Tennis Elbow Brace Instructions

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.