Wrist Support Techniques
21 Wrist Sprain Support Technique (Hyperextension or Hyperflexion Bar Block)
Purpose
- Provide support for the wrist and prevent excessive and/or painful hyperextension/hyperflexion movements following ligamentous sprains or muscular strains.
- Reduce pain and stress on musculoskeletal structures to promote recovery and improve stability and function upon return to play.
Materials Required
- Can of quick-drying adherent spray (a.k.a. skin toughener)
- One roll of pro-wrap (a.k.a. underwrap or pre-wrap)
- One roll of 1.5-inch athletic tape
- Optional: Small piece of dense foam, approximately 3 by 2 inches (PPT blue foam)
- Tape remover
- Pair of scissors
Pre-Tape Testing
- Determine MOI (traumatic injury versus repetitive overuse strain versus pathological biomechanics/malalignments versus muscular imbalances versus poor footwear).
- Ask if they have been taped before and if there were any issues encountered.
- Rule-out allergies to sprays and/or taping products.
- Inspect the skin for any signs of soft tissue injury (i.e., cuts, abrasions, blisters).
- Check motor, sensation, and circulation (MSC) before execution of the support technique.
Components and Execution Procedures
- Individual Positioning: Seated position with the closed fist, of their opposite limb, under their elbow. Position their wrist in either a neutral or slightly extended or flexed position (just shy of the painful range of motion). Ensure that their splay their fingers during application to prevent to circulatory constriction.
- Preparation: Apply a light misting quick-drying adherent or skin toughener to the wrist region.
- Bar Block Application: To prevent hyperextension place a small piece of PPT blue foam on the dorsal aspect of the wrist joint, between distal ulna and distal radius (horizontally). Apply pro-wrap over the piece of foam to ensure it is held firmly in place. To prevent hyperflexion, place the piece of PPT blue foam on the palmar aspect of the wrist, at the distal wrist crease (horizontally). Apply pro-wrap over the piece of foam to ensure it is held firmly in place. Next, apply three to five strips of 1.5-inch athletic tape around the distal aspect of the wrist to secure the small piece of foam.
Post-Tape Testing
- Check motor control, sensation, and circulation (MSC) after application.
- Manually assess the wrist to test the integrity of the support technique. In other words, has the support technique limited the movement(s) that are painful?
- Functionally assess the wrist to test the integrity of support technique. This testing should be specific to the individual’s sport or activity and specific to their position in that same sport or activity.
