December 14, 2022 from Caroline Sprott

One cannot say it often enough: Self-management is essential for us compression wearers. In addition to manual lymphatic drainage, compression, the right skin care, and plenty of movement, self-management is one of the five pillars in Complex Physical Decongestion (KPE) of lip-/lymphoedema. However, self-management can sometimes take a back seat in our stressful everyday lives. That’s why it’s all the more wonderful that there are also aids like lymph tapes, for which you hardly need to spend any time.

Lymph tapes - what are they?

Kinesiology tapes were invented in Japan in the 1970s and are now used worldwide. They are known to be used for sports injuries and in physical therapy in general. The advantage of the tapes is that they are easy to use and you can apply them to most parts of the body without help.

Not only can you support and stabilize joints, fascia, ligaments and muscles, but you can also use it in self-management of lipedema and lymphedema. The colorful tapes are stuck to the skin, this creates traction exerted on the connective tissue and the lymph flow is stimulated during movement.

Does this really help?

Results from smaller studies and experiences from the community show that lymph tapes can lead to significant improvements in pain, tension, and heaviness. The practical aspect is that you can apply the tapes and leave them on your skin for up to a week - the greatest effect occurs in the first three to five days. No worries: you can swim, bathe, shower, and sweat normally with your lymph tapes without any issues. With the stylish colors and designs, you can also bring a little extra glamour and good mood into your everyday life (especially recommended is the Monkey's Breakfast Design for banana lovers).

Danger!

Kinesiotapes should only be applied to intact skin. (Skin care baby, one more time.) In addition, allergies to the adhesive should be ruled out.

Application

Before applying, you should clean the corresponding skin areas from impurities and also creams, oils, etc. - possibly again with alcohol. This way, you can be sure that your lymph tapes stay exactly where you want them. You can apply the tapes, for example, on the legs, arms, and also on the abdomen; there are various options for this. In any case, you should ensure that the base of the tape is located in the drainage area. Tips for application can be found either in Henry A. Schulze's guide "The Little Coach for the Lymphatic System", in this blog article by Ursula, or on YouTube, for example.

The best thing to do is just try things out and see what feels right for YOU as always. Our bodies are as different as we flat-knit heroes are, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. If you're now feeling inspired to try taping yourself, take a look at the Power Sprotte online shop and choose the right lymph tape in your favorite color or design.