To remove all oils and grime, consider using some alcohol-based hand sanitizer after washing with soap and water. If you have especially hairy forearms and/or hands, then gently shave them at least one day before applying any tape so it will adhere to your skin better.
Realize that the Kinesio pre-cut wrist kit comes with tape that has a paper backing over the adhesive material, which makes it easier to cut to suit your body proportions. If your wrists are thin, you may be able to cut one of the black pieces in half and apply the two pieces separately for more support (see below).
The long blue “I-strip” with the pre-cut wrist kit fits virtually everyone, although it may have to be trimmed if your forearm is relatively short. There are cutting guides on the back of the tape to help you. Before apply the long strip of tape, flex your wrist down so that your forearm muscles are put into a position of stretch or tension. When applying the Kinesio tape, try not to stretch it too much. Remove the paper backing, apply it firmly and press down on your skin so that it sticks well.
Add a second band of tape to your wrist for better support, don’t apply it too tight because you can cut off circulation (and nerve flow) to the hand and make your CTS worse. Apply Kinesio tape at least an hour before any physical activity in order to give the adhesive material (glue) enough time to thoroughly bind to your skin.
Pulling the Kinesio tape off is usually pretty easy. If you’re having trouble, try soaking your arm in warm water and/or using special tape-cutting scissors with blunt ends. CTS is a chronic condition, so you may need to tape your wrist for many weeks or months to get symptom relief if you can’t find the cause. If the adhesive from the tape starts to irritate your skin, you may have to take a break for a few days or so to allow your skin to heal. Applying aloe vera gel can help skin heal quickly.
An alternative to shaving hairy arms is to remove hair with wax (temporary fix) or laser treatments (more of a permanent treatment). Allow you skin a day or two to heal from the hair removal procedure before applying Kinesio tape.
All cut strips should be trimmed with round corners so its more difficult for the edges to pull off your skin. When cutting adhesive tape, make sure your scissors are sharp and clean so it’s easier to cut through the glue on the back. Use alcohol wipes to clean the scissors if needed.
Place the tape directly over the muscles, which make up the most fleshy part of your forearm. Do not put tape over the elbow bone. The Kinesio tape can help alleviate some of the tension in your forearm muscles. [1] X Expert Source Joel Giffin, PT, DPT, CHTPhysical Therapist Expert Interview. 26 October 2020.
Add a second band of tape to you wrist for better support, but wrap it in the opposite direction. Make sure the “joint” of the first piece is fully overlapped by the second. Reapply the tape within three to five days as noted above.
Typical symptoms of CTS include: pain, numbness, tingling and/or weakness within the wrist and hand. If you’re experiencing similar symptoms in your wrist(s), make an appointment with your family doctor or neurologist so they can make sure it’s CTS and not another disease, condition or injury. Electro-diagnostic studies, such as an EMG and nerve conduction, are often done to confirm a diagnosis of CTS. [3] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
At this stage, you should let the health professional tape your wrist with Kinesio tape so you can learn the technique and rational behind it, and then duplicate it at home. Watch the practitioner closely and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions so you’re clear on the most effective way to tape your wrist. Other health professionals who deal with CTS and may use Kinesio taping include some massage therapists, acupuncturists or naturopaths.
Kinesio tape is available for the wrist as special pre-cut pieces, which makes it very convenient for taping CTS and other wrist injuries. Purchase this type online if at all possible for best results. Kinesio taping can typically be left on for several days (up to a week), depending on your activities, so that gives you enough time to do some research and order the tape before having to re-tape your wrist.
