Elbow Support
Tennis elbow effects 1-3% of the population with severe elbow pain very common. Tennis elbow pain (Epichondylitis) is an overuse injury where treatment can involve the use of pain killers and steroids. However, some physiotherapists and doctors recommend the use of an epichondolytis strap or clasp to add pressure to the tendon; offering pain relief .
Elbow support for muscle pain, tendonitis and overstretching can also be helped using the compression provided by an elbow sleeve. Other elbow injuries may be treated with braces that prevent over stretching of the elbow ligaments or offer compression and heat.
What is tendinitis and how does it affect the elbow?
Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons which join bones to muscle, and in the case of Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epichondylitis), the tendon is joined to the epichondyle which is a bony lump on the humerus at the elbow joint.
While the name suggests the condition is exclusive to tennis, it is in fact a common injury in all sports and activities that involve overhead arm motion such as baseball or Javelin throwing.
Tennis elbow supports are designed to apply pressure on the extensor muscles which relieves the pressure on the tendon, and in so doing relieves the severe pain of Tennis Elbow.
This pressure is applied by a pad or clasp which is held in place by a strap. Applying the Tennis Elbow brace to the Flexor muscles will help relieve the pain of Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epichondylitis).
Overstretching of the elbow can also be prevented by the use of an elbow brace which limits the extension of the elbow joint. This type of elbow support is useful in disclocations, arthritis or to protect the joint after an injury.
Other novel treatments for elbow pain include the use of Kinesiology Taping techniques where gentle movement of the fascia can result in reduction in pain.