Do Tennis Elbow Braces Work?

Do you ever feel pain on the outside of your elbow? It may hurt when you grip things or lift stuff. That could be a sign of the tennis elbow. If you have googled it, a recommended preventive and treatment measure is to wear a tennis elbow brace, a type of forearm brace for tennis elbow.

So, what are they? Do tennis elbow braces work? This article will guide you through all for your quicker recovery from outer elbow pain. Read on for more insights!

What Is a Tennis Elbow?

Before we tackle the question 'Do tennis elbow braces work?', let's first explore what tennis elbow is, including its causes and symptoms.

Despite its name, tennis elbow does not only happen to those who play tennis. Medically, it is called lateral epicondylitis. It occurs if you often engage in tasks that place repetitive stress on the tendons of the forearm.

This repetitive stress can result from various activities, including:

• Sports: Activities such as tennis, racquetball, and squash that involve repetitive gripping and swinging motions;
• Occupational Tasks: Jobs or hobbies that require repetitive arm movements, such as painting, carpentry, plumbing, or typing;
• Non-sports and Non-occupational Activities: Everyday activities like gardening, cooking, or using tools that involve repetitive wrist and arm motions

You could experience pain on the outer side of your elbow, especially when making a fist, lifting heavy items, or participating in activities that require wrist extension. The pain may radiate down to the forearm or wrist. In some cases, it might worsen at night.

It can really intrude on the normal functioning of your daily life. Activities that people perform routinely, such as reaching for a doorknob or grabbing their phones, can become unbearably uncomfortable. Hence, knowing how to help this pain fade and return to an everyday life is essential.

Do Tennis Elbow Braces Work? Design Features of Tennis Elbow Braces

Yes, they do! Tennis elbow support braces may not appear too complicated, but they cannot be denied as very relieving.

Pressure Dispersion

Tennis elbow braces are designed to apply targeted pressure to the forearm muscles and the area around the elbow joint. This pressure helps alleviate inflammation and relieve pain by dispersing the force that would otherwise be concentrated on the affected area. Usually, there will be a pad or gel insert to offer additional cushioning and support.

Support and Stability

Yet another role these braces play is to strengthen and stabilize the elbow joint. They usually come with straps that can be adjusted to the preferred tightness. This ensures that your elbow is well-positioned and does not repeatedly shift in the wrong direction. Wearing the brace may relieve pressure on the ligament and support the injured tendon.

Material Technology and Comfort

This factor is crucial, especially if you use a tennis elbow brace at work or engage in an activity that may last hours. This is why most braces, including the elbow compression sleeve for tennis elbow and the elbow wrap for tennis elbow, are created using lightweight, breathable fabrics. Some even use moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you dry and comfortable. 

Do Tennis Elbow Braces Work? The Working Mechanism

Tennis elbow braces are like little superheroes for your arm. Let's see how the best braces for tennis elbow can help improve your condition.

1. Reduce Muscle Vibration and Strain

Tennis elbow braces are typically made of elastic materials that provide compression. This compression force helps stabilize the muscles and tendons in the forearm, reducing vibration during repetitive movements. By minimizing this vibration, the brace can help reduce strain on the affected tendons, preventing further injury.

2. Provide Proper Alignment of Tendons and Muscles

The brace supports the forearm muscles and tendons, helping keep them in proper alignment. Proper alignment is crucial for reducing stress on the tendons that attach to the elbow. By ensuring that the muscles and tendons are correctly positioned, the brace can help to prevent further injury and promote healing.

3. Promote Blood Circulation and Pain Relief

The appropriate compression level can also improve blood circulation in the area. Better blood flow can help deliver oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissues, which is essential for healing. Additionally, increased blood flow can help remove waste products more quickly and reduce inflammation. This can help reduce pain and swelling, thereby alleviating the symptoms of tennis elbow.

FAQs about Tennis Elbow Braces

If you have any other questions beyond this one —“Do tennis elbow braces work?” —this section addresses some common ones for your information.

How to Wear Tennis Elbow Braces Properly (General Guide)

First, make sure your arm is clean and dry. Then, you shall place the brace on your arm with the compression pad or support area aligned with the affected area of your elbow. 

Adjust the straps or Velcro fasteners to secure the brace in place. Make sure it is positioned correctly to provide support where needed. Remember, the brace should be snug but not overly tight. It should feel secure without cutting off circulation or causing numbness.

You may gently move your arm to ensure the brace stays in place and remains comfortable during motion.

How Long Should I Wear Tennis Elbow Braces?

Generally, some people may wear the brace only during activities that cause pain or stress on the elbow, while others may wear it for extended periods to provide continuous support. Some may also wear tennis elbow braces at night, as they find it helpful in preventing unconscious movements that can aggravate the condition.

The duration of wear really depends on the severity of the condition and the healing process. It's common to wear a brace for several weeks or months during recovery. You may go to your healthcare provider for specific advice on how long to wear the tennis elbow brace.

How Tight Should I Wear Tennis Elbow Braces?

The tennis elbow brace should be tight enough to offer the support and compression needed. Don't over-stretch the straps, as it may restrict blood flow or cause discomfort.

You should be able to feel the brace's support without it being painful or causing any numbness or tingling. Try loosening or tightening the straps or fasteners to achieve a comfortable, appropriate fit for your body type.

If you have more doubts about tennis elbow braces, like comparing a tennis elbow brace vs. a compression sleeve, or wondering what the best brace for tennis elbow is. You may follow Fivali for upcoming content.

Recovery Advice for Tennis Elbow

To better recover from tennis elbow, we also gathered several tips for you:

1. Rest

It is better for you to temporarily stop or reduce the activities that cause pain in your elbow. This might mean taking a break from sports, work tasks, or hobbies that involve repetitive gripping or lifting.

2. Cold Compress/ Massage/ Wear Braces

You can reduce inflammation and numb the pain by applying a cold pack to the affected area occasionally (about 15-20 minutes several times a day).

Gentle massages can improve blood flow conditions and may provide some relief. However, avoid deep tissue massage in the acute phase, as it may worsen the condition!

Additionally, as discussed, wearing a tennis elbow support brace can be helpful.

3. Medication

If the pain is bothersome, you may take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, to relieve it. You may turn to a healthcare provider before starting any medication regimen.

4. Rehabilitation Exercises

You may gradually incorporate exercises to increase flexibility and build muscle strength, targeting the problematic areas of the musculotendinous unit.

5. Surgical Treatment

In some extreme cases where the condition has not responded well to non-operative approaches, surgery can be performed to repair the compromised tendons and prevent recurrence.

So, now you have the answer to the frequently asked query: Do tennis elbow braces work? They can play an effective role when used appropriately and chosen correctly. 

Here at Fivali, we offer the best braces for tennis elbow. Knowing the pain is rather annoying, and conditions can vary, we offer elbow braces for different severity levels. Follow Fivali and see what's next for your brace needs!