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
How To Do A Fast but Thorough Hand Therapy Assessment
We don’t get a lot of time. Sometimes new patients come in unexpectedly or someone comes at the wrong time and your 1-hour block for an eval is suddenly only 30 minutes. Do you know how to get the most out of your eval time with the patient? Do you know what things are the…
The effects of cupping therapy as a new approach in the physiotherapeutic management of carpal tunnel syndrome
Article Review By: Rachel Reed Mohammadi, S., Roostayi, M. M., Naimi, S. S., & Baghban, A. A. (2019). The effects of cupping therapy as a new approach in the physiotherapeutic management of carpal tunnel syndrome. Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy, 24(3), e1770. https://doi.org/10.1002/pri.1770 The Skinny: The purpose of this…
3 Common Reasons for Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain and Non-Surgical Hand Therapy Treatment Options
3 Common Reasons for Ulnar Sided Wrist Pain
Radial Nerve Palsy: A Paralysis Causing Wrist Drop
Radial Nerve Palsy- Treatment
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!