Relieving symptoms of meralgia paresthetica using Kinesio taping: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of the novel Kinesio taping treatment approach on meralgia paresthetica (MP) symptoms. DESIGN Repeated measurements, feasibility study of 1 intervention. SETTING Referral private physical therapy clinic. PARTICIPANTS Men (n=6) and women (n=4) with clinically and electromyographically diagnosed MP. INTERVENTION Application of Kinesio tape, twice a week for 4 weeks (8 treatment sessions in total). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Visual analog scale (VAS) of MP symptoms (pain/burning sensation/paresthesia), VAS global quality of life (QOL), and the longest and broadest parts of the symptom area were measured. RESULTS All outcome measures significantly improved after 4 weeks of treatment. Mean VAS QOL +/- SD decreased from 69.0+/-23.4 to 35.3+/-25.2 (t=4.3; P=.002). Mean VAS of MP symptoms +/- SD decreased from 60.5+/-20.8 to 31.4+/-26.6 (t=5.9; P>.001). Length and width of affected area decreased from 25.5+/-5.5 to 13.7+/-6.7 (t=5.1; P>.001) and 15.3+/-2.1 to 7.4+/-4.3 (t=5.3; P>.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Kinesio taping can be used in the treatment of MP. Future randomized placebo-controlled trials should be designed with patients and assessors blind to the type of intervention.