Comparison of kinesiotaping and cold therapy in patients with total knee arthroplasty

Objective: To investigate the effects of Kinesio Taping (KT) and Cold Packs (CP) on pain, edema, range of movement, muscle strength, functional level and quality of life in patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Method: One-hundred patients with TKA were included. Patients were allocated into three groups as control group, KT group, and CP group. The control group received a standard rehabilitation program. KT group received two KT bands in addition to the standard rehabilitation program. CP group received cold packs in addition to the standard rehabilitation program. All subjects were evaluated at preoperative, discharge and postoperative third month in terms of pain, edema, range of motion, muscle strength, functional level, and quality of life. Results: The groups were similar at preoperative. A significant difference was determined in terms of pain in KT group compared to the control group at the discharge (p <0.05). CP group was found to be superior to the control group and the KT group in terms of edema control (p <0.05). There was no difference between the groups in terms of range of motion, muscle strength, functional level, and quality of life. In the third month postoperative measurements, the groups were similar in all parameters (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Lymphatic correction technique of KT is an effective technique in terms of postoperative pain reduction. CP is an effective method in terms of edema control. Key Words: Total Knee Arthroplasty, Kinesio Taping, Cold Pack