Carpal tunnel syndrome, a common repetitive stress injury affecting the median nerve in the wrist, responds well to KT Tape therapy. Racket sports and other activities requiring fine or repetitive wrist motions, such as regular computer use or construction work, can often cause swelling and inflammation of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the wrist that is surrounded by bone and connective tissue. The pressure thus exerted on the nerve can severely restrict movement and interfere with fine motor coordination.
One reason treatment with KT Tape is often required for carpal tunnel syndrome is that, while under normal conditions the carpal tunnel space is usually sufficient, the narrow tunnel physically restricts overused and compromised nerve tissue between its surrounding structures, causing pain, numbness, and/or tingling in the wrist and forearm and reducing or seriously hampering proper wrist function.
As one important component of the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate), KT Tape therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing the swelling and inflammation associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Yet, KT Tape goes still further by creating an environment that is conducive to healing. Along with gently compressing and thus protecting the compromised area, KT Tape, which is light, elastic, and breathable and feels much like a second skin, not only prevents aggravation of the problem but also speeds healing to the area and helps reduce inflammation by improving circulation of blood and lymph.
A specialized KT Tape application, demonstrated in the company’s instructional video, is helpful for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. The video describes, step-by-step, the techniques involved in preparing an effective application of KT Tape precut strips for the relief of carpal tunnel-related issues.
Using three precut KT Tape I-strips, the trainer depicted in the video demonstrates the proper method for prepping and applying each strip for maximum benefit. After two small holes have been cut side-by-side near one end of the strip, just below the bottom of the “K” logo, the first strip is applied with the subject’s wrist in an upright position. Middle and ring fingers are placed through the holes with the base of the tape being anchored to the knuckles, and the remainder of the KT Tape is then applied lengthwise to the palm of the hand and wrist, while the subject stabilizes the fully extended hand position with the other hand. No stretch is used in the tape during application. When properly applied, the KT Tape should wrinkle over the inner wrist when the wrist is flexed.
The same process is repeated for the second I-strip, which is applied lengthwise to the back of hand and wrist with the wrist in a downward facing, flexed position, after putting the same two fingers through the holes and securing the base of the tape to the palm.
The third and final piece of KT Tape which completes this carpal tunnel application is wrapped crosswise around the wrist and heel of the hand, with the wrist fully extended and again using no tension on the tape, providing even greater stability and support while not restricting normal movement.
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