Body Contour Taping
Kinesiology Therapeutic (KT) tape is used to support and relieve pain in muscles, joints, and/or ligaments. It reduces swelling, increases mobility, and enhances recovery.
In the cases of recovery after liposuction, the use of these “tapes” have, if possible, essential importance, since they will be the major architects of that most superficial edema, and it accumulates in the parts closest to the skin disappears in a few days. In addition, the placement of the “KINESIO” in the form of “octopus”, will also have an activity on the fascial movement and interstitial, being of great help in the reabsorption of edema deeper, their redistribution to lymph vessels for their early evacuation into the bloodstream.
How it works!
When kinesiology tape is applied to an inflamed or swollen area, the lifting motion of the tape creates a space between the top layer of skin and the underlying tissues. This space creates a pressure gradient between this area and the surrounding tissues that allow fluids to move into the lymphatic vessels and be eliminated from the body. In addition, enhanced muscle activation increases the muscle pump pushing more fluid through the lymphatic vessels. The result? Swelling goes down, pain is relieved, and the healing process is accelerated.
In addition to absolute reasons to avoid using kinesiology tape, there are some relative contraindications. Relative contraindications are situations that make a particular treatment possibly dangerous if specific precautions are not taken. You can still use kinesiology tape with certain relative contraindications, but your physical therapist should explain to you the risks associated with using tape with your specific condition.
Relative contraindications for using kinesiology tape include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Skin sensitivity:3 If you have sensitive skin, you may use kinesiology tape, but it may irritate your skin. A small test strip of tape can be used for a short time before applying the tape to ensure that your skin can tolerate the adhesives in the tape.
- Thin skin (typically seen in the elderly): If your skin is thin due to aging, injury, or as a side effect of medication use, you may wish to avoid using kinesiology tape. The tape may pull on your skin, causing skin breakdown.
- Lymph node removal: Some types of kinesiology tape strips are used for lymphedema and swelling management. If you have had lymph node removal, notify your physical therapist so that lymph in your arm or leg is not directed to the area where the node is absent. This could cause worsening of your lymphedema, as the excess fluid would be directed to an area where your body could not manage it.
- Congestive heart failure: If the tape directs fluid to a certain area, it can overload the heart and exacerbate heart failure.