Kinesio tape

KS, by all means give the skin a rest between applications. And three days at a time is plenty.

Suzy, maybe in her case the M of M would be beneficial if it doesn't adhere as well? Would it help her get it off easier in a timely manner, do you think? My skin doesn't like kinesio tape, sadly, so I don't have much experience with it (though what I have is memorable!)

As for re-application by yourself, KS, that would depend on how much instruction she did and how confident you feel that you know what you're doing. As with everything else concerning LE, it's easy enough to do damage when we aren't sure what we're doing. Let us know how it goes, KS.

Hugs,
Binney

Hi KS,  I use Kinesio Tape on the back of my hand when there is a bit of lymph there and I found that it drains lymph away better than my compression glove.  I have also used it as a preventive measure to prevent pooling in my chest area before flying.  Definitely works.  Only place where I did not see much difference is the upper arm, but my therapist was not sure she had put it properly.  I have to try again . For my hand, my daughter helps me to position the strips properly, because I find it a bit tricky to do it alone, particularly because the tape should be applied over skin and tissues that are stretched.  You stretch the skin slightly, not the tape.   You should keep it on for no more than 3-5 days.  When removing the tape, do so in the direction of hair growth (usually from the top, down) - this is generally easier after bathing or when the skin is moist.  Lifting the tape from the skin, gently try and push the skin away from the tape rather than the tape away from the skin.  After you have taken the tape off, moisturize the area well and leave your skin to rest for at least 24 hours before applying the tape again.

Remove the tape immediately if there is ever any sign of redness, pain or itching.  When the tape is wet (after showering or washing your hands), pat it dry with a towel or a tissue.  Don't use any heat source to dry it as it will cause the adhesive to stick more than it should.  Tape that is strongly adhered to the skin can be loosened by using baby oil or olive oil.

Here is a link where you can find a short video called. " KT Tape: Tips for removing"  Even though this site is about taping for athletes and various injuries,  there is a lot of information  in the "Education Centre" about application tips, removal, short videos, FAQ....

http://www.theratape.com/education-center/about-kt-tape/kt-tape-videos/?tubepress_page=2

Hope this helps.

Did you try to soak in the bathtub?

The first time I used Kinesiotape, my LE therapist used alcohol as a prep and, boy, did that stick!!  Ow!  The next time we skipped the alcohol, and it loosened up well around the 3rd day.  I do think you have do some experimenting to figure out what works for you.  Good luck!

Each tape has a different degree of stickyness and waterproofness! I find the beige comes off quite easily. I was told to first take a shower and soap and water it...then use alcohol on it. The black is tougher. My problem is that it starts peeling quickly and I have to trim it. 

Using Dove soap or applying lotion earlier in the day before a taping tends to make it stick less for me. I love the kinesiotape, as it really helps with my truncal LE and I don't need to wear a compression garment. Just as Warrior says, it lifts the skin and really allows movement of fluid. The tape also helped alleviate the pulling and pain of my capsular contracture - gave me support and pulled the implant back toward the outer side of my chest. I know LE is forever, but I am hoping that my experience with the tape somewhat indicates that the implant partially causes a restriction in lymph flow. I am having it removed next month and perhaps without that pulling and tension of the scar tissue that I will get some relief. Of course, there's always new scar tissue to look forward to! 

Suzybelle, check this:

http://www.lymphnotes.com/article.php/id/215/

Thanks, Day and Tina - I was really more jazzed about what Warrior13 said about the tape...I have a message in to my LE therapist to ask her opinion, as well, but have already started this experiment.

Hope this doesn't result in my big fat arm coming back, but how do you know until you try???

I am too, Sharon.  I have to put down a barrier or I will blister.  But as long as I use a barrier, I'm fine.

Anything that dries and leaves a residue - my LE therapist uses Milk of Magnesia.  Apply with a cotton ball (very light application but be sure to get it everywhere the tape will be) and let it dry really well.  Then just put down the kinesio tape as you normally would.  I like the Smith and Nephew barrier wipes better - they dry more quickly and for some reason, the tape lasts longer when I use them.  They make a spray, which I also use, but I like the wipes the best.

I need to try the the MOM barrier.  I'm not allergic to the KT but maybe it will make removal easier.  I have to wait about 2 weeks before I can get it off.  It loses most of it's skin lifting stretchiness after a few days but it just won't come off.  I swim in it and put cream and oil over it and it still sticks like mad.  It sticks the most where my skin is most stretched and tender from LE and starts peeling off over my normal areas quickest.

I'm forgetting which direction to go - if I split the KT at one end with a full-sized base at the other, which direction should I place it to improve lymph flow?  Should the flow go from "fingers" to the base, or the base to the "fingers"?

Thank you, Binney. I needed that reminder.  I had forgotten about this great page on the Step Up site.  Well done!