Susan Nuttall / Hazel MacKay Lymphoedema Keyworkers Kinesio Taping Susan Nuttall / Hazel MacKay Lymphoedema Keyworkers

A Brief History … Tape and Taping method developed by qualified chiropractor Kenzo Kase in 1973 in Japan, Gained recognition once used by Olympic volleyball players when in Japan, thereafter use has spread amongst athletes, Originally used for musculo-skeletal problems, but properties lend themselves towards management of lymphoedema also.

Brief History cont. My first awareness = British Lymphology Conference 2005 Practioner to practioner intro Nov 06 One day course Feb 07, tutor Clinical Specialist Haddenhams Healthcare.

The Tape … Elastic Tape One-way stretch, high quality (approx 130 – 140% of original length) 100% cotton tape – no latex Medical, heat sensitive, acrylic adhesive

The Tape … Convolutions are the key No pharmaceutical properties in either the tape or the adhesive Approximate weight and thickness of the skin

How does it work? Based on the bodies own healing process. Promotes movt rather than restricting it. The application method aims to provide support to skin, muscles and lymphatics. Can also facilitate release of different layers muscle and facia (ie scars), and enhance lymphatic flow.

How it works, cont. Muscles not only facilitated movt of the body but also contribute to the circulation of venous and lymph flow. Therefore, Kase reasons, damaged, inflammed muscles which are swollen or stiff compress the space between the skin and the muscle constricting the flow of venous and lymphatic systems. This in turn impairs healing.

Pain The compression of the space between skin and muscles also applies pressure to the pain receptors beneath the skin, resulting in the perception of pain.

The Convolutions Remember the convolutions are the key, when the tape is applied to the skin on stretch the convolutuons raise some sections of the skin creating more space between the skin and the muscles and therefore opening up lymph and venous channels, facilitating healing and flow.

Case Studies Lymphoedema pt (Volume Reduction) Breast Ca pt (Hypersensitivity)

Conta-indications Malignancy AIE Fragile/sensitive skin Chest disorders – eg asthma

Any Questions????