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Phys. Ther. Korea 2022; 29(3): 171-179
Published online August 20, 2022
https://doi.org/10.12674/ptk.2022.29.3.171
© Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy
Effects of Kinesio Taping on Edema Control in Patients With Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Literature Review
Joon-hyoung Yong1,2 
, PT, PhD, Jin-seok Lim2 , PT, MSc, Il-young Moon2 , PT, MSc, Chung-hwi Yi3 , PT, PhD
1Department of Physical Therapy, Hallym Polytechnic University, Chuncheon, 2Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, 3Department of Physical Therapy, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
Correspondence to: Chung-hwi Yi
E-mail: pteagle@yonsei.ac.kr
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2554-8083
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Background: The application of Kinesio tape (KT) has become an alternative treatment for the reduction of edema owing to its distinct characteristics that mimic skin behavior. Although many studies have found that KT application has a positive effect on edema related to breast cancer and rehabilitation following mandibular third molar surgery, there is little evidence to support the use of KT for musculoskeletal injuries. Objects: The purpose of this study was to review the literature related to KT application for reducing edema caused by musculoskeletal disorders.
Methods: A literature search (July 2022) was performed on PubMed for articles published between January 2012 and June 2022. The following keywords were used: “Kinesio taping,” “Kinesio tape,” “swelling,” and “edema,” with different combinations and derivations. Only articles available in English were included in this study.
Results: Among 68 identified studies, seven met our search strategy and criteria and were included in the literature review. Five of these studies investigated musculoskeletal disorders of the knee joint; two of them reported that KT application had a positive effect on edema measured using perimetry following total knee replacement and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, the KT application did not improve swelling in patients with acute lateral ankle sprains. Pediatric patients with acute proximal phalangeal joint sprain experienced a more significant improvement in the reduction of swelling than the group using a splint.
Conclusion: This literature review found discrepant evidence to support using KT for edema control in musculoskeletal disorders. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of KT for controlling edema following musculoskeletal injuries.
Keywords: Athletic tape, Edema, Musculoskeletal diseases, Swelling
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Review Article
Phys. Ther. Korea 2022; 29(3): 171-179
Published online August 20, 2022 https://doi.org/10.12674/ptk.2022.29.3.171
Copyright © Korean Research Society of Physical Therapy.
Effects of Kinesio Taping on Edema Control in Patients With Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Literature Review
Joon-hyoung Yong1,2 , PT, PhD, Jin-seok Lim2 , PT, MSc, Il-young Moon2 , PT, MSc, Chung-hwi Yi3 , PT, PhD
1Department of Physical Therapy, Hallym Polytechnic University, Chuncheon, 2Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, 3Department of Physical Therapy, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
Correspondence to:Chung-hwi Yi
E-mail: pteagle@yonsei.ac.kr
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2554-8083
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Background: The application of Kinesio tape (KT) has become an alternative treatment for the reduction of edema owing to its distinct characteristics that mimic skin behavior. Although many studies have found that KT application has a positive effect on edema related to breast cancer and rehabilitation following mandibular third molar surgery, there is little evidence to support the use of KT for musculoskeletal injuries. Objects: The purpose of this study was to review the literature related to KT application for reducing edema caused by musculoskeletal disorders.
Methods: A literature search (July 2022) was performed on PubMed for articles published between January 2012 and June 2022. The following keywords were used: “Kinesio taping,” “Kinesio tape,” “swelling,” and “edema,” with different combinations and derivations. Only articles available in English were included in this study.
Results: Among 68 identified studies, seven met our search strategy and criteria and were included in the literature review. Five of these studies investigated musculoskeletal disorders of the knee joint; two of them reported that KT application had a positive effect on edema measured using perimetry following total knee replacement and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, the KT application did not improve swelling in patients with acute lateral ankle sprains. Pediatric patients with acute proximal phalangeal joint sprain experienced a more significant improvement in the reduction of swelling than the group using a splint.
Conclusion: This literature review found discrepant evidence to support using KT for edema control in musculoskeletal disorders. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of KT for controlling edema following musculoskeletal injuries.
Keywords: Athletic tape, Edema, Musculoskeletal diseases, Swelling
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Table 1 . Search terms for screening studies in PubMed.
#1 “Swelling” OR “Edema” AND “Kinesio Taping” #2 “Swelling” OR “Edema” AND “Kinesio Tape” #3 “Swelling” AND “Kinesio Taping” #4 “Swelling” AND “Kinesio Tape” #5 “Edema” AND “Kinesio Taping” #6 “Edema” AND “Kinesio Tape”
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Table 2 . Descriptions of studies included in this literature review.
Study (year) Study design Subject characteristic Treatment protocol Measurement Result Donec and Kriščiūnas [49], 2014 RCT in inpatient rehabilitation facility 94 patients who underwent primary TKA surgery divided intotwo groups
KT group (n = 44)
No-taping group (n = 50)All groups: early mobilization and physical therapy twice a day, occupational therapy once a day, intermittent pneumatic compression, massage, TENS, laser therapy, paraffin therapy. Perimetry measured before surgery and afterwards at four levels (cm): 10 cm above the superior pole of the patella; at the middle line of the knee articular space; in the calf (25 cm above the lateral malleolus inferior pole); and 2 cm above the medial malleolus. Postoperative edema was less severeand regressed quicker in thigh, knee, and calf (p < 0.05, β ≤ 0.2). Windisch et al [50], 2017 Clinical study, prospective study with a historical control group 84 subjects with a cemented TKA due to primary OA
KT group (n = 42)
Control group (n = 42)Control group were fitted with an A-V Impulse SystemTM on both lower limbs immediately p.o in the recovery system. KT group was treated immediately p.o with kinesiotaping. Leg circumference measured at eightpoints daily during 7 p.o. day: on the thigh (20 and 10 cm above the inner knee joint gap), knee (joint gap midline), lower leg (15 cm below the inner knee joint gap), smallest circumference of lower leg and foot (ankle, dorsum of the foot and ball of the foot) of both lower limbs. No significant difference between both groups at any point in time. Yuksel et al [47], 2022 Prospective, RCT with concealed allocation 111 patients with total knee arthroplasty
Control group (n = 38)
KT group (n = 37)
Cold-therapygroup (n = 36)All groups received the same standard postoperative rehabilitation including passive, active-assistive, and active range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises and gait training for two times/day. Weight-bearing, as tolerated, was allowed for all patients on the fist postoperative day. Volumetry was calculated by Volume Frustum formula and circumferential measurements at fourpoints: the midpoint of the patella, 10 cm above the patella, 15 cm above the patella, 10 cm below the patella, and 15 cm below the patella. Cold therapy was effiient in reducing p.o. swelling but KT had no signifiant effects on swelling control. Wageck et al [51], 2016 RCT with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis, and blinded assessment 74 older people with knee OA divided in two groups
KT group (n = 38)
Sham-taping group (n = 38)All groups kept the taping on for 4 days to treat pain, strength, and swelling. Volumetry by water displacement and perimetry measured at threepoints: the fold at the popliteal fossa, 5 cm above that fold, and 5 cm below. At day 4 and the follow-up assessment (day 10), there were no signifiant between-group differences for volumetry (MD: 0.05 ml, 95% CI: –0.01 to 0.11) andperimetry at any measured point. Baltaci et al [52], 2021 Clinical study, prospective analysis, RCT with concealed allocation 76 patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, with discharge 24 hours after surgery
KT group (n = 28)
Control group (n = 28)All groups received standard postoperative care including compression bandages, ice packing, elevation, and continuous passive motion. Circumferential measurements at five levels: incision level, upper part of incision (5 cm above and 10 cm above) and lower part of incision (5 cm below and 10 cm below). Moreover, the non- operated side was also assessed at the 3-day assessment. There was a significant difference in edema between the groups for incision level and upper part measurements for all 3 days (all p < 0.05), but no difference was found for lower part measurements (all p > 0.05). Nunes et al [48], 2015 RCT with concealed allocation, intention-to-treat analysis, and blinded assessment 36 athletes who participated regularly in one of sevendifferent sports and suffered an acute ankle sprain
KT group (n = 18)
Quasi-KT group (n = 18)Both groups removed the tape before the assessment on day 3. Along with the taping application, both groups received instructions on how to apply ice and elevate the lower limb. Volumetry by water displacement and perimetry measured in a figure-eight fashion. There were no differences between groups for swelling in volumetry (MD: –2 ml, 95% CI: –28 to 32), perimetry (MD: 0.2 cm, 95% CI: –0.6 to 1.0), and relative volumetry (MD: 0.0 cm, 95% CI: –0.1 to 0.1). At day 15 of follow-up, there were no signifiant between-group differences in outcomes. Serbest et al [53], 2020 Retrospective cohort study 42 pediatric patients with PIP joint sprain
KT group (n = 21)
Splint group (n = 21)Each group wastreated with the application for 10 days. Circumference of the PIP joint was measured before and after treatment. Both groups had significantly improvedswelling after treatment (p < 0.001). The KT group displayed a better outcome compared with the splint group (p = 0.021).