Purpose: The purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping(®) Application with Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) in patients with lymphedema.
Materials and methods: 45 patients were randomly divided into 3 groups (CDT including Bandage, CDT including Bandage + Kinesio Tape(®), CDT including Kinesio Tape(®) without bandage). Assessments included the severity of the symptoms such as pain, discomfort, heaviness, tension, stiffness and weakness. Bilateral circumference measurements were done for evaluation of the edema.
Results: Symptoms were decreased in all three groups (p < 0.05). CDT was found effective only during treatment in arm volume (p < 0.05). Kinesio Taping(®) applied with CDT had effect of decreasing edema after 10 days of treatment period (p < 0.05) and for control period (p < 0.05). Only the application of Kinesio Taping(®) group also had significant decrease at edema (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Kinesio Taping(®) Application along with CDT may have a better effect on decreasing lymphedema which can stimulate the reduction of edema for long term effects.
Keywords: Breast cancer; Complex decongestive therapy; Exercise; Kinesio Taping(®) application; Lymphedema.
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