Hugo, J., and Valdez, K. Mobilization with movement and elastic tape application for the conservative management of carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Journal of Hand Therapy, 28, 2015; 82-85 Practice Forum
The Skinny: The authors demonstrated a useful technique for mobilizing the thumb CMC joint followed by the application of k-tape (kt tape thumb arthritis).
In the Weeds: The author began by describing a technique for mobilization with movement. First, the MCP of the thumb is placed in neutral. With manual techniques, the therapist reduces the CMC joint. In contrast, reducing the CMC, the therapist and patient work together to find the pain-free motion area. Utilizing this manual glide technique, the therapist might need to play around to find the patient’s comfortable range. The patient should then be asked to move the thumb. If this movement is now pain-free, then the reduction technique was successful. As the therapist holds the joint reduced, the patient is asked to move the CMC joint through extension/flexion, abduction/adduction; all of these should be completed within a pain-free range.
Author used kinesio taping for thumb CMC arthritis. While patient sits with elbow at side at a 90 degree angle, 0% percent tension is on the tape. The kt tape for thumb arthritis is placed just below the IP joint of the thumb at the insertion of the EPL and follow parallel to the origin of the EPL. A second tape is applied over radial snuffbox. Goals of the second piece of tape are to provide proprioceptive input and improve circulation.
Bringing in Home: Mobilization with Movement and elastic taping can help manages symptoms of OA in the CMC joint. Reported outcomes include a decrease in pain and improvements in thumb stabilization,
Rating (o-5 )
It was a practice forum with a demonstration of the techniques for mobilization and taping. The sample size is limited to one case study. Perhaps a case series would be beneficial!
I think a great tool to put in your tool box as a Therapist!!
Image from: Hugo, J., and Valdez, K. Mobilization with movement and elastic tape application for the conservative management of carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. Journal of Hand Therapy, 28, 2015; 82-85 Practice Forum
1 Comment
Leave a Comment
More To Read
Splinting and Stretch Protocol for Pediatric Trigger Thumb
Tan, A. C., Lam, K. S., & Lee, E. H. (2002). The Treatment Outcome of Trigger Thumb in Children. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B, 11(3), 256-259. The Skinny:Pediatric trigger thumb is a “relatively uncommon” condition of unknown origins. Studies have indicated that spontaneous recovery of trigger thumb is around 25-40%, and chances increase with age.…
Read More
How to Strengthen the Intrinsics with Puttycise Tools:
How to strengthen the intrinsic with Puttycise tools
Read More
IFC vs TENS: Electrical Stimulation for Pain and Swelling
In this article we’re looking at the difference between Inferential Current versus Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (IFC vs TENS). Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) TENS variations are often described by their technical characteristics: high frequency, low intensity (conventional TENS) or low frequency, high intensity (acupuncture-like TENS, AL-TENS) (Walsh et al., 2009). How TENS Addresses Pain:…
Read More
Article Review: Trapeziectomy and LRTI: What can patients with CMC osteoarthritis expect 12 months after the procedure?
Janakiramanan, N., Miles, O., Collon, S., Crammond, B., McCombe, D., & Tham, S. K. (2021). Functional Recovery Following Trapeziectomy and Ligament Reconstruction and Tendon Interposition (Trapeziectomy and LRTI): A Prospective Longitudinal Study. The Journal of hand surgery, S0363-5023(21)00304-X. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.04.036 The skinny: Patients with trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis who are candidates for a trapeziectomy and…
Read More
Sign-up to Get Updates Straight to Your Inbox!
Sign up with us and we will send you regular blog posts on everything hand therapy, notices every time we upload new videos and tutorials, along with handout, protocols, and other useful information.
Great review!
I’d like to ask you how you decide between the use of kinesio-tape and the splinting for the CMC joint in this kind of cases. Is it depends on the stage of the OA?
Thanks, Hand Therapy Academy. You’re awesome!