A thumb may need tape for support.
Tape techniques for the thumb are used to provide support to the thumb, according to Physio Advisor. These techniques are also useful if your thumb has been sprained, or if you want to prevent your thumb from being sprained. In general, you are advised to shave the thumb area 12 hours before you tape it to prevent the consequent, painful removal of hair when the tape comes off.
Side Loop Technique
The side loop technique for taping the thumb involves ensuring that the thumb and wrist are in a neutral position, with the wrist bent backward no more than 30 degrees. Start taping from the anchor position, which is tape that has been put around the forearm just beneath your wrist. Begin by winding a strip of tape around your thumb in a counterclockwise fashion, starting from the front of your wrist. Finish this taping technique by fixing the strip to the front of the wrist after it has come around the thumb.
Front Loop Technique
For this technique, the wrist and the thumb have to be in a neutral position, with the wrist bent backward approximately 30 degrees. Begin taping at the position of the anchor on the front of your wrist. Wind the strip of tape clockwise around your thumb until you bring the strip back to the front of your wrist where you should affix it. Depending on the degree of support you need, you can always place additional front loops a little bit backward or forward of each other.
Back Loop Technique
Again, start this technique by holding your thumb and your wrist in a neutral position, making sure the wrist is bent backward by about 30 degrees. Start the taping technique at the anchor's level on the back of the wrist. Loop a strip of tape around your thumb in a counterclockwise fashion until you bring the strip of tape around again to the back of your wrist. Tape it to the back of the wrist securely. If you require further support, you can always tape additional back loops slightly forward or backward of each other.
Finger Buddy Taping Technique
The finger buddy taping technique requires that you hold your thumb and wrist in a neutral position. You also have to make sure that your wrist is bent backward at 30 degrees. Take a strip of tape and start at the index finger's base. Bring the strip of tape down to your thumb and begin to wind it around the adjacent thumb so that one complete loop of tape is made between the index finger and thumb.
Tags: your thumb, your wrist, strip tape, bent backward, neutral position, wrist bent, wrist bent backward