Management of trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis pain and dysfunction using mobilization with movement technique in combination with kinesiology tape: a case report

The purpose of this report is to describe the management of a patient with advanced trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis (OA) using mobilization with movement technique in combination with kinesiology tape to decrease pain and improve range of motion.

A 52-year-old female seamstress (a career of 35 years' duration) presented to a physiotherapy clinic with pain in the dorsal aspect of the thumb carpometacarpal region of the right (dominant) hand. Examination revealed reduced ability to abduct the right thumb, significant loss of web space, weakness of pinch grip, and deterioration of hand function. Radiographs demonstrated OA of the TMC stage IV according to the Eaton-Littler-Burton classification, with instability and subluxation of the joint.

A combined treatment protocol of mobilization with movement and kinesiology tape at the TMC joint for 12 weekly sessions was performed. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, immediately upon completion of treatment, and at 2-month follow-up and included numeric pain rating scale, range of motion, pressure pain threshold, and tip pinch strength at the TMC joint. Treatment interventions were applied for 12 sessions over a period of 2 months. Outcome measures indicated significant reduction of the patient's subjective pain reports and considerable improvement in functional and occupational tasks. A follow-up visit at 4 months (2 months after last treatment) showed that the improvement was maintained.

A combined program of mobilization with movement and kinesiology tape reduced pain, increased range of motion, and increased tip pinch strength in a patient with severe functional impairment related to dominant TMC OA.