Taping for Lymphatics
Lymphatic taping can help reduce oedema and scarring, soften fibrosis and ease pain around the clock.
What is Lymphatic Taping ?
Since it’s beginning in 1978 and subsequent explosion during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, Medical Taping Concept (otherwise known as kinesiology taping) has branched into various applications, including lymphatic taping. Many clients find that lymphatic taping provides extended relief from the heaviness and discomfort of swelling. Its ability to remain on the skin for multiple days makes it a practical and effective tool for sustained lymphatic support. BOOK NOW
How Does Lymphatic Taping Work to Reduce Swelling and Remove Toxins ?
The magic is in the skin convolutions created by the tape, which are reputed to vary the tissue pressure, giving a similar effect to manual lymphatic drainage. It is said that lymphatic taping essentially creates ‘gutters’ of higher and lower pressure in your tissue, which help to drain away excess fluid and encourage regeneration of lymph vessels. During physical activity, the application of lymphatic tape may promote subtle fascial movement under the skin. This is intended to encourage the lymphatic system’s natural pumping mechanism and support the body’s drainage process BOOK NOW
Lymphatic Taping can Reduce Pain and Inflammation.
As excess fluids and toxins are drained away, so too are inflammatory mediators, which register pain. Therefore, the less inflammatory mediators that are present in the tissue, the less we feel pain. Also, our brains are said only to be able to register one sensation at a time. When we feel the support of the tape, the pain can disappear !
The lifting action of the tape’s corrugations is intended to support improved fluid flow and promote a decrease in localized tension. This often results in a rapid sense of relief from the discomfort and pressure of swelling. BOOK NOW
Lymph Taping for Scars
Excitingly, lymphatic taping has revolutionised the treatment of scarring, fibrosis and axillary web syndrome. This is great news for new and mature scars alike. Scar tissue can become hard and raised. As the tape ‘stresses’ scar tissue, macrophage activity is stimulated which can break down and soften hypertrophic or keiloid formations in the skin. This process is intended to help promote a more supple and integrated scar appearance.
Lymphatic Taping and Lymphoedema, Lipoedema and Venous Insufficiency
Although not considered a replacement for combined decongestive therapy, lymphatic taping is a welcome adjunct in the maintenance phase of lymphoedema management. Lymphatic taping can be a practical solution for active clients or during warmer weather when garments are less comfortable. It is designed to provide gentle support and promote freedom of movement, assisting in the management of swelling between garment wears. In situations where traditional support is less practical—such as during sports, swimming, or long flights—lymphatic taping can be used as a versatile option. This technique is designed to provide gentle support and assist in managing the comfort of the lymphatic system during activity.
Taping and compression can be used in combination to provide multi-layered support. A typical application involves taping from the edge of a compression sleeve toward functional lymph nodes. This combined therapy is often a helpful component in managing secondary lymphoedema and assisting with the texture of post-surgical scarring.
Lymph taping – a useful adjunct to lymphoedema maintenance.
Other Indications for Lymphatic Taping
Thanks to the properties of lymph tape, new applications are being discovered all the time. Here are some, to name but a few:
- post surgery bruising
- sinusitis
- ear infections
- snoring
- asthma
- nausea during chemotherapy
- wound healing
- lumbar pain
When Should I Avoid Lymphatic Taping ?
You should absolutely avoid taping in the case of:
- Oedema (or swelling) caused by cardiac or renal conditions
- You’re not trained to do taping
You should be cautious in the case of:
- Thrombosis
- Wounds
- Oedema of vascular origin
- Carcinomas
- Allergy to adhesive
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes / diabetic foot
*Always consult your doctor if you are unsure about whether lymphatic taping is right for you.
Generally, if lymphatic drainage is not suitable for you then you should also avoid lymphatic taping, as they both have the same effect.
Important Disclaimer & Consumer Information Regarding our Lymphatic Services