Effectiveness of Kinesiotaping in Reducing Postoperative Knee Edema and Pain Compared to Other Standard Treatments: A Critically Appraised Topic

Abstract

Focused Clinical Question: Does the application of kinesiotape compared with standard treatments result in greater/faster postoperative edema reduction after total knee replacement or anterior cruciate ligament repair?Clinical Bottom Line: There was sufficient evidence to support the application of kinesiotape to reduce postoperative edema brought on by a total knee replacement or anterior cruciate ligament repair. Patients who received kinesiotaping, applied to the skin with a pattern to enhance lymphatic drainage, showed significant decreases in postoperative knee circumference measurements and pain levels. Kinesiotaping application under these acute conditions offers an evidence-based approach for clinicians to optimize the physiological environment and promote progress through a patient’s phases of healing.