Lymphatic Taping

Who, What, Where, When, Why and How

Perhaps you’ve heard of Kinesio taping or K-Tape.  K-tape is often used to treat sports injury.  Lymphatic Taping is a technique using Kinesio tape to reduce swelling (edema), support (lymph) drainage and decrease tissue pressure.

 In this article, we will explore the who, what, where, when, why and how of lymphatic taping.  Before we jump in… 

 Lymphatic taping moves lymphatic fluid.  The build-up of lymphatic fluid in the body can cause swelling, prolonged recovery from injury and chronic disease.  When stagnant lymphatic fluid has caused the system to have a load greater than it can handle for filtration, it requires help to move through the body’s lymphatic system.  There are various ways of getting this stagnant lymphatic fluid to move through the lymphatic system.  The lymphatic system is the body’s filtration system.  It filters the debris contained in the lymphatic fluid out of the body through the kidneys or allows the fully filtered fluid to be reabsorbed into the blood stream in a usable format for the body’s other systems, such as the circulatory system.  

 So, with lymphatic taping being one way of getting stagnant lymphatic fluid to move through the system, 

 WHO should consider lymphatic taping?

 Anyone with:

• Swelling of any kind, anywhere, regardless of the cause of swelling
• Chronic lymphedema
• Sinus congestion or congestion of the face
• Headaches
• TMJ inflammation
• Anyone who is unable to tolerate compression
• In between MLD sessions to prolong effects

 WHAT does it do?

Lymphatic tape recoils (creating a wrinkled look) after its application thereby lifting the skin to allow for movement of lymph fluid.

It allows movement of fluid by:

• Increasing space for fluid to move
• Decreasing pressure being put on initial lymph vessels so they can work properly
• Improving lymphatic fluid uptake (into the filtering lymph nodes)

Lymphatic tape also provides:

• Pain reduction
• Continuous 24-hour MLD effect. (MLD is an abbreviation for Manual Lympahtic Drainage.  This is a hands-on technique applied by a certified and licensed therapist to move lymphatic fluid.  Lymphatic taping mimics the effects of MLD.)

 WHERE is lymphatic taping used?

Anywhere on the body.

Face, neck, breast/chest, abdomen, limbs, ankles, feet, hands 

It is particularly effective in places where compression (another way to affect movement of lymphatic fluid) is difficult.

WHEN to use taping.

After MLD (manual therapies)

Post-surgery (any surgery)

Post-injury – sprains and fractures included

Between manual therapy (to move lymphatic fluid) treatments

Overnight

During the inflammatory phase

For chronic edema management

 WHY does it bring such good results?

The tape maintains decompression of the tissues underneath it and the lymphatic vessels creating space for fluid to move.  It also maintains continuous passive movement of lymphatic fluid thereby quickly decreasing swelling (edema) and inflammation and supporting lymphatic drainage (the movement of lymphatic fluid) to provide relief.

HOW to apply tape

The following characteristics must be considered in applying K-tape for lymphatic drainage:

• Preparation of the skin – as an example, if there is a lot of hair in the area where tape is to be applied, shaving of the area may be required because tape will not stick if there is too much hair.  
• Tape shape – tape may be cut into various “shapes” to effect the most drainage.  One such shape mimics an octopus.
• Direction – to effect lymphatic drainage, tape much be applied in a specific direction.  The anchor of the tape must be placed first and placed at the point where you want the fluid to end up.
• Stretch applied to tape – in variation to sport taping, lymphatic taping is applied with little to no stretch on the tape but rather, the area of the body the tape is being applied to is put into a stretched position during application of tape. 
• Activation – simply to activate the tape, rubbing it to ensure its aherance to the skin will provide a friction and warm the tape.

WHAT will you feel with lymphatic tape applied?

A feeling of lightness – often with swelling (edema) present, an accompanied feeling of heaviness is present.

Reduced pressure – because of a decrease in fluid retention and because of the decompression of tissues and lymphatic vessels

Reduced swelling (edema) – a markedly visible decrease in swelling within hours

Pain reduction 

Joanne Ratté

Lymphatics Canada

647-210-7001