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
Collagenase injection versus Partial fasciectomy in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture
Rapid Review By: Shruti Jani Title: Collagenase injection versus partial fasciectomy in the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture Reference: Tay, T. K. W., Tien, H., & Lim, E. Y. L. (2015). Comparison between Collagenase Injection and Partial Fasciectomy in the Treatment of Dupuytren’s Contracture. Hand Surgery, 20(3), 386-390. https://doi-org.mwu.idm.oclc.org/10.1142/S0218810415500288 The Skinny: “Comparison between Collagenase Injection and…
Does Obesity or Smoking change the outcomes for Distal Radius Fractures
Hall, Matthew J., Ostergaard, P., Dowlatshahi, A., Harper, C., Earp, B. Rozental, T. (2019). The Impact of Obesity and Smoking on Outcomes After Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures. The Journal of Hand Surgery. In Press, Corrected Proof, Available online 31 October 2019. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2019.08.017 The Skinny- Distal radius fractures are one of the…
How to Use Translation for Improving Fine Motor Skills after a Hand Injury:
I’m always looking for new therapy ideas. I want to keep my patients interested and engaged in therapy. I also want to keep things functional and task oriented. So much of what we do with our hands is about fine motor coordination and dexterity, and that is so hard to duplicate in a clinic setting.…
Should we still be immobilizing the thumb in scaphoid fractures, or is a wrist-only cast just as effective?
Article:Harper, K. J., Rees, Y., Tan, N. X., Li, H., Fonseca, E. A., Quach, P. G., Lee, G. S., Brayshaw, J.R., & McGarry, S. (2025). Determining the success of clinical outcomes for thumbimmobilization compared to no thumb immobilization in adult non-displaced, non-surgically managed scaphoid fractures: A systematic review. Hong Kong journal ofoccupational therapy. The Skinny:This study…
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!