Tennis Elbow Braces: Does they Really Work?
- Taylor Sipos
- November 11, 2022
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- Tennis Elbow Brace
There are a lot of products on the market that promise to help with tennis elbow, but does a brace really work? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the research on whether or not wearing a brace can help relieve pain and improve function. Read on!
First, what is tennis elbow and how can a brace help treat it?
Tennis elbow is a condition that results from overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm. The condition is common among tennis players, hence its name. However, it can also occur in anyone who repetitively uses their forearm muscles, such as gardeners, plumbers and even desk workers. Symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, as well as weakness in the forearm muscles. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy. In some cases, a brace may also be recommended. A brace helps to relieve pain by providing support to the forearm muscles and tendons. If you think you may have tennis elbow, talk to your doctor about whether wearing a brace could help relieve your symptoms.
How does a brace work to relieve pain and improve mobility in the arm and hand?
A tennis elbow brace is typically made from a soft, breathable material that covers the affected area and is held in place by a Velcro strap. A brace can be used to relieve pain and improve mobility in the arm and hand by providing support and stability to the joints and muscles. In addition, a brace can be used to improve circulation to the affected elbow muscles. By wearing a brace, you can help to reduce your pain and improve your mobility.
What kind of brace is best for tennis elbow?
There are a variety of tennis elbow braces available, but many experts recommend an elbow sleeve with compression as the best option. The compression provided by the sleeve helps to offload the injured tendons, while the design stabilizes the elbow joint and prevents further strain on the tissue. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for tennis elbow, wearing a compression sleeve is often an effective way to manage pain and speed up recovery.
Elbow Pain courtesy of Aurora Sports Medicine Professionals (Read the caption)
When should I wear my tennis elbow brace?
Depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to wear your tennis elbow brace all the time or only when participating in activities that aggravate your condition. If your pain is constant and severe, it’s likely that you’ll need to wear the brace all the time. However, if your pain is only occasional and mild, you should only wear the brace during activities that put stress on your elbow, such as tennis or gardening. In general, during the early stages of recovery it’s best to err on the side of caution and wear the brace whenever you feel like you need it. The main goal is to prevent further injury and allow your elbow to heal. Once you begin to improve, you should start to wean off of your use of the brace.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with using a brace for tennis elbow?
There are a few potential risks and side effects associated with using a brace. The most common side effect is skin irritation, as the brace can rub against the skin and cause friction. In some cases, this can lead to soreness or even bruising. Additionally, wearing a brace for an extended period can cause dependency which can lead to the muscles to become weaker.
Guide to Tennis Elbow courtesy of Cornerstone Physiotherapy (Read the caption)
How long should you wear a tennis elbow brace and when can you stop using it altogether?
The answer depends on the severity of your condition. If you have mild pain and swelling, you may only need to wear a brace for a week or two. However, if your pain is more severe, you may need to wear the brace for several weeks or even months. Once the pain has subsided, you can gradually start to reduce your use of the brace. Most people find that they no longer need to wear a brace at all after about six months.
In conclusion, wearing a brace can be a useful tool in the treatment of tennis elbow. It helps to stabilize the joint and reduce pain and inflammation. However, it is important to use caution and properly fit the brace to avoid irritation or weakening of muscles and joints.
Tennis Elbow courtesy of Aurora Sports Medicine Professionals (Read the caption)
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Frequently Asked Questions
There is no one answer to this question as it varies depending on the individual and their specific injury. In general, keeping the elbow bent throughout the day may provide some relief, but it is important to change postures throughout the day. Consulting with a physical therapist or doctor can help determine the best course of action for your specific injury.
Various conditions, such as bursitis, arthritis, and nerve entrapment can have similar symptoms to tennis elbow. It is best to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
No, tennis elbow is a condition affecting the tendons and muscles, not the bones. It will not show up on an xray. However, an xray may be used to rule out other possible causes of elbow pain, such as a fracture or arthritis.
About Taylor Sipos
Taylor is a physiotherapist at The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic located in Toronto, Ontario. He treats patients with various musculoskeletal conditions using patient education, exercise therapy, manual therapy and acupuncture. His treatment philosophy involves giving his patient’s the means to self-manage their injuries. He does this through reassurance, education and health promotion. Taylor uses the same principles as a patient educator at Pain Hero. He aims to provide you with high-quality, easy to understand information to teach you about your condition and how to improve it.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.
