How Kinesiology Tape Helps with Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic VesselsWhat is the Lymphatic System?

Similar to the circulatory system of blood vessels that carry blood, the lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels that carry lymphatic fluid. The two systems are intertwined throughout the body, with the circulatory system delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and the lymphatic system removing substances, including excess fluids, cellular debris and infectious organisms. Another difference between the two systems is that while the heart pumps blood through the circulatory system, the lymphatic system doesn't have a pump. Instead, it relies on other mechanisms such as osmotic pressure and muscle action to move fluids through its vessels. The lymphatic system is the main mechanism for reducing swelling and edema in the body.

How Does Kinesiology Tape Help with Lymphatic Drainage?

When kinesiology tape is applied to an inflamed or swollen area, the lifting motion of the tape creates a space between the top layer of skin and the underlying tissues. This space creates a pressure gradient between this area and the surrounding tissues that allows fluids to move into the lymphatic vessels and be eliminated from the body.  In addition, enhanced muscle activation increases the muscle pump pushing more fluid through the lymphatic vessels. The result? Swelling goes down, pain is relieved, and the healing process is accelerated. How Kinesiology Tape Relieves Swelling and Edema

fan cut kinesio tape for edemaKinesiology Tape “Fan Strips” for Lymphatic Drainage

To reduce swelling and edema, you need a specialized type of kinesiology tape called fan strips or edema strips. These strips have a short solid end with the rest of the tape separated into thin strips. They are called fan strips because they are applied in a fan-like pattern over the area of swelling or bruising. This lifts the skin over the lymphatic channels in the area, assisting them in removing excess fluids. These precut strips can safely and gently relieve swelling from surgery, medical conditions or injuries, including swollen feet and ankles, sprains, lymphedema, and ankle edema related to pregnancy or congestive heart failure.

Where to Buy K-Tape Fan Strips or Edema Strips

Several kinesiology tape brands make precut “fan” strips, including Nasara’s QuickStrips for Edema, , Kinesio Fan Cuts or the SpiderTech Large Fan Spider. Have a roll or precut strip of kinesiology tape? In our next blog, we’ll show you how to cut your own fan strips for lymphatic taping along with some easy to follow applications. Don’t forget to check out Theratape on Pinterest. While you’re there, be sure to check out our board on Edema.

How Kinesiology Tape Helps with Lymphatic Drainage

There are 67 products.

KT Tape Edema Strips - 83 Strip Jumbo Rolls

$61.99

Edema strips are designed to decrease swelling and bruising by increasing lymphatic drainage. They can be used to relieve edema from:



    • acute injuries such as sprains, strains and contusions

    • post-surgical swelling and bruising

    • residual swelling from chronic injuries, arthritis, bursitis, etc.

    • lymphedema



Unlike compression wraps or garments that are restrictive and uncomfortable to wear, KT Tape Edema Strips are thin, stretchy and allow full range of movement. Instead of compressing tissue to squeeze out fluids, kinesiology tape gently lifts the skin, enhancing drainage through the lymphatic system. Made from KT Tape cotton with a light adhesive, applications can be worn for several days, providing therapeutic benefits the entire time they are worn.

KT Tape Edema Strips are 2" wide by 18" long - the longest edema strips available. Each strip has a 2" anchor (the end with the KT Tape logo) and five 16" tails.

Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

Vetkin Veterinary Tape 4" X 16' Uncut Roll

$25.49 $27.99

Unlike many other tapes who simply increase the amount of adhesive or package it differently, the creators of Vetkin worked cooperatively with veterinary institutes, olympic teams, ISELP, and the Equine and Canine Institutes to develop a tape specifically for veterinary applications. While it uses the same high quality cotton material base as CureTape, it undergoes a specialized drying process when combined with the adhesive to create a tape that has 35% stronger adhesion, but is easier to remove from the coat than traditional CureTape. This version is a 4 inch (10cm) wide and 16.4 foot long roll which means you get 100% more tape per roll than a traditional 2 inch (5cm) wide roll for approximately 12 applications per roll.

Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

CureTape Giant Kinesiology Tape Rolls - Asst Colors

$79.99 $88.99

CureTape is the number one professional tape in Europe, and is widely used by professionals worldwide. Developed with the aid of health professionals specially for use in the Medical Taping Concept style of taping, CureTape is backed by nearly 20 years of intensive research, practice, and development. This thorough process has lead to the development of a high quality cotton tape with an excellent adhesive that is perfect for therapeutic taping applications. 

CureTape is comprised of breathable, quick-drying premium grade cotton in a specialized weave that provides a stretch identical to human skin which makes it comfortable for the entire time it\'s worn. The heat-activated acryllic adhesive is gentle on the skin, but powerful enough to stay attached continuously for 3-5 days without peeling off. CureTape Giant Rolls are 2 inches wide and 103 feet (5cm x 31.5m) long, enough tape for nearly 70 standard applications.

Availability: Sold Out

Kinesio Tex Gold FP 3" Single Rolls

$19.99

Kinesio Tex Gold FP is the next generation of Kinesio Tape with state-of-the-art features, including major advances in quality, comfort, grip, stimulation and adhesion. FP stands for FingerPrint Technology, a patented adhesive pattern that resembles the swirls on our fingertips. Combined with a higher quality cotton and upgraded weave process, this advanced KinesioTape offers greater comfort, longer wear and enhanced therapeutic benefits.


Kinesio Tape FP 3" Single Rolls are 3 inches wide (50% wider than standard 2" tape) and 16 feet long. They are a great solution for larger patients and/or larger body areas such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, IT band and lower back. . This extra wide KinesioTape can also be used to create heavy duty X,Y and I cuts or more complex fan or web cuts.

Availability: Out of Stock
  • -$0.00

Vetkin Veterinary Tape 1.2" X 16' Uncut Roll

$17.99 $18.50

Unlike many other tapes who simply increase the amount of adhesive or package it differently, the creators of Vetkin worked cooperatively with veterinary institutes, olympic teams, ISELP, and the Equine and Canine Institutes to develop a tape specifically for veterinary applications. While it uses the same high quality cotton material base as CureTape, it undergoes a specialized drying process when combined with the adhesive to create a tape that has 35% stronger adhesion, but is easier to remove from the coat than traditional CureTape. It comes in two 1.2 inch (3cm) wide and 16.5 foot long roll which means you get 20% more tape per roll than a traditional 2 inch (5cm) wide roll for about 12 applications per roll.

SpiderTech Tape Single Rolls

$14.99

SpiderTech Tape is the only kinesiology tape that comes with either regular or gentle adhesive. It contains no latex or medications, just soft, breathable cotton with a hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive. Moisture flows easily from the tape, allowing it to stay on 3-5 days, even through swimming or showering.

Single rolls of SpiderTape are perfect for sport bags, travel kits and home use. Each 16.4\' (5m) roll has enough tape for numerous applications. Regular adhesive is available in beige, black, blue and pink. Gentle comes in beige only.

Availability: Last items in stock
  • -$0.00

SpiderTech Tape Bulk Rolls

$79.99 $89.99

SpiderTech Bulk Rolls are 103 feet (31.5m) long, the equivalent of 6+ single rolls, and are available in both regular and gentle adhesive. Regular adhesive is available in beige, black, blue and pink. Gentle comes in a soft beige shade only.

SpiderTech Tape is made from the original Nitto Denko tape with a 30+ year history. It contains no latex or medications, just soft, breathable cotton with a hypoallergenic acrylic adhesive. Moisture flows easily from the tape, allowing it to stay on 3-5 days, even through swimming or showering.

Availability: Sold Out

RockTape Edge - 20 Strip Roll and RockSauce

$28.00
  • RockTape IS THE WORLD\'S BEST KINESIOLOGY TAPE - Use to treat sports & non-sports injuries: Ankle Sprain, Groin Pull, Hamstring Strain, Knee Injury, Shin Splints, Plantar Fasciitis, Runner’s Knee, Back Pain and various Muscle & Joint pain
  • 180% Elasticity - Stretching is Good. Kinesiology Tape with 180% elasticity allows athletes fuller and better range of motion. Our competitors only offer a 130-150% stretch
  • Easy To Use 10" Pre-Cut Strips: Water Resistant + Ultra-Strong and Sticky Hypoallergenic Adhesive, Latex & Zinc Free - For Harsh & Wet Conditions use H2O adhesive.
  • RockTape Edge is kinesiology tape perfected. Features our strongest adhesive combined with moisture management technology for pain relief that just won\'t quit
  • Step-By-Step Instructions on RockTape\'s YouTube Channel provides instructions on taping body pain points, and relieving pressure off injuries

RockTape Edge contains the world\'s best kinesiology tape, designed stretchier and stickier than competitive tapes.

RockTape 4" Bulk Rolls

$292.00

RockTape "Big Daddy" is unique in the kinesiology taping industry - a supersized roll that is 4" wide and 105\' long. Big Daddy is perfect for larger areas like the thigh, lower back or IT band, allowing custom applications without cutting multiple strips.If you tape a lot and prefer to cut your own applications, you\'ll love this "widebody" roll that allows for complete customization for every situation. One Rock Tape 4" roll can accommodate 80-100 applications for individuals of all sizes.

Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

Kinesio Tex Gold FP Bulk Rolls

$74.99 $79.99

Kinesio Tex Gold FP is the next generation of Kinesio Tape with state-of-the-art features, including major advances in quality, comfort, grip, stimulation and adhesion. FP stands for FingerPrint Technology, a patented adhesive pattern that resembles the swirls on our fingertips. Combined with a higher quality cotton and upgraded weave process, this advanced KinesioTape offers greater comfort, longer wear and enhanced therapeutic benefits.



    • Patented FingerPrint adhesive pattern for nano-touch stimulation

    • Micro-grip deep set adhesive provides improved grip and adhesion

    • Higher grade cotton is more breathable for increased comfort and faster drying

    • Improved weave process enhances durability and support

    • Hypoallergenic, latex-free adhesive mimics gentle human touch, with a more effective hold



Kinesio Tex Gold FP bulk rolls are 105\' (31.5m) long, enough tape for 80-100 average applications.

Availability: Sold Out
  • -$0.00

Kinesio Tex Classic Bulk Rolls

$71.99 $73.99

After almost 40 years as the world\'s leading kinesiology tape brand, the original Kinesio Tex Tape has stood the test of time. Now called Kinesio Tex Classic, the tape has the traditional wave design and the original cotton fabric content. 



    • 2" wide x 105\' long - equivalent to 8 single rolls of Kinesio Tape Classic

    • Hypoallergenic, latex-free adhesive

    • Water resistant, with a wear-time of 3-5 days

    • Available to both consumers and health care professionals



This is the original Kinesio Taping product developed in Japan by Dr. Kenzo Kase, and used in the official KinesioTaping Method of therapeutic taping.

Availability: Backorders Allowed

Kinesio Tex Classic Single Rolls

$12.99

The original Kinesio Tex Tape has been given a facelift! New packaging, a new color (white) and a new roll size (13\') make Kinesio Tex Classic the ideal tape for personal use, family first aid kits, sports bags and travel kits. Kinesio Tape Classic uses the famous traditional wave design that has stood the test of time for over 30 years.

This is the original Kinesio Taping product developed in Japan by Dr. Kenzo Kase, and used in the official KinesioTaping Method of therapeutic taping.

Each 2" x 13\' roll provides an average of 7-10 applications. Available in beige, black, blue, pink, and now white - there\'s no therapeutic difference between the colors, but you can use them to make a great fashion statement! Each single roll of Kinesio comes in a handy dispenser box that allows you to cut just the amount you need.

Availability: Out of Stock

Kinesio Tex Gold FP 2" Single Rolls

$14.99

Kinesio Tex Gold FP is the next generation of Kinesio Tape with state-of-the-art features, including major advances in quality, comfort, grip, stimulation and adhesion. FP stands for FingerPrint Technology, a patented adhesive pattern that resembles the swirls on our fingertips. Combined with a higher quality cotton and upgraded weave process, this advanced KinesioTape offers greater comfort, longer wear and enhanced therapeutic benefits.



    • Patented FingerPrint adhesive pattern for nano-touch stimulation

    • Micro-grip deep set adhesive provides improved grip and adhesion

    • Higher grade cotton is more breathable for increased comfort and faster drying

    • Improved weave process enhances durability and support

    • Hypoallergenic, latex-free adhesive mimics gentle human touch, with a more effective hold



Kinesio Tex Gold FP single rolls are 2" wide x 16 feet long, enough for 10-12 applications.

Availability: Backorders Allowed
  • -$0.00

RockTape H2O Single Rolls

$25.20 $26.99

RockTape H2O is the ultimate kinesiology tape for water sports. Designed to work in harsh environments to enhance performance and recovery, H2O has undergone rigorous testing in the wild waters of the Pacific and come out with flying... or should we say, swimming colors.

H2O is a great tape for surfers, swimmers, water polo players, triathletes, and other water sports. Because of the extra-sticky adhesive, it\'s not recommended for infants, geriatric use or individuals with sensitive or fragile skin. RockTape has a tighter weave and greater elasticity than other kinesiology tapes, allowing it to provide enhanced support for injured or working muscles. 

Each 16\' roll provides enough tape for 8-12 average applications, with a wear-time of 3-7 days. Every box includes a full-color, 2-sided poster showing instructions for a variety of therapeutic and performance-enhancing applications.

Availability: Out of Stock
  • -$0.00

RockTape 1" Rolls (2-Pack)

$24.20 $25.99

Sorry, OUT OF STOCK and Discontinued by RockTape. Check out Vetkin or KinesioTex Gold FP for other 1" Wide options!

RockTape\'s 1" wide kinesiology tape is an integral part of any taping kit. Also referred to as finger tape, it is ideal for taping small areas like the hands, fingers, feet and toes. It can also be used to create X and Y configurations without the need to cut 2" tape down the middle. This means less fraying and longer-lasting applications, since all of the edges are machine-cut. This narrow width tape is also ideal for taping infants and children without having to cut regular tape into smaller strips.

RockTape 1" is used extensively by bowlers, volleyball players and other athletes whose hands and fingers take a beating. It\'s equally effective for conditions such as arthritis in the fingers, hands, feet and toes.

* Each pack contains 2 rolls of 1" x 16.4\' (2.5cm x 5m) kinesiology tape

Availability: Sold Out