Pain relief with elastic therapeutic taping

Background and purpose Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) occurs in 19%–85% of patients undergoing cancer treatment. Due to the high symptom burden, specifically pain in the soles of feet, we explore the role of elastic therapeutic (ET) taping for treatment of CIPN. Case description We report two cases of patients with CIPN-induced foot pain while admitted to the hospital. Their background information, including chemotherapy history, treatments trialed and effects of ET on their pain, is discussed. Each patient underwent ET using the epidermis, dermis, fascia technique for CIPN. An occupational therapist applied ET to the plantar surface of both feet to the ankle with 0% stretch on the tape for 24–96 hours. We also showed the effect of symptom improvement in their individualized rehabilitation session following application of ET. Outcomes Pain score, verbally documented by 10 point numerical pain rating scale, decreased by >50% in both patients within 24 hours of application. This reflects a substantial improvement in pain with the intervention of ET. This allowed for improved tolerance in engaging in functional mobility, with improvement in distances ambulated. Discussion ET taping of the distal leg and foot showed pain improvement for these two patients. Our findings suggest that a clinical trial aimed at better characterising the role of ET in these patients is justified.