How to tape carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Looking for a taping method to support your wrist with carpal tunnel syndrome? In this article, we’ll guide you step by step on how to apply kinesiology tape for CTS-related symptoms.

In the middle of the wrist runs a narrow tunnel through which nerves and tendons pass. This space can become narrowed, irritated, or inflamed. For carpal tunnel syndrome, CureTape elastic kinesiology tape can be applied to reduce pressure on the median nerve. This technique shows you how to place a strip of tape along the forearm and wrist to relieve pressure while keeping the hand in a neutral position.

This taping application can help with:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Tingling sensations
  • Wrist stability

Can be applied for the following conditions:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Wrist tendinitis (inflammation of the wrist tendons)
  • Tenosynovitis (inflammation of the tendon sheath)
  • Wrist stability support

Wrist taping for carpal tunnel syndrome – video tutorial

Tips for a successful taping treatment:

  • Is the cause of the pain or complaint clear?
  • Carefully review the instructions before you start taping.
  • Choose the tape color you prefer.
  • Do not apply stretch at the beginning or end of the tape.
  • Rub the tape firmly to activate the adhesive.
  • Check for any contraindications before taping.
  • On average, the tape will stay in place for three to seven days.
  • You can shower while wearing the tape.
  • Removing the tape is easier with a little oil.

Preparation before taping the wrist for carpal tunnel syndrome

Tape
Form: Cut one I-strip of about 20 cm and one shorter I-strip of about 10–12 cm. Round off the ends (anchors).
Number of strips: 2.
Technique: One strip is applied using a muscle technique and the other with a ligament technique (with stretch).

Measuring and cutting the kinesiology tape

  • Measure the circumference of the wrist for the small I-strip, leaving a gap about three fingers wide.

Applying kinesiology tape when the pain is on the side of the wrist

  • When applying kinesiology tape, it’s often helpful to ask someone for assistance. An extra pair of hands makes the application easier and more effective.

Step

1

Step

2

Step

3

  • Tear the backing paper of the I-strip about 5 cm from the end and remove it. Keep the arm in a slightly stretched position. Place the anchor on the palm, then remove the rest of the paper up to the final 5 cm. Apply the tape with light tension toward the elbow. Remove the last piece of paper and secure the anchor without stretch. Rub the tape firmly to activate the adhesive.
  • Tear the backing paper in the middle of the small I-strip and fold it back toward both anchors. Apply the tape to the center of the wrist using a ligament technique (with strong stretch). Then place the two ends (anchors) without stretch toward the top of the wrist. Make sure to leave about a two-finger-wide gap on the opposite side of the wrist. Rub the tape well to secure it.

Christina’s advice on taping a wrist with carpal tunnel syndrome

For the self-taping instructions, I’ve selected applications that are simple to apply on your own by following the step-by-step guide. To ensure the treatment is safe, I provide practical tips to keep in mind before, during, and after taping. These recommendations are based on my many years of clinical experience. If your symptoms continue, always consult a physical therapist or physician.

Christina Peter

Physiotherapist and Taping Instructor

Disclaimer:
Please note: we emphasize that the suggested tape applications and the information on our website regarding the possibilities of the Medical Taping Concept are not yet scientifically proven. The statements and examples mentioned are based on years of experience from patients and trained therapists.

Contraindications for not using tape: pregnancy, open wounds, bone fractures, unexplained complaints, allergies and skin conditions, medication use such as blood thinners, thrombosis, and fever.
Always consult a specialist before applying tape in these cases.

Shop

CureTape® Classic Wide 7,5 cm

CureTape® 2,5 cm – 2 rolls

CureTape® 1 cm – 5 rolls - Blue

CureTape® 1 cm – 5 rolls - Beige

CureTape® Classic - Black

CureTape® Classic - Pink

CureTape® Classic - Red

CureTape® Classic - Orange

CureTape® Classic - Green

CureTape® Classic - Yellow

CureTape® Classic - Blue

CureTape® Classic - Beige

CureTape® Sports Extra Sticky - Black

CureTape® Sports Extra Sticky - Pink

CureTape® Sports Extra Sticky - Orange

CureTape® Sports Extra Sticky - Lime

CureTape® Sports Extra Sticky - Blue

CureTape® Sports Extra Sticky - Beige

CureTape® Art - Tattoo

CureTape® Art - Tiger

CureTape® Art - Zebra

CureTape® Art - Tartan

CureTape® Art - Fryslân

CureTape® Art - Leopard

CureTape® Art - Army-Blue

CureTape® Punch - Black

CureTape® Punch - Blue

CureTape® Punch - Beige

CureTape® Beauty Face Tape Tube: 2 rolls + Facial Cups

CureTape® Beauty Face Tape Pre-cut (60 strips)

CureTape® Beauty Face Tape 2,5 cm – 1 Roll

CureTape® Beauty Face Tape 2,5 cm – 2 Rolls

CureTape® Beauty Face Tape

MyCureTape® Sports Pre-Cut (36 pcs)

MyCureTape® ART Tube - Tattoo Rebel

MyCureTape® ART Tube - Safari Stripes

MyCureTape® ART Tube - Panther Power

MyCureTape® ART Tube - Night Hunter

MyCureTape® Sports Tube - Lime, Black, Blue

MyCureTape® Sports Tube - Pink, Black, Blue

MyCureTape® Sports Tube - Blue, Pink, Beige

CrossLinq® Acupressure Taping Handbook

MTC® handbook – Decompressive Techniques

MTC® Handbook – Medical Kinesiology Taping

CureTape® The Ultimate Kinesiology Taping Guide

CureTape® Pen

CureTape® Standard Scissor

High Quality CureTape® scissor

CureTape® Clean-Skin Pre-Tape Spray

FASCIQ®Adhesive Spray

CureTape® Cutter

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Black

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Pink

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Orange

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Lime

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Blue

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Beige

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Black

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Pink

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Red

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Orange

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Green

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Yellow

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Blue

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Beige

CureTape® Sensor Patches Mix Sports Extra Sticky (8 pcs)

CureTape® Sensor Patches Mix Sports Extra Sticky (8 pcs)

CureTape® Sensor Patches Mix Sports Extra Sticky (8 pcs)

CureTape® Sensor Patches Mix Sports Extra Sticky (8 pcs)

CureTape® Sensor Patches Mix Sports Extra Sticky (8 pcs)

CureTape® Sensor Patches Mix Sports Extra Sticky (8 pcs)

CureTape® Sensor Patches Mix Sports Extra Sticky (8 pcs)

CureTape® Sensor Patches Mix Sports Extra Sticky (8 pcs)

CureTape® Sensor Patches Mix Sports Extra Sticky (8 pcs)

Plastry sensoryczne CureTape® Art (25 szt.) (Copy) - Tygrys, Dla czujników owalnych

Plastry sensoryczne CureTape® Art (25 szt.) (Copy) - Zebra, Dla czujników owalnych

Plastry sensoryczne CureTape® Art (25 szt.) (Copy) - Lampart, Dla czujników owalnych

Plastry sensoryczne CureTape® Art (25 szt.) (Copy) - Tatuaż, Dla czujników owalnych

Plastry sensoryczne CureTape® Art (25 szt.) (Copy) - Zebra, Dla czujników okrągłych

Plastry sensoryczne CureTape® Art (25 szt.) (Copy) - Tatuaż, Dla czujników okrągłych

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 stuks) (Copy) - Tijger, Voor ovale sensoren

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 stuks) (Copy) - Zebra, Voor ovale sensoren

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 stuks) (Copy) - Luipaard, Voor ovale sensoren

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 stuks) (Copy) - Tatoeage, Voor ovale sensoren

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 stuks) (Copy) - Zebra, Voor ronde sensoren

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 stuks) (Copy) - Tatoeage, Voor ronde sensoren

Parches sensores CureTape® Art (25 uds.) (Copy) - Tigre, Para sensores ovalados

Parches sensores CureTape® Art (25 uds.) (Copy) - Cebra, Para sensores ovalados

Parches sensores CureTape® Art (25 uds.) (Copy) - Leopardo, Para sensores ovalados

Parches sensores CureTape® Art (25 uds.) (Copy) - Tatuaje, Para sensores ovalados

Parches sensores CureTape® Art (25 uds.) (Copy) - Cebra, Para sensores redondos

Parches sensores CureTape® Art (25 uds.) (Copy) - Tatuaje, Para sensores redondos

CureTape® Sensor Patches Sports (25 pcs) - Beige

CureTape® Sensor Patches Sports (25 pcs) - Black

CureTape Boob Tape N°1 - Black

CureTape Boob Tape N°1 - Beige

CureTape® Pen

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 pcs) - Tiger, For Oval Sensors

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 pcs) - Zebra, For Oval Sensors

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 pcs) - Zebra, For Round Sensors

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 pcs) - Leopard, For Oval Sensors

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 pcs) - Tattoo, For Oval Sensors

CureTape® Sensor Patches Art (25 pcs) - Tattoo, For Round Sensors

CureTape® Classic Wide 7,5 cm

CureTape® 2,5 cm – 2 rolls

CureTape® 1 cm – 5 rolls - Blue

CureTape® 1 cm – 5 rolls - Beige

CrossLinq® Acupressure Patches - Large

CrossLinq® Acupressure Patches - Medium

CrossLinq® Acupressure Patches - Small

CrossLinq® Acupressure Taping Handbook

MTC® handbook – Decompressive Techniques

MTC® Handbook – Medical Kinesiology Taping

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Black

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Pink

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Orange

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Lime

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Blue

CureTape® Giant - Sports - Beige

MyCureTape® Sports Pre-Cut (36 pcs)

CureTape® Sensor Patches Classic & Art Mix (8 pcs)

CureTape® Sensor Patches Classic (25 pcs) - Blue

CureTape® Sensor Patches Classic (25 pcs) - Pink

CureTape® Sensor Patches Classic (25 pcs) - Black

CureTape® Sensor Patches Classic (25 pcs) - Beige

CureTape® The Ultimate Kinesiology Taping Guide

CureTape® Standard Scissor

High Quality CureTape® scissor

CureTape® Clean-Skin Pre-Tape Spray

FASCIQ®Adhesive Spray

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Black

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Pink

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Red

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Orange

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Green

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Yellow

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Blue

CureTape® Giant - Classic - Beige

CureTape® Cutter

CureTape® Gentle Kinesiology Tape for Sensitive Skin

CureTape® Beauty Face Tape Tube: 2 rolls + Facial Cups

CureTape® Beauty Face Tape Pre-cut (60 strips)

CureTape® Beauty Face Tape 2,5 cm – 1 Roll

CureTape® Beauty Face Tape 2,5 cm – 2 Rolls

MyCureTape® ART Tube - Tattoo Rebel

MyCureTape® ART Tube - Safari Stripes

MyCureTape® ART Tube - Panther Power

MyCureTape® ART Tube - Night Hunter

MyCureTape® Sports Tube - Lime, Black, Blue

MyCureTape® Sports Tube - Pink, Black, Blue

MyCureTape® Sports Tube - Blue, Pink, Beige

CureTape® Punch - Black

CureTape® Punch - Blue

CureTape® Punch - Beige

CureTape® Art - Tattoo

CureTape® Art - Tiger

CureTape® Art - Zebra

CureTape® Art - Tartan

CureTape® Art - Fryslân

CureTape® Art - Leopard

CureTape® Art - Army-Blue

CureTape® Sports Extra Sticky - Black

CureTape® Sports Extra Sticky - Pink

CureTape® Sports Extra Sticky - Orange

Questions or need help?

+31-53-4781900

info@curetape.com

Recommended for you