Thumb Sprain Taping

The following guidelines are for information purposes only. We recommend seeking professional advice before attempting any rehabilitation.

This taping technique is useful:

• To prevent the thumb from being bent backwards (hyperextension).
• To provide support during the healing process and when returning to sport.

What is required?

• 3.5cm (1.5 inch) white non stretch tape.

Step 1:

• Start at the front of the wrist.
• Go around the back of the hand and over the web of the thumb.

Step 2:

• Go across the palm of the hand.
• Around the back of the wrist.
• Then cut the tape to finish the anchor.

Step 3:

• Next come the supporting strips.
• Start on the anchor at the back of the hand.
• Go around the base of the thumb and secure on the anchor at the palm of the hand.

Step 4:

• Repeat this up the thumb as far as required - 2 or 3 strips are usually all that is required.
• The higher the tape, the more support but the more the motion is restricted.
• Less support and more mobility may be required when returning to some sports, particularly ball games.

Step 5:

• Finish off the taping by securing a strip as in step 1:
• Go around the back of the hand and over the web of the thumb.
• Go across the palm of the hand.
• Around the back of the wrist.
• Then cut the tape to finish the anchor.

Step 6:

• Assess the taping to ensure that the thumb cannot be moved into the painful area - pull in the direction of the arrow.
• If it can then the taping may need to be redone or adjusted to prevent this happening.
• There is little point taping the thumb if it can be moved into the painful range of movement.