Elbow and Shoulder Braces – Tennis Elbow, Orthoses and Arm Slings - page 2

An elbow brace is most often bought for tennis elbow – pain on the outer side of the elbow caused by repeated hand and forearm movements, not only in tennis players. This category is part of Orthopedic aids – braces, orthoses, belts and includes tennis elbow straps and supports, elastic elbow sleeves, elbow orthoses, shoulder and upper arm orthoses and arm slings from BORT and Mueller.

The aids differ by purpose. A tennis elbow strap presses on the forearm muscles below the elbow and offloads the tendon attachment. An elastic sleeve covers the whole elbow and gives compression and warmth. Elbow and shoulder orthoses have reinforcements and limit movement, and an arm sling keeps the arm bent and offloads the shoulder and elbow after injury or with a cast.

Overview by type

How to wear a tennis elbow strap

• Place the strap on the forearm a few centimetres below the elbow, over the muscles, not on the joint itself – the manufacturer states the exact position
• Turn the pad towards the most painful spot, on the outer forearm for tennis elbow
• Tighten enough to feel pressure, without tingling or a change in hand colour
• Wear it during activities that cause pain (sport, tool work, computer work) and remove it when resting

Tennis elbow – what else helps

Besides a brace, rest from painful movements, adjusting your grip and stretching and strengthening exercises shown by a physiotherapist are important. For topical use see creams and gels for sports injuries, and for cooling after exertion ice packs and cold compresses. Taping is another option – see kinesiology tapes.

Related categories and guides

• Orthopedic aids – braces, orthoses, belts
• Creams and gels for sports injuries
• Kinesiology tapes
• Ice packs and cold compresses