Hilotherapy versus Kinesio taping for recovery after bimaxillary jaw surgery

Comparison of the Effects of Hilotherapy and Kinesio Taping on Edema, Pain, and Trismus After Orthognathic Surgery

Not applicable Interventional Medipol University · NCT07006610

This study will test whether kinesio taping or hilotherapy reduces swelling, pain, and limited mouth opening in adults after bimaxillary orthognathic (jaw) surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedipol University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Bağcılar)
Trial IDNCT07006610 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Forty-four otherwise healthy adults scheduled for bimaxillary orthognathic surgery (Le Fort I + BSSRO) will be randomized to receive either kinesio taping for five days or hilotherapy for 48 hours after surgery. Outcomes including pain (VAS), trismus measured by mouth opening, and facial edema measured by tape and 3D scanning will be recorded at multiple postoperative time points. The randomized controlled design compares the magnitude and time course of recovery between the two adjunctive therapies. The goal is to determine which non‑pharmacologic intervention provides faster or greater relief of postoperative complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–50 without systemic disease who are scheduled for bimaxillary orthognathic surgery (Le Fort I + BSSRO) and can attend follow-up visits.

Not a fit: Patients with systemic disease or on immunosuppressive medication, those with a known allergy to kinesio tape, facial anatomical deformities preventing measurement, or inability to attend follow-up appointments are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a simple, low‑risk adjunct—either kinesio taping or facial cooling—that shortens recovery and reduces pain, swelling, and limited mouth opening after jaw surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials and case series suggest that kinesio taping and localized cooling can reduce postoperative swelling and pain after maxillofacial procedures, but direct randomized comparisons are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients scheduled to undergo bimaxillary orthognathic surgery (Le Fort I + BSSRO)
* Age between 18 and 50 years
* No systemic disease
* Voluntary participation with signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of systemic disease or immunosuppressive medication
* Known allergy to kinesio tape
* Inability to attend follow-up appointments
* Facial anatomical deformities preventing measurement

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Bağcılar

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Postoperative EdemaPostoperative PainTrismusOrthognathic SurgeryHilotherapyKinesio TapingPostoperative ComplicationsPostoperative Recovery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.