In this edition of the #NMT newsletter we discuss the important role of #NeuroMuscularTaping #Lymphatic and #Vascular applications for diabetic wound care to enhance #clinical outcomes. A variety of #treatmentstrategies are required to promote #healing and minimise complications. In this context, NeuroMuscular Taping (NMT) has emerged as a vital component, offering substantial benefits for patients with diverse wound types. #NMTprotocols are non-invasive treatments designed to enhance the functionality of the #lymphaticsystem, which is integral to the body’s #immune and #circulatory processes. By applying #decompressionNMT with precision, compression on the skin and underlying connective tissues is alleviated.
Introduction
Managing diabetic foot ulcers presents significant challenges due to their multifactorial etiology, placing a substantial burden on patients, healthcare systems, and society as a whole. Preventing foot ulcers is of paramount importance, a priority long emphasised by the International Working Group on Diabetic Foot (IWGDF). https://iwgdfguidelines.org
To enhance clinical outcomes, a variety of strategies are required to promote healing and minimise complications. In this context, NeuroMuscular Taping (NMT) has emerged as a vital component, offering substantial benefits for patients with diverse wound types.
NMT protocols are non-invasive treatments designed to enhance the functionality of the lymphatic system, which is integral to the body’s immune and circulatory processes. By applying NMT with precision, compression on the skin and underlying connective tissues is alleviated. This method facilitates the efficient removal of waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the body’s tissues, thereby accelerating wound healing and improving overall patient outcomes.
Enhancing Vascular function for diabetic wound prevention and healing
The vascular system ensures vital metabolic processes in managing inflammation and infection. Increasing oxygenation, fluid movement, and the presence of white blood cells are key factors in maintaining balance and protection against infection. The five main types of white blood cells that work together to sustain our immune response are:
- Neutrophils: Typically the first immune cells to respond to an invader such as bacteria or viruses.
- Lymphocytes (B and T cells): Crucial in recognising and killing foreign invaders. B cells produce antibodies that “remember” an infection and stand ready for future exposures.
- Eosinophils: Play a role in combating bacteria and are essential in responding to parasitic infections.
- Basophils: Important for mounting a non-specific immune response to pathogens, including the release of histamine and other biochemicals.
- Monocytes: Their most important function is to migrate into tissues and clean up dead cells.
Supporting Lymphatic function for wound prevention and healing
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and defending the body against infections. Efficient lymphatic function is particularly vital in diabetic wound care for removing debris and excess fluids from wound sites. This process reduces swelling and minimises the risk of infection. NeuroMuscular Taping (NMT) enhances the lymphatic system’s function, thereby reducing edema and creating an environment conducive to wound healing.
Reducing complications and accelerating healing
The effectiveness of NeuroMuscular Decompression Taping in accelerating wound healing is supported by several studies. NMT facilitates the removal of inflammatory substances, enhances lymphatic circulation, and increases capillary blood flow to the treatment area. This combination improves the delivery of nutrients, white blood cells, and oxygen to the wound site, thereby speeding up the healing process. Moreover, NMT reduces the risk of complications such as infections and medication-resistant infections, which are major concerns in diabetic wound management. By alleviating local pressure, NMT also decreases pain and discomfort, improving patient quality of life and adherence to rehabilitation treatment plans.
Application in many wound care settings
A unique study by Heri Kristianto has provided important results that can be applied across various wound care settings, including post-surgical recovery, chronic wound management, and burn care. The versatility of the NMT approach in post-surgical patients can reduce edema, prevent seroma formation, drain hematomas, and assist in faster wound healing. For chronic pain and diabetic neuropathy, NMT can reduce localised compression, improve lymphatic drainage, and enhance capillary flow, assisting in creating a healing environment. In burn care, NMT’s action on reducing scar formation and improving skin elasticity will be addressed in future newsletter.
Wound care protocols implementing NMT
Incorporating NeuroMuscular Taping (NMT) into wound care protocols necessitates specialised training for healthcare professionals. Physicians, nurses, and health care therapists trained in NMT techniques can accurately assess a patient’s condition and customise the therapy accordingly. Collaboration between wound care specialists and lymphedema therapists with in-depth NMT training is crucial to maximise treatment benefits and provide comprehensive care for patients with complex wound care needs.
Conclusion
Decompressive NeuroMuscular Taping plays a critical role in wound care, offering a range of benefits that can accelerate healing, reduce complications, and improve patients’ quality of life. It has been hypothesised that NMT application may induce an increase in microvascular circulation, with results already described in patients with systemic sclerosis experiencing reduced Raynaud’s phenomenon. Another study indicated that NMT vascular modification can reduce blood pressure in systemic arterial hypertension. Furthermore, a case study suggested that dilation NMT applications modulate microRNAs involved in multiple sclerosis through possible improved vascularisation. In recent years, NMT has been used in various pathological conditions with the aim of providing tactile and proprioceptive stimulation associated with microvascular function. Integrating various treatments enhances a patient-centered strategy by improving lymphatic function, reducing edema, and promoting a favourable healing environment. We foresee an increased understanding of the therapeutic differences between compressive and decompressive taping systems.
The NeuroMuscular Taping® Institute is dedicated to creating innovative continuing education programs to improve rehabilitation services. Our goal is to optimise treatment strategies, improving outcomes through the use of our NMT protocols, helping patients achieve an active and healthy lifestyle. Our educational program, with specific courses covering many areas of medicine, together with our qualified and certified teaching team, guarantees the acquisition of new, effective, and highly professional treatment skills.
Referenze:
- Gilot P., Lina G., Cochard T., Poutrel B. (2002). Analysis of the genetic variability of genes encoding the RNA III-activating components Agr and TRAP in a population of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from cows with mastitis. J. Clin. Microbiol. 40, 4060–4067. 10.1128/JCM.40.11.4060-4067.2002,
- Shah M, Julu POO, Monro JA, Coutinho J, Ijeh C, Puri BK. Neuromuscular taping reduces blood pressure in systemic arterial hypertension. Med Hypotheses. 2018 Jul;116:30-32. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.04.014. Epub 2018 Apr 17. PMID: 29857904.
- Blow D, Celletti C, Berlingieri C, et al. Neuromuscular taping reduces blood pressure in systemic arterial hypertension. Med Hypotheses Med Hypotheses. 2019; 123: 89
- Vallelunga A, Berlingieri C, Ragusa M, Purrello M, Stabile MR, Calabrese MC, Morales-Medina JC, Palmieri B, Iannitti T. Physical rehabilitation modulates microRNAs involved in multiple sclerosis: a case report. Clin Case Rep. 2017 Nov 2;5(12):2040-2043. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.1100. PMID: 29225852; PMCID: PMC5715604.
- Szczegielniak, J., Łuniewski, J., Jermakow, K., & Oleksy, Ł. (2015). Influence of Kinesiology Taping on the Circulatory and Lymphatic System: A Literature Review. Medical Science Monitor, 21, 2445-2450.
- Parisi S, Celletti C, Scarati M, Priora M, Laganà A, Peroni CL, Camerota F, La Torre G, Blow D, Fusaro E. Neuromuscular taping enhances hand function in patients with systemic sclerosis: a pilot study. Clin Ter. 2017 Nov-Dec;168(6):e371-e375. doi: 10.7417/T.2017.2036. PMID: 29209686.
- Yang L, Yang J, He C. The Effect of Kinesiology Taping on the Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Healthc Eng. 2018 Dec 10;2018:8346432. doi: 10.1155/2018/8346432. PMID: 30651946; PMCID: PMC6311752.
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