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
Pain management techniques for Wrist Fractures
Pain management techniques for wrist fractures Distal radius fractures account for 17.5% of all fractures with a median age of 60.23(Candela et.al, 2022). Pain management is a significant part of post wrist fracturetreatment due to limitations that pain incurs. Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) canoccur along with a distal radius fracture but will not be…
Differentiating Proximal Median Nerve Entrapment from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
By: Brittany Day Proximal Median Nerve Entrapment, Pronator Syndrome, or Lacertus Syndrome? Pronator syndrome is a term used to describe proximal median nerve entrapment (PMNE) in the forearm. Pronator syndrome and lacertus syndrome are sometimes used interchangeably to describe proximal median nerve entrapment distal to the ligament of Struthers and proximal to the flexor superficialis…
Sesamoid Bones: What are they and what do they do?
By Brittany Carrie A Student’s Perspective During the first few weeks of my rotation, I was exposed to many new and exciting things that I had not been exposed to in the classroom setting. I observed and helped treat patients who had undergone severe trauma from lacerating tendons to complete amputations, saw different splinting techniques,…
Exertional (Chronic) Compartment Syndrome of The Hand
By: Tommi Long What is it? Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is an exercise-induced condition affecting the muscles and nerves, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced muscle function due to increased pressure and restricted circulation. While most commonly, it impacts the arms and legs, it is rare to happen in the hand(s). CECS is most…
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!