Tennis elbow is not exclusive to athletes. Many people who perform repetitive arm and wrist movements experience this painful condition. From lifting at the gym to typing for long hours, lateral epicondylitis can affect anyone.
If you’re experiencing pain on the outside of your elbow, a tennis elbow brace may help relieve strain, reduce discomfort, and support healing. But is a brace for tennis elbow the only solution? Let’s explore how braces work, their effectiveness, and what other treatment options are available, including interventional radiology.
Understanding Tennis Elbow:
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons in the forearm muscles become irritated due to overuse. Repetitive strain from swinging a racquet, lifting, or even using tools can damage these tendons. This results in inflammation and pain, especially when bending the arm or gripping objects.
People with tennis elbow often report stiffness, weakness in grip, and discomfort along the lateral side of the elbow. Though similar, golfer’s elbow affects the inner (medial) side and is called medial epicondylitis.
How Tennis Elbow Braces Provide Support and Relief
Tennis elbow braces are designed to reduce strain on the injured tendon by applying compression to the forearm muscles, redistributing stress away from the tendon insertion point. Here’s how they help:
Benefits of Using a Tennis Elbow Brace
- Pressure Redistribution: A tennis elbow strap compresses the forearm just below the elbow, limiting stress on the tendon.
- Support and Stability: Braces provide external elbow support during activity and help maintain proper arm position.
- Pain Reduction: By reducing tendon movement, braces help relieve pain and discomfort during tasks.
- Improved Functionality: Allows patients to play tennis, work, or do light physical tasks with reduced pain.
- Prevention of Further Damage: Supports healing by minimising aggravation during motion.
These braces are usually skin-friendly, lightweight, and designed to be worn daily or during activity, especially for those recovering from tendinitis or repetitive strain injury.
Effectiveness of Tennis Elbow Braces: What the Evidence Says
While braces don’t heal the tendon directly, they help manage symptoms, including elbow pain, and protect the arm from further irritation. Clinical reports suggest that many patients feel better with consistent brace use, especially when combined with rest.
Key Points on Effectiveness
- Most users report short-term pain relief when using a tennis elbow brace regularly.
- Braces are more effective when used during aggravating activities like lifting or playing sports.
- They are not a standalone treatment but part of a broader conservative care plan.
| Brace Feature | Function | Effectiveness |
| Compression | Reduces strain on the injured tendon | High for mild to moderate symptoms |
| Adjustable strap | Fits snugly on different arm sizes | Offers personalised support |
| Soft padding | Reduces irritation and improves comfort | Important for long wear |
| Breathable material | Prevents sweating and discomfort | Makes braces more skin-friendly |
These are estimates based on product design; This page notes that actual comfort and relief may vary depending on brand, usage, and severity of condition.
Braces Alone Are Not Enough: Exploring Other Conservative Treatments
While a brace for tennis elbow helps reduce strain, it doesn’t resolve the tendon damage or long-term elbow pain. Several other treatment options can improve recovery and prevent recurrence.
1. Rest and Activity Modification
Stop or reduce activities that cause discomfort. Take frequent breaks during tasks involving wrist extension or gripping. Many patients with tennis elbow unknowingly worsen their condition by continuing repetitive movements.
Whether you’re lifting at work, using a keyboard, or engaging in sports like swinging a racket, changing how and when you perform these tasks is key. It’s important to avoid any heavy lifting or gripping for at least a few weeks. This gives the inflamed tendon time to heal and helps reduce overall stress on the elbow. During this time, you can wear a tennis elbow brace to add extra support while limiting further irritation.
2. Physical Therapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles help restore function and reduce future strain. A therapist may teach proper ergonomics to avoid overuse, as well as how to safely return to activities without reinjury. Techniques may include eccentric loading exercises, wrist extensor stretches, and soft tissue massage. Braces can be worn during therapy to help reduce discomfort.
3. Ice and Heat Therapy
Cold compresses reduce inflammation after activity. Heat packs improve blood flow before movement. Watching a video on using both appropriately at different stages can improve healing.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Pain relief methods, including pain relievers like ibuprofen, can help manage symptoms, especially when swelling or stiffness is present. These are generally used in the short term.
4. Ergonomic Adjustments
Changing posture, adjusting workstations, or using special tools can reduce repetitive stress on the tendon. For example, using a cushioned mouse pad or using a wrap around your racket grip can make a noticeable difference.
5. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Some patients choose PRP injections to help promote natural healing. This treatment for tennis elbow is still being studied for effectiveness in chronic cases. PRP uses your own blood, which is spun to concentrate healing cells and then injected into the painful tendon area.
When Pain Persists: You should try Interventional Radiology
When tennis elbow symptoms don’t go away after several weeks or return frequently, interventional radiology may help. This is a non-surgical treatment option that offers targeted relief with minimal downtime.
What is Interventional Radiology?
It uses imaging technology to guide procedures that treat internal problems precisely. For tennis elbow, interventional radiologists offer minimally invasive options like percutaneous tenotomy.
Common Interventional Procedures for Tennis Elbow
- Ultrasound-Guided Injections: Delivers medication exactly where needed, reducing pain and swelling.
- Percutaneous Tenotomy: A needle is used to break down scar tissue and promote healing.
- Dry Needling: Tiny needles trigger a healing response in the tendon tissue.
Benefits of Interventional Radiology
- No general anaesthesia required
- Same-day procedures
- Quick recovery compared to surgery
- Precise targeting under image guidance
- Safe and suitable for those avoiding surgery
Interventional radiology can be considered when conservative treatments and elbow braces no longer offer enough support or pain relief.
Medagg Healthcare: Your partner in finding the right treatment
If your tennis elbow symptoms continue despite using braces and rest, Medagg Healthcare can help. We specialize in connecting patients with advanced care solutions like interventional radiology and expert consultation for elbow injuries.
Medagg Healthcare offers:
- Access to experienced interventional radiologists
- Personalised evaluation and treatment options
- Assistance in choosing the right brace for tennis elbow
- Recommendations for hospitals and specialists
- Support through every step of your recovery
Book an appointment
Let our team guide you toward lasting relief. Whether you need help selecting the best tennis elbow strap or want to explore non-surgical treatments, Medagg Healthcare is ready to assist.
Finding Lasting Relief Through the Right Combination of Care
A tennis elbow brace can reduce daily discomfort and allow you to keep working or playing with less pain. It’s a practical support device for those with lateral epicondylitis, but it works best when part of a complete plan.
Rest, therapy, and ergonomic changes are important in healing. If pain persists, interventional radiology offers a modern, low-risk path forward. Don’t ignore the signs of forearm strain. Seek the right combination of support and expert guidance.
For the best direction on which doctor to talk to, which treatment fits you, and which hospital to visit, connect with Medagg Healthcare today.
FAQs
1. Can I wear a tennis elbow brace all day?
Many people wear it during the day, especially while working or playing sports. Just make sure it’s not too tight and take breaks when needed.
2. How long does it take for a brace to relieve pain?
Some people feel better within a few days, especially with rest. For chronic cases, it may take weeks of combined care with therapy and other treatments.
3. Is a tennis elbow strap different from an elbow brace?
Yes. A strap applies targeted pressure below the elbow, while a full brace covers more area and gives general support. Both help depending on your needs.
4. Can interventional radiology fully cure my elbow pain?
It can significantly reduce pain for many patients, especially those with long-term tendon damage. It’s an effective non-surgical method but should be guided by expert recommendation.
5. Is tennis elbow the same as golfer’s elbow?
No. Tennis elbow affects the outer part of the elbow (lateral epicondylitis), while golfer’s elbow affects the inner part (medial epicondylitis). Both are caused by repetitive strain but impact different tendons.
