How to wear a tennis elbow brace?

Playing tennis is healthy, fun and good for your mind and body. Also, it is a popular sport that both children and

adults love to play. But no matter how much you enjoy playing tennis, there are times when your wrists or elbows suffer, so they prevent you from performing as you should. That is such a pity!

Luckily, there are modern solutions that you can embrace in order to continue playing and to avoid injuries. If you experience elbow pain, then the tennis elbow brace is one of the best options you’ve got, except for physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication.

Why wear a tennis elbow brace?

Regardless if you are a professional tennis player or if you simply play for the fun of it, you can’t continue to play if you have serious elbow pain. Physicians all over the world prescribe elbow braces and straps that are capable of relieving you of the pain and discomfort.

Tennis elbow braces are designed to reinforce the elbow by pressuring the muscle or tendons around it. In order to achieve the best results, the brace must be positioned correctly by the wearer.

Although most people think that elbow braces must be worn on the elbow itself, experts say otherwise. In order to relieve the pain, the tennis elbow strap must be placed approximately 10 cm down the forearm, depending on the type of brace.

If you are a tennis player, then you should know that 50% of the players all over the world suffer from elbow pain, especially between the ages of 30 and 50. Therefore, wearing a tennis elbow brace is healthy and can prevent injuries.

How many types of elbow braces are there?

The orthopaedic field is now much more capable to provide short-term and long-term solutions for all sorts of health conditions. When it comes to elbow pain, there are plenty of options to consider and the elbow brace is one of them.

Depending on the pain intensity and discomfort, as well as on the budget, one can find several brace types.

The epicondylitis clasp is one of the most expensive options, yet one of the most effective, too. A plastic clasp is secured with a narrow brace and when placed correctly, it puts pressure on the muscle that controls the elbow. This brace is capable of controlling the tendon’s angle so that the direction of forces is changed.

This strap is usually recommended for skilled tennis players. It is really important to place it in the correct position, which is why a physician’s advice is recommended.

There are also the classic tennis elbow straps that wrap around the forearm, slightly below the elbow. They are capable of absorbing the force that is transmitted through the soft tissues and unlike the epicondylitis clasp, they are easy to apply and adjust.

This type of brace is affordable, but it is mostly recommended as a prevention method and should be worn in the early stages, when the first symptoms appear.

Unlike the first two types, the tennis elbow sleeve supports the entire elbow, compresses the muscles around it and provides warmth. It looks just like a small sleeve and combines the advantages of a brace with those of a sleeve.

In the event that you have suffered elbow injuries, this might be your best option, as the healing process is accelerated thanks to the warmth it provides. The entire joint is well-supported when wearing this type of brace.

How to wear a tennis elbow brace the right way?

There is no point in wearing an elbow brace if you place it randomly on your forearm or elbow. To be able to relieve the pain or prevent tendon or muscle damage, you should always follow the instructions that come with the product. Generally, this is how an elbow brace should be placed:

1. Reduce the stress of your elbow by placing it on a pillow or a comfortable surface

2. Palpate your forearm and the surrounding area of the elbow to detect the most painful spot.

3. Measure precisely 10 cm down from the most painful spot

4. Place the brace or strap on the measured spot

Wrap it around the forearm and fasten it firmly. However, you should be feeling comfortable wearing it, so make sure it is not too tight.

When should you start wearing an elbow brace?

If you have been playing tennis for some time now, wearing an elbow brace is a good way to prevent pain or discomfort when serving or hitting.

Physicians and doctors are those who usually prescribe tennis elbow braces, but wearing one with the purpose of preventing any injury is not going to harm you.

Most tennis players wear such a strap when they experience symptoms like pain on the outside of the elbow, pain when squeezing or shaking, lifting, opening jars or using simple objects such as the toothbrush.

The so-called tennis elbow usually means that there is a tear in the tendon that must be treated. It is known as epicondylitis humeri in medical terms and it means that somewhere across the tendon there is a microscopic tear that causing inflammation. When ignored, it can cause serious health conditions.

When choosing an elbow brace it is best to ask for professional advice. If you can’t contact your doctor, ask a pharmacist’s advice or your couch’s advice if you are a professional player. Make sure that the brace is placed correctly and remember that it will only make things worse if you wear it randomly.

Suffering from elbow pain is horrible, especially when you have an important game ahead of you or when you need to train harder. Although most people who deal with this affection have a predisposition to it, it is very important to try to prevent it from the beginning.

Also, consider doing physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in that area while continuing to wear your brace. Keeping the painful area warm is also highly recommended by orthopaedists.