Kinesiology taping as an adjunct for pain management in cancer?

Abstract

SUMMARY Up to 150 words summarising the case presentation and outcome (this will be freely available online) We present the case of a 46-year old woman who developed severe pain described as 'tearing' and 'searing' in the left side of mid-trapezius region near thoracic 8 vertebra (T8). The patient had undergone surgery for T8 fracture which had resulted from metastasis (secondary breast cancer). A community nurse referred the patient for physiotherapy assessment and treatment for her musculoskeletal pain and related symptoms that had affected her mobility and functional activities. The patient was treated with soft tissue therapy with the addition of kinesiology taping on follow-up visits. Kinesiology tape was applied over her left-side trapezius region and left shoulder. The patient reported significant reductions in pain severity and felt greater control and stability over her left shoulder region, which resulted in better function and overall quality of life measures. The patient did not report any adverse effects. BACKGROUND Why you think this case is important -why did you write it up?People with cancer especially in advanced stages have to cope with a number of distressing symptoms including pain, fatigue, lack of energy, oedema, dyspnoea and abdominal discomfort that result in reduced quality of life (1-4). Management of these symptoms is pharmacotherapy-led with a trade-off between symptom relief and adverse effects. Nonpharmacological interventions are often used in combination with medication to alleviate symptoms.Kinesiology taping involves the application of elasticated, thin, porous, water-resistant, cottonbased adhesive tape to the skin. It has become popular in recent times through its use by high profile elite sports people. The tape and technique was developed in 1970s for the management and rehabilitation of sports-related musculoskeletal injuries (5). Nowadays kinesiology taping is used by physical and sports therapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and nurses to manage musculoskeletal pain, cancer-related lymphedema and stroke-related spasticity (6, 7). Kinesiology tape is available without prescription in variety of shapes, sizes, colours and patterns (e.g. Kinesio® Tex Tape, Rocktape) and can be worn for up to 5 days whilst during normal activities of daily living including showering. Kinesiology taping differs from conventional taping and bandaging techniques that often use rigid zinc oxide tape because it does not restrict movement and appears to be better tolerated (8). Conventional taping techniques stabilise injuries by reducing loading and restricting movement of injured body parts. In contrast, kinesiology tape is applied to the skin under mild tension by stretching the tape and / or stretching the skin (e.g. by flexing or extending the joint). This provides a pulling force to the skin which may correct articular malalignments and influence proprioception and muscle function (9). It is also claimed that kinesiology taping "lifts" the epidermis to produce regions of decompression beneath...

Could kinesiology taping help mitigate pain, breathlessness and abdominal-related symptoms in cancer?

“…In a recent case report by Banerjee et al (n=1), 59 it was found that the addition of kinesiology taping to soft tissue therapy significantly reduced musculoskeletal pain (by ∼50%) and 'tearing' and 'searing' -like sensations (by ∼85%) compared with pretreatment in a patient with secondary breast cancer. The patient felt greater control and stability over her left shoulder region where the kinesiology tape was applied which resulted in better functioning of the upper limb.…”

Effect of Different Kinesio Taping Interventions on the Local Thresholds of Current Perception and Pressure Pain in Healthy Adults

“…Banerjee et al (2017) observed that the pain in the anterior thoracic region of patients with cancer is considerably reduced when KF tapes are anchored near their axillary lymph nodes and attached to their ribs, diaphragm and upper abdomen. In an earlier case report, Banerjee et al (2016) reported that the addition of a motion-mechanics tape to soft tissue therapy of patients with secondary breast cancer remarkably reduced musculoskeletal pain by approximately 50% and "tearing" and "burning" sensations by about 85% compared with pretreatment. According to the gate control theory, stimulating low threshold skin mechatronic receptors inhibit nociceptive fibers to reduce pain in the relevant dermis (Bockrath et al, 1993;Thelen et al, 2008;Aytar et al, 2011).…”

Application of kinesiology taping for pain management in oncologic patients

“…Improvement of breathlessness in oncology patients was presented in case studies published by Banerjee et al [29,30]. By reducing the tumour related pain (up to 85%) patient's breathing comfort has improved significantly.…”

“…By reducing the tumour related pain (up to 85%) patient's breathing comfort has improved significantly. In both cases analysed by authors the pain was a derivative of a breast cancer [29,30]. First case study was associated with a fractured vertebrae (Th 8 ) a result of a metastasis during the relapse phase of the breast cancer.…”

“…Authors observed a major reduction in pain and sensations described as 'searing/tearing' (50 and 85% respectively). Patient was treated with KT for a period of 3 months (including breaks), during which she kept reporting improved stability and control of the left shoulder girdle area, that was achieved [29].…”