Tennis Elbow Brace Instructions

Wearing a temporary brace can ease the pain and promote healing from tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow affects athletes and workers who strain the exterior tendons of the forearm just below the elbow. In tennis, poor technique on both backhand and forehand shots contributes to the condition. Common repeated activities like hammering, twisting a screwdriver or typing on a computer can produce tennis elbow. Symptoms of the condition include difficulty holding objects, forearm tightness and weakness, and general pain and stiffness below the elbow. Common treatments include rest, ice and gentle stretching. Lateral counter-force bracing helps reduce muscle contraction in the forearm muscles in front of the elbow, allowing the affected area to heal.

Instructions

1. Rest and ice the affected area before installing a brace. Elevate the forearm on a pillow and ice for a half-hour. Maintain normal activity but avoid using the injured area. Take anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen.

2. Strap the Velcro lateral counter-force brace snugly around your forearm about two inches below your elbow. The strap helps transfer the forces of the forearm muscles and tendons further down the arm away from the affected area.

3. Wear the brace 24 hours a day for a month. Remove the brace only for bathing. Sleep with the brace because changing sleep positions can affect the injured tendons.

4. Add a Velcro wrist splint for further support if you do not experience improvement after a month of wearing the forearm brace. Wear both braces for another month.

5. Supplement brace wear with physical therapy and massage if needed. The therapist will teach you stretching and gentle strengthening exercises to build the forearm tendons and muscles back up.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent tennis elbow by having an experienced tennis player observe your form on your backhand and forehand shots.

• Stretch your wrist and forearm muscles before and after playing tennis or any activity that puts strain on your forearm and elbow.

• Consult with your doctor if you do not see improvement from wearing the braces. Consider cortisone injections and surgery only after using the braces for at least two months.

References

• Nismat: Physical Therapy Corner: Tennis Elbow
• Health Care South: Ask the Doctor: Temporary Brace May Ease Pain of Golf, Tennis Elbow