this technique as a treatment. It is also recommended that any use of the techniques be in cooperation with your physician and/or with patient consent. In addition, the Kinesio Taping Association and individuals involved in comprising this information assume no responsibility for implementation of the techniques discussed.