PAINFUL THUMB?? Easy Taping Method to Give You Instant Pain Relief

Let us teach you this KT taping method that is extremely quick and easy to perform on yourself or your patients. It gives great support and pain relief for those who are suffering from CMC or thumb pain. Try this simple technique and give us your feedback!
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Disclaimer: The content in this video and description should not be taken as sole medical advice as it is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice given by your MD or current occupational/physical therapist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or licensed therapist regarding your health or any medical condition. Before performing any suggestions in this video please consult with your healthcare professional.

[@SummerFoxx2]

Thank you SO very much. I sprained my thumb and wrist several years ago, snowboarding with my daughter. The wrist braces are too bulky for my job and typing for school assignments. This has been such a godsend!

[@nancycarey6930]

Appreciate the introduction....concise and informative! Going to try now!

Thank you so much! I’ve sprained my thumb and this definitely feels protective. It was useful to understand what this tape is doing.

[@erinjean9971]

Yay, back to crocheting! 🧶 😊

[@MsSkymom]

Thank you for this!!

[@wendybuckley3114]

Feels so supportive! I added a small piece of padding to protect the web space, as it irritated the first time. Less bulky than a cool comfort splint with great support and easier to do on yourself than other methods.

[@TheUpperHand]

Awesome! Great adaptation with the padding also!

[@JC-il4or]

Didn't know you could tape thumbs! Thank you!!

[@wrenbirdy13]

This channel has saved me lol. I have fibromyalgia and find myself taping everything so I don't feel awful 24/7. Doesn't help 100%, but it does enough so my pain is manageable with just Advil.

[@susansimmons7955]

Fantastic!

[@oursoph]

Thank you for this! I have hypermobility syndrome but enjoy knitting and my thumb has been so painful as I've been extending my thumb joints without even realising. I had a lot of pain on the inside of my thumb too. Just done this and it's given me instant relief! Thanks so much! I'd be lost without taping, I currently have my ankle taped and my knee too. Looking like a mummy in time for Halloween!

[@TheUpperHand]

So good to hear!! Happy we would assist with your Halloween costume as well!

[@margaretvanson3601]

I've got hypermobility too. I knit, crochet embroider (or used) to and would annoy the hell out of my children as my joints creaked and cracked. As a child I used to enjoy weirding people out by bending my thumbs back up to my forearm, or standing on the outer edges of my feet or sitting on the floor with my legs bent backwards against my thighs. I'm 71 now. I'm still more flexible than most apart from my thumbs. So have never seen hypermobility as a disadvantage. My daughter has it and it causes her hip and knee problems. So I understand it can be a problem for some. Good luck.

[@baguette184]

Tyyy, helped after yesterdays swim session.

[@rebeccagregory4544]

This works!!! Just learn so much in therapy, just right arm fractured humerus, left hand killing me overused and arthritis, this works!!!

[@radioyankee]

Thanks so much. Pain free since taping 24 hours ago

[@TheUpperHand]

Awesome! So happy to hear this!

[@charlisa1005]

Thank you

[@shakes525]

Holy crap, it worked! Was checking this out while I'm waiting on my surgery appt to get this fixed, but wanted to practice guitar in the meantime without pain. Gotta say I'm pretty shocked how much relief this gave me!

[@TheUpperHand]

Great to hear! Hope your surgery goes well but glad this gave you some relief in the meantime.

[@kriptoow]

Thank you I’m in so much pain x

[@TheUpperHand]

Hopefully this will give you some relief!

[@zandermarkavo3543]

Tried this today and its made a really big difference

[@TheUpperHand]

Great to hear!

[@tobielurie4582]

This is great. I often wear a brace but its very uncomfortable. I will try this.

[@genemaynard8282]

I am a drummer , you are helping me play without pain ! Thanks Much

[@TheUpperHand]

This is wonderful to hear!

[@Steve-O-NC]

I use the pre cut KT tape. Should I cut the tape in half for each of these pieces? Trying to get a idea of the length of tape you used for each. I have folded my thumb back 2 times and with age have started getting more pain with it. Thanks 👍

[@conisims1728]

Omg I watched so many videos and thought I was done but confused! Then last minute watched yours and if I only seen drawing you already taught me 100% more than any other source! Now I understand why it hurts and what I need to do! Feels 1,000 times better! Thank you so much. By the way I have question on the two support braces you showed. Is that first one, the grey one a brace you’d recommend? I saw it but was concerned because of cost. Is it that much better?

[@TheUpperHand]

Wow this means so much. Thank you for the kind words and for sharing! Yes the meta grip push splint is a really good brace for about 50% of people and the black comfort cool is where the other 50% of people usually fall. Research says in the end they are about the same in regards to effectiveness!

[@geoff6242]

Hi, liked the video, as I have OA in this joint I would like to try your process. How long do you cut the piece of tape. Thanks, Geoff

[@robdf9024]

I had a bad accident and ended on a wheel chair. I was recovering but placing weight on my hands on the crutches ended up damaging my cartilages and tendons. Thanks for the tip.

[@abraralesmaeel4933]

Thank you for the usual helpful videos you post. For how long should the tape be applied?

[@TheUpperHand]

Usually between 1-3 days is typical!

[@leslieb5501]

I’ve wanted a ton of videos but the only application techniques that seem to work comes from you guys. I was just wondering if I can use this technique while also taping for carpal tunnel. I really hope so because this is a pain like no other

[@TheUpperHand]

Leslie thank you so much for that compliment. We really appreciate. We actually have a really good method for taping for Carpal Tunnel that we posted recently! Try this out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJyrpWiqhpWih7c

[@margaretvanson3601]

Me too. I've had a bone graft for my left thumb and am now needing the same for my right one. It involves drilling into my hip for marrow and then transferring that into the snuff box area of the thumb. General surgery, all for such a little joint. But I must admit my left thumb is now pain free, very strong and quite flexible. I can play the piano again.

[@TheUpperHand]

So happy to hear you are able to play the piano again!!

[@margaretvanson3601]

@@TheUpperHand 👍❤️

[@milagrosmayweather8335]

Good taping technique to replace the thumb Spica give comfort while working. Thanks I see this video 😅

[@purplegrancoo710]

My thumb knuckle is so swollen (like a bunion) but on my hand can you offer any advice for this

[@marcydobbs1653]

Looks like it would help me. Can you use the tape for next thumb joint too? My tendons let loose.

[@TheUpperHand]

It wouldn't hurt to try. If that is not stable enough may try a push meta grip brace.

[@stevendicker7999]

How long are the strips?

[@zg3671]

I wish there was a medicine 💊 or shot that just restored (repaired) joints, tendons, breaks, etc.

[@zandermarkavo3543]

There's good evidence to support full recovery within six weeks of having a cortisol steroid jab

[@eileenlocke7877]

Me to

[@megelleenyart6957]

Stem cells help alot

[@geosandoval]

PRP INJECTIONS

[@aminah761]

Exactly 😢

[@yewtreeknives5834]

Thanks for the video, what brand of tape is this? Greetz from Belgium

[@TheUpperHand]

I believe the tape we used in this video was Kinesio Gold!

[@davidjohncox7333]

What are the dimensions of the kit tape strips that you use? Do they come in this dimension or do you have to cut them down to size? TIA.

[@TheUpperHand]

The ones we use are in large rolls and we just cut to size. There are plenty that come in precut strips though. Typically around a foot in length.

[@jennaurban9199]

Would this be good for an unstable thumb due to hEDS? I keep dislocating mine and looking for a way to stabilize it and thought I'd give KT tape a try.

[@jennaurban9199]

I just went ahead and tried it and it really seemed to help. Thanks for this video!

[@melvynrobinson7479]

Does this taping method support the STT joint as well. I have arthritic STT joint. Could i play golf with the tape on ?

[@TheUpperHand]

It could potentially help. And yes you can definitely wear this while playing golf. I personally used this method on a golfer recently with good results.

[@anothrbrickinthewall]

Hi! Will this work when both the mcp & cmc joints are irritated & painful? How do I determine if I've done % of stretch & placement correctly? Prior to developing these issues I had trigger thumb on & off for ~1year. Was that a warning sign I should have recognized? Overall this is easy to do alone, I'm just unsure of how hard to pull & what I'm anatomically trying to isolate or separate or...idk lol! Thank you!!! ✋ 🤚

[@TheUpperHand]

Haha this will definitely help some with the MP joint but maybe not enough. Honestly it just depends! If this taping method isn’t enough let me know and I can recommend a brace for you!

[@jcarndt1]

I have used KT tape on other joints and it is great stuff, but from past experience I'm guessing this is going to cause some pain when removing.

[@TheUpperHand]

The more hair in the area the more it will hurt coming off! However, if this is the case, I would suggest some de-hesive spray. It works great!

[@Slittings]

this cases, any body have a journal ?

[@patricezhao3493]

This taping looks like it's pulling the metacarpal even closer to the trapezium. Can you explain how that helps with preventing bone on bone friction?

[@TheUpperHand]

That’s a good point. This taping technique is certainly not just for people with CMC arthritis. It is really for anyone with thumb pain. The taping method closely resembles how a CMC comfort cool orthosis would be applied and gives similar pain relief. In this case, the tape isn’t applied strong enough to actually make the 1st metacarpal move closer to the trapezium but instead just provides additional support to the thumb.

[@cantseeshadow]

Will this help with Thenar Eminence pain too?

[@TheUpperHand]

I would imagine so but I guess it depends on the reason why that area is hurting.

[@tazlynn3557]

thanks for this. the tape had no instructions and my Dr didn't give very helpful instructions either. I am using tape and wearing an immobilizer for arthritis and tendinitis in thumb. thumb seems to actually be getting worse though.

[@TheUpperHand]

I hate to hear that. It is hard to know without seeing and feeling your hand/thumb in person but have you tried anything like a meta grip push splint or a Comfort Cool CMC brace? We have had good results when using both of those braces. Both allow some movement while still protecting the joint.

[@bbtrixie2653]

Can I use this for knuckle pain in the thumb?

[@TheUpperHand]

Sure! Definitely worth a try.

[@susansimmons7955]

Where can I get a CMC Comfort cool splint?

[@TheUpperHand]

You find them for a good price on Amazon!

[@thomasshelby5850]

Sir can you please tell me the name of the tape , i have to buy it and i dont know from where !

[@TheUpperHand]

Sure! Reply with your email or send us an email and we will point you in the right direction! ([e-mail])

[@jaimieguzman76]

I recently jammed my thumb playing basketball and am experiencing pain when bringing my thumb inward (toward palm) would this type of tape job help more than the typical joint tape jobs you see online?

[@jaimieguzman76]

Update: works great !

[@TheUpperHand]

@@jaimieguzman76 I was going to say it should definitely provide some good support to that thumb while it is healing! Glad it worked for you!

[@Alex-eb9gc]

does this tape method help with a sprained thumb?

[@TheUpperHand]

Yes it certainly could!

[@1gunsyd]

What size tape? Thx

[@TheUpperHand]

I believe most of these types of tapes come standard in 2 inches.

[@laylagoodman7199]

What do you do for someone whose c.f. has deformed and thumb is set extended

[@laylagoodman7199]

Sorry cmc

[@kristinah.4483]

How long should the tape be for this application? We tried cutting the strips in half, but I think that was too short.

[@TheUpperHand]

It differs by person. Some people can wear it for a few days without any issue and some barely make it 12 hours with it on.

[@aninXasil]

I think the length of the tape needs to be at least double the length from wrist to thumb knuckle.

[@cibinababu5465]

Sir can I write with these..

[@TheUpperHand]

Yes!

[@yoados2949]

will this technique work with a sprained thumb? (around 2 weeks post-injury)

[@TheUpperHand]

Yes it could if the sprain is in the MCP joint! If it is more distal around the IP joint then it will not work.

[@tracykane4232]

Taping in two different colours would be beneficial to learning.

[@TheUpperHand]

Thanks! Will certainly do that next video!

[@highbany]

You don’t say where we could buy the tape from and the name of tape. Looks a good support though

[@TheUpperHand]

Hey there! You can get this type of tape just about anywhere. Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Amazon, etc. The two types we use the most are kinesiology Tape and RockTape. Give those a try!

[@highbany]

@@TheUpperHand Thankyou so much for replying I have ordered from Amazon today.

[@TheUpperHand]

@@highbany you’re welcome! Hope this helps! Let us know if it doesn’t and I may be able to direct you further.

[@markbyles4601]

can you play golf with this tape on

[@TheUpperHand]

Yes you can! If it is really hot I would suggest wearing a glove on top of the tape to help hold it in place because when you start sweating it may have a harder time staying on!

[@FK.861]

Do you know what this tape is called and can you play basketball with it?

[@TheUpperHand]

RockTape, Kinesiotape, MuscleAid. Those are a few common brands and yes you should be able to wear this during a game without issue. I may would try in practice first to see how you tolerate it and then in a game if you have no issues.

[@poppifields6021]

Man I hope this works. My arm / wrist / thumb haven't been right since I had ORD surgery in June. I'm 51..,first time I ever broke a bone, Ortho-surgeon said better to put a rod in than cast it. I was all for it. No cast in Alabama summer sweat!! Yay. But, now I live with constant pain. Not debilitating...but I always know it's there.

[@TheUpperHand]

Keep us updated!

[@poppifields6021]

I just got back from my daughter's house. She's a RN...I had her watch this video and wrap my hand...and I kid you not!! From driving home, to unlocking door..both usually painful, major improvement. Wow... I cannot be happier.

[@TheUpperHand]

@@poppifields6021 awesome awesome!!!

[@rachelwalton6155]

I have just taped my thumb up using this video. however, my thumb is turning purple, is this normal???!

[@TheUpperHand]

Not normal. Possibly too tight. I would definitely remove it.

[@rachelwalton6155]

@@TheUpperHand thank you, I did remove it and reapplied looser and it feels much better now. Thank you!

[@geoso2708]

No more pain after I place the ktape

[@TheUpperHand]

Awesome to hear!!

[@laurenh1845]

So if this exact taping helps relieve pain, does that mean you (probably) have this type of arthritis? Asking for a friend. (It's me, I'm the friend). (Obviously also will schedule an ortho visit if this doesn't get better, but...this exact method of taping is the first time in three days I haven't had horrible thumb pain, so...yay.)

[@TheUpperHand]

Thankfully, I don't have this type of arthritis yet! However, I treat many people that do and that is where I have learned how helpful this technique has been to so many!

[@sexkittenno1]

I like the support this technique gives, however, it is very uncomfortable on the webbing between thumb and index finger

[@TheUpperHand]

Yeah that can sometimes happen. You could possibly try some type of Comfort Cool thumb brace that would give you some support but would also feel much better than the tape/adhesive.

[@sexkittenno1]

Thank you for the suggestion. I decided on a Velpeau brace and just got it in today!

[@TheUpperHand]

@@sexkittenno1 awesome! Would be interested to see how that works for you!

[@TheFlashyWeasel]

@@sexkittenno1 hello, did you get the full brace thumb spica or just the thumb cmc joint? (Shorter version). How is it working for you it's been 3 months?

[@sexkittenno1]

I may have bought the shorter version..? I am also on Meloxicam and both help

[@karma_killerrr]

Не будет держаться долго, если конец тейпа на тейп приклеивать

[@edt.5118]

Anyone here have this problem with your fretting hand and you play any fretted instrument?

[@ilovechrist9780]

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. - John 3:16 from the Bible ❤💕❤