The Wonders of Taping

Today I saw my first ‘hand’ patient. Mrs X is a 50y.o/F. She fractured the (R) distal radius 6 months ago when she fell and landed on an outstretched hand. The fracture was treated conservatively.

Mrs X presented to the clinic complaining of pain and burning sensation over the medial and lateral aspect of the (R) forearm. The aggravating factors were lifting and any activity that involved wrist extension. On examination, the significant findings were:
1. All carpal bones were tender on palpation
2. Decreased wrist flex and ext AROM due to pain
Surprisingly, all neurological assessments were negative. With only two significant findings, I did not know the patient’s diagnosis, what bought on the pain and let alone the treatment. I was frustrated and disappointed in myself.

Not knowing what to do, I sought my supervisor’s advice. On further examination, the brachioradialis was tender on palpation and had some tight knots. My supervisor also did some taping on the carpal bones (such that the distal row was pulled laterally and the proximal row of carpal bones was pulled medially). The aim of this taping was to off load the carpal joints. The patient responded very well to taping. After taping, there was no pain on all wrist movements. Thus, the treatment for the session consisted of STM to brachioradialis and taping.

I had never come across the taping technique mentioned above was amazed by the immediate effect it had on my patient. After knowing about the wonders of taping, I will definitely read more about this technique and apply it on my patients.