To investigate the efficacy of manual lymphatic drainage combined with kinesio taping in the treatment of edema on patients with hand crushing injury in early-middle phase.

All 30 patients with severe edema after hand crushing injury for over 1 month were randomly divided into control group (n=15) and experimental group (n=15). The control group received routine rehabilitation therapy, including manipulation, strength training, ultra-sound and low-frequency electronic pulse therapy, kerotherapy, occupational therapy and herbal fumigating. The experimental group received manual lymphatic drainage combined with kinesio taping on the basis of routine rehabilitation therapy. Both groups were treated once a day for 3 weeks. DASH scale, 9-hole peg test, palm girth measurement were used to assess upper extremity function, finger mobility and edema before and after treatment.

Three weeks after treatments, the DASH scores (46±12, 41±6)points, the time required to insert nine-hole wooden board(39±5, 32±4)s and palm circumference (21.8±1.1, 21.6±1.3)cm were improved in these groups as compared with those before treatments,differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). As compared with control group, the DASH scores, the time required to insert nine-hole wooden board and palm circumference were also improved, differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).

On the basis of routine rehabilitation therapy, manual lymphatic drainage combined with kinesio taping can alleviate the edema and promote the recovery of hand function.