The collaboration between Pillar Sports and Aurora Physiotherapy brings you our fifth and final part of the ‘How To’ Tape Series. The following information will provide you with a step by step guide on Strapping the Thumb the right way for hyperextension injuries.
Although injuries to the thumb can be severe and can require an extended time away from sports and exercise, it is also one of the most common injuries – Thumb Hyperextension. This is when your thumb joint is bent beyond its normal range of motion. This type of injury can often result in damage to the joints and ligaments causing pain/ instability. Thumb Hyperextension can also lead to dislocation of the thumb which may require more serious medical attention.
Thumb taping can be effective by; either preventing thumb injuries or protecting / treating any existing injuries. Hyperextension to the thumb can happen to anyone athletes that are higher risk are usually involved in some form of contact or fast movement sports. These sports particularly range from Football, Netball, Basketball, Hockey and skiing. Effective thumb strapping can reduce the likelihood of hyperextension in these sports and limit the damage if an injury does occur.
Thumb Hyperextension Strapping Steps
The aim of this taping is to prevent and protect the thumb from injury such as a hyperextension and helps to stabilize the joint. We recommend the use of Rigid Tape. The 25mm range is most commonly used but 38mm is an option dependent on personal preference and comfort.
Desired Support Accessories (Not always necessary)
Apply an adhesive spray – Spray around the thumb and wrist.
Use either Fix-it, foam underwrap or coband to pre wrap the thumb and wrist. This can help to protect you from the waxing effect from the Rigid Tape.
Step 1: Thumb Strapping Anchor Strips
Ensure the skin is clean and dry. Apply anchor tape around the wrist and anchor tape over the web space.
Anchor Tape
Step 2 – Thumb Strapping Support Strips (MCP Joint)
Put the MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joint (first knuckle) of the thumb in a neutral position. Then cross the support strips around this joint and then bring the ends of both tapes to the anchor strip of the wrist. Repeat this application 2-3 times overlapping half of the previous strip
Support Strips
Step 3 – Thumb Strapping Finishing Strips
Apply finishing strips the same way as the anchor strip to secure the support strips.
Finishing Strips
STEP 4 – Thumb Strapping EAB (Close off Taping)
Use EAB to close up the tapes. Secure with EAB and a strip of rigid tape.
Finishing steps (ESSENTIAL)
Check that the taping is not uncomfortable for either yourself or the person being strapped.
Check that the taping restricts the desired elbow movement.
Remember… Thumb strapping can help to prevent injury as well as protect and treat any existing injuries. Therefore, if you follow the steps provided and watch the educational ‘How To’ videos you will be able to strap the thumb in no time.
Thank you to Aurora Physiotherapy for the great content provided. Check them out at https://www.auroraphysio.com.hk/
Tape Series: Part 5 Thumb Hyperextension Strapping
The collaboration between Pillar Sports and Aurora Physiotherapy brings you our fifth and final part of the ‘How To’ Tape Series. The following information will provide you with a step by step guide on Strapping the Thumb the right way for hyperextension injuries.
Although injuries to the thumb can be severe and can require an extended time away from sports and exercise, it is also one of the most common injuries – Thumb Hyperextension. This is when your thumb joint is bent beyond its normal range of motion. This type of injury can often result in damage to the joints and ligaments causing pain/ instability. Thumb Hyperextension can also lead to dislocation of the thumb which may require more serious medical attention.
Thumb taping can be effective by; either preventing thumb injuries or protecting / treating any existing injuries. Hyperextension to the thumb can happen to anyone athletes that are higher risk are usually involved in some form of contact or fast movement sports. These sports particularly range from Football, Netball, Basketball, Hockey and skiing. Effective thumb strapping can reduce the likelihood of hyperextension in these sports and limit the damage if an injury does occur.
Thumb Hyperextension Strapping Steps
The aim of this taping is to prevent and protect the thumb from injury such as a hyperextension and helps to stabilize the joint. We recommend the use of Rigid Tape. The 25mm range is most commonly used but 38mm is an option dependent on personal preference and comfort.
Desired Support Accessories (Not always necessary)
Step 1: Thumb Strapping Anchor Strips
Ensure the skin is clean and dry. Apply anchor tape around the wrist and anchor tape over the web space.
Anchor Tape
Step 2 – Thumb Strapping Support Strips (MCP Joint)
Put the MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joint (first knuckle) of the thumb in a neutral position. Then cross the support strips around this joint and then bring the ends of both tapes to the anchor strip of the wrist. Repeat this application 2-3 times overlapping half of the previous strip
Support Strips
Step 3 – Thumb Strapping Finishing Strips
Apply finishing strips the same way as the anchor strip to secure the support strips.
Finishing Strips
STEP 4 – Thumb Strapping EAB (Close off Taping)
Use EAB to close up the tapes. Secure with EAB and a strip of rigid tape.
Finishing steps (ESSENTIAL)
Remember… Thumb strapping can help to prevent injury as well as protect and treat any existing injuries. Therefore, if you follow the steps provided and watch the educational ‘How To’ videos you will be able to strap the thumb in no time.
Thank you to Aurora Physiotherapy for the great content provided. Check them out at https://www.auroraphysio.com.hk/
#strappedandready