This blog shares the results of some helpful research from 2022 where Kinesiology Taping was used within the first 4 weeks after ACL reconstruction surgery.
This quality research used a randomized controlled trial design to assess 52 patients after ACL surgery. The participants were divided into two groups. One group did standard rehabilitation. The other did the exact same standard rehabilitation — plus received kinesiology taping applied every five days for four weeks.
After 2 weeks and after 4 weeks the researchers measured pain, swelling, range of motion and Limb size.
Here’s what changed:
At 2 weeks, the taping group had significantly less pain.
At 2 & 4 weeks the taping group had significantly less swelling when compared to the non-taped (rehabilitation only group).
Overall there were no major differences in strength, muscle size or long-term function between the two groups.
So while tape can not be expected to rebuild muscle it did reduce early swelling and swelling can cause muscle weakening (inhibition).
In simple terms:
Less swelling means better muscle activation.
⬇️
Better muscle activation means less muscle loss.
⬇️
Less muscle loss enhances recovery.
This research suggests kinesiology taping can support recovery within the first 4 weeks after ACL reconstruction surgery.
Note: Kinesiology tape did not replace bracing or any part of the standard rehabilitation plan.
Check out the full study here: Labianca, L., Andreozzi, V., Princi, G., Princi, A.A., Calderaro, C., Guzzini, M. and Ferretti, A., 2022. The effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in improving pain and edema during early rehabilitation after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective, Randomized, Control Study. Acta Bio Medica: Atenei Parmensis, 92(6), p.e2021336.