The comparison of Kinesiology taping and compression bandages for lymph therapy after breast surgery

Background:The aim of this study was to compare the effect of kinesiology taping and compression bandages in complete decongestive therapy in patients with breast cancer and upper extremity lymphedema.Is there any significant differentiation beetween two methods of lymphtherapy kinesiology taping versus compression bangaging in decongestive therapy.Methods:A total of26women with lymphedema after breast cancer treatments were provided a protocol of complete decongestive therapy(13women) and kinesiology taping for lymphatic applications(13 women).This protocol involved manual lymphatic drainage(MLD),compression bandages,skin care, and remedial exercises.The women were taken to a 2-week therapy programme once per day,3days per week.A home programme, consisting of compression bandages versus kinesiology taping,exercise,skin care was recommended.Absolute volume and percentage of volume of the lymphedema were compared before and after treatment.Results:There was a significant positive relationship among the two groups,Mean initial lymphedema volume and SD was 2048.969±361.583ml in kinesiology taping and 1977.330±378.361ml in compression bandages group.After decongestive physiotherapy in kinesiology taping group,the Mean lymphedema volume and SD was2189.500±295.787(p<0.05)and 2029.969±355.744(p<0.05)in compression bandages group ,respectively.Conclusion: In upper extremity lymphedema,the use of kinesiology taping(lymphatic application) can decrease edema and compression bandages can replace with kinesiology taping in decongestive therapy of upper extremity Lymphedema(stage1 ) .