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.

Kinesio Clinical Video Series - Scar & Edema

$54.99

Recovery from wounds after injuries or surgery can be complicated by swelling and the development of scar tissue. Kinesio Taping post-wound can enhance lymphatic flow to decrease swelling, leading to pain relief and increased rehabilitation potential. Management of scars is often overlooked when treating pain, swelling, decreased range of motion, contractures, and cosmetic appearance of the skin. Scar tissue can significantly disrupt how our bodies function. Using Kinesio® Tex Tape is one of the easiest and inexpensive ways of treating scars. Its unique elastic qualities not only assist scars to mature, allowing the collagen to become more parallel, but it can also assist scars to release adhesions. Both new and old scars can be treated with Kinesio Tape with changes noted as early as 24 hours in mobility, adhesion and color. Scar management with Kinesio Tex Tape is gentle with quick and significant results.

Availability: Out of Stock

Kinesio Taping for Lymphoedema and Chronic Swelling Manual

$65.99

Although focused on Kinesio Taping for lymphedema and severe swelling, this manual also covers basic taping techniques for common injuries. The most recently-published manual, it is beautifully illustrated, with simple, step-by-step, full color instructions.


This manual is recommended for individuals with a good understanding of anatomy and medical terminology or experienced professionals who have been trained in the Kinesio® Taping Method.


8.5" x 11" softcover, spiral bound
172 pages with color photos


Chapter List
1. Understanding Lymphoedema and Chronic Swelling
2. Fundamentals of Kinesio Tex Taping
3. Kinesio Taping for Acute Localized Swelling
4. Kinesio Taping of the Deep Lymphatic Pathways for Chronic Swelling
5. Kinesiio Taping of the Collector Lymphatics for Acute or Chronic Swelling
6. Kinesio Taping of the Superficial Lymphatic Pathways for Chronic Swelling
7. Kinesio Taping for Pitting Oedema, Indurated Tissue, Scar Tissue and Chronic Venous Conditions



Availability: Out of Stock
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SpiderTech PreCut Lower Back Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Lower Back Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms in the lower back. It is applied at the base of the lower back, extending up to cover both the erector and oblique muscles on both sides of the spine. It can help with:



  • Lower back strains, pain and inflammation
  • Sciatica
  • Muscle spasms in the lower back or gluteal area
  • Weak or poorly toned lower back muscles
  • Stiff, sore back from overuse
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal enthesopathy



* Contains 1 single-use application with 3-5 day wear time.

Availability: Product available with different options
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Nasara QuickStrips - Precut I Strips

$22.50 $0.00

I strips are the most commonly used taping configuration. They can be applied directly over the belly of an injured or overused muscle to assist in recovery or wrapped in a curved pattern around an injured joint. They can be used to provide decompression for pain relief or compression to promote recovery. Available in a variety of lengths for different body parts and situations.

Use the dropdown selectors below to customize your selection to fit your needs:



    1. Select strip length - 6", 8", 10" or 12"

    1. Select quantity - 15-pack or box of 50

    1. Select color - beige, black or light blue



*Not all option combinations are currently available. If you do not see your desired option in any dropdown list, try changing one or more of the previous options.

Availability: Sold Out
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SpiderTech Precut Full Knee Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Full Knee Spider relieves pain and inflammation from a wide variety of knee conditions. It provides full coverage above and below the knee to support the most serious injuries. It can help with:



  • Runner\'s, Jumper\'s, Cyclist\'s Knee
  • Patellar tendinitis
  • Arthritis or bursitis of the knee
  • Kneecap pain
  • Degenerated or torn cartilage/meniscus
  • Strained knee ligaments
  • Recovery after knee surgery



* Contains 1 single-use application with 3-5 day wear-time.

Availability: Sold Out
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SpiderTech Precut Groin Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Groin Spider relieves pain and inflammation in the adductor muscles of the inner thigh. It is thin and flexible, allowing it to provide pain relief and support without limiting range of motion. It can help with:



  • groin strain/adductor strain
  • pulled groin muscles
  • adductor tendinitis
  • weak, imbalanced adductors
  • torn adductors
  • bruises and contusions on the inner thigh
  • adductor enthesopathy



* Contains 1 single-use application with 3-5 day wear-time.

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SpiderTech PreCut Hamstring Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Hamstring Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms in the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh. It has a wide base that is applied just below the gluteal area and extends down the thigh almost to the knee. It can help with:



  • Strained or \'pulled\' hamstrings
  • hamstring tendinitis
  • torn or ruptured hamstrings
  • weak or imbalanced hamstrings
  • hamstring cramps or spasms
  • hamstring pain or stiffness from overuse
  • recovery after hamstring surgery



* Contains 1 single-use application with 3-5 day wear time.

Availability: Sold Out
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SpiderTech PreCut Upper Knee Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Upper Knee Spider relieves pain, inflammation and swelling from a wide variety of knee conditions. It provides support for the patella and the thigh muscles that can affect knee function. It can help with:



  • Runner\'s, Jumper\'s or Cyclist\'s Knee
  • Chondromalacia
  • Arthritis or bursitis of the knee
  • Patellar tendinitis
  • Kneecap pain
  • Degenerated knee cartilage
  • Recovery after knee surgery



* Contains 1 single-use application with 3-5 day wear time.

Availability: Sold Out
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SpiderTech PreCut Shoulder Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Shoulder Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms in the shoulder and rotator cuff area. This full coverage application provides support for the upper arm, A/C joint, and muscles of the rotator cuff.  The Shoulder Spider is often combined with the Upper Back/Postural Spider for certain types of shoulder injuries or postural issues. It can help with:



  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Deltoid injuries
  • Arthritis, tendinitis or bursitis of the shoulder
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Adhesive Capsulitis
  • Shoulder enthesopathy
  • Recovery after shoulder surgery



* Contains 1 single-use application with 3-5 day wear time.

Availability: Product available with different options
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SpiderTech PreCut Neck Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Neck Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms in the neck and upper shoulder area. It covers both sides of the neck beginning below the hair line, and extends out along the top of the trapezius muscle. It can help with:



  • Strained neck muscles
  • Neck spasms
  • Stiffness or pain from overuse
  • Arthritis, bursitis or tendinitis in the neck area
  • Torticollis (twisted or tilted neck)
  • Weakness or lack of tone in neck muscles
  • Cervical disc disease
  • Recovery after neck surgery



* Contains 1 single-use application with 3-5 day wear time.

Availability: Sold Out
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Nasara QuickStrips - Precut X Strips

$8.99 $0.00

X-strips are the quick-relief strips of the kinesiology taping world. Each strip has a lengthwise cut from each end toward a solid center. For fast pain relief, simply apply the center part of the tape directly over any painful spot, then spread the arms and apply over the surrounding area in an X-pattern.

Customize your selection to fit your needs:



    1. Select strip length - 6" or 8"

    1. Select quantity - 15-pack or box of 50

    1. Select color - beige, black or light blue



*Not all option combinations are available. If you do not see your desired option in any dropdown list, try changing one or more of the previous options.

Availability: Product available with different options

KT Tape Recovery Patches for Swelling & Inflammation

$9.99

DISCONTINUED BY KT TAPE

The KT Tape Recovery+ Patch is a groundbreaking product for the treatment of swelling, inflammation and bruising. The unique one-piece design makes it possible to apply an effective edema application in less than a minute. Simply remove the backing from the center part of the application and apply over the affected area. Then remove the backing strip from the outer edge and smooth the tape down. Compare this to the tedious process of cutting and applying hand-cut fan strips and you\'ll understand why this is a game changer!



    • Can be used on any part of the body

    • Effective for acute or chronic conditions

    • No measuring or cutting required

    • Simple 2-step process for fast and easy application

    • No training necessary to apply effectively

    • Provides 24/7 therapy up to 3 days

Availability: Sold Out
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KT Tape Pro-X Patches

$15.99 $19.99

KT TAPE PRO X Patches are small 4" x 4" kinesiology tape X-strips designed to provide spot-relief for painful muscles, tendons and joints. Developed for active consumers who doesn\'t want to be slowed down by pain or complex taping applications, KT TAPE PRO X will stay in place through multiple demanding workouts for 3-5 days.

Each box comes with 15 precut X-patches in a hard plastic carrying case that will keep them in good shape no matter where you go. A Quick Start Guide with step-by-step instructions on the most common injuries is included with every purchase.



    • X marks the spot - apply directly over painful areas anywhere on the body

    • Bi-directional stretch for increased feedback

    • Made from synthetic microfiber for enhanced comfort and durability

    • Apply alone for pain relief or combine with KT Tape strips for additional support

    • Protective travel case keeps strips like new until used

Availability: Sold Out
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Kinesio Precuts

$6.49 $6.99

Precut Kinesio Tape applications are made from strips of Kinesio Tex Tape, pre-cut into shapes and sizes for specific body parts. Each convenient 3" x 7" foil packet contains enough tape for 1 or 2 single-use applications, plus application instructions. Each strip has been precut with smooth edges and rounded ends. The backing is perforated for easier application, and also has cutting guides for making size adjustments.

Availability: Product available with different options
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StrengthTape Taping Kits

$7.99 $8.99

StrengthTape Precut Taping Kits provide the ultimate in kinesiology taping convenience. Each kit is designed for 1 or 2 body parts and contains enough StrengthTape precut strips for 2+ complete applications. Included with the tape is a full-color instruction card with step-by-step instructions for a variety of conditions affecting those body parts.

StrengthTape comes with an extra kick - it is infused with charged minerals that generate negative ions, charged molecules that relieve stress and boost energy. Negative ions multiply the benefits of kinesiology taping by increasing antioxidants, which protect cells from free radical damage associated with overuse or injury. The most noticeable benefits are enhanced pain relief and more rapid reduction of swelling and inflammation. 

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SpiderTech PreCut Upper Back Tape

$7.99 $8.99

The SpiderTech Upper Back/Postural Spider relieves pain, inflammation and spasms between the shoulder blades. It can also be used for scapular instability and to reduce "round shouldered" posture. The Upper Back Spider is often combined with the Shoulder Spider for certain types of shoulder injuries.>It can help with:



  • Upper back pain and inflammation
  • Poor posture, rounded shoulders
  • Stiffness, spasms or pain related to overuse or prolonged poor posture
  • Weak upper back muscles
  • Scapular stabilization



* Contains 1 single-use application with 3-5 day wear time.

Availability: Sold Out