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
Arthrodesis vs Arthroplasty in Thumb CMC OA
Piacenza A, Vittonetto D, Rossello MI, Testa M. Arthrodesis Versus Arthroplasty in Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis: Impact on Maximal Voluntary Force, Endurance, and Accuracy of Pinch. J Hand Surg Am. 2021 May 24:S0363-5023(21)00199-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.03.023. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34045112. The Skinny: This was a retrospective study based on a convenience sample of individuals who…
Read More
Article Review: Use of Paper Tape for Scars
Use of Paper Tape for Scars (What is scar tape?) O’Reilly, S, Crofton, E., Brown, J., Strong, J., & Ziviani, J. (2021). Use of tape for the management of hypertrophic scar development: A comprehensive review. Scars, Burns & Healing, 7, 1–17 DOI: 10.1177/20595131211029206 The Skinny The authors looked to do a review of the current literature…
Read More
Cyclist Injuries: Avoiding Hand Injuries and Treatment Strategies
RAPID REVIEW Chiaramonte, R., Pavone, P., Musumeci, G., Di Rosa, M., & Vecchio, M. (2022). Preventive strategies, exercises, and rehabilitation of hand neuropathy in cyclists: A systematic review. Journal of Hand Therapy, 35, 164-173. The Skinny: The study was a systematic review done to get clarification on the diagnostic process for cyclist injury specifically for…
Read More
CMC Arthritis Orthosis in the Hand: Mechanics and Purpose
One of the most common diagnoses we see in hand therapy is osteoarthritis of the 1st carpo-metacarpal joint where the metacarpal articulates with the trapezium. Also known as basal joint arthritis (CMC arthritis), this causes pain, joint deformity, loss of strength and loss of function. Patients come to us looking for relief of symptoms 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!