How to treat tennis elbow: when to use an elbow brace for relief

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow due to tendon inflammation. This injury can develop from repetitive movements or excessive strain, and while it is common among athletes, it also affects people who perform repetitive work activities. In this article, we will explore what tennis elbow is, how to recognise its symptoms, and why using an elbow brace or strap can help in its treatment.

What is a tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons located on the outer part of the elbow. The affected tendons connect the forearm muscles to the elbow, causing pain when moving the arm, especially during activities that involve repetitive elbow use.

Although it is popularly known as “tennis elbow,” tennis players are not the only ones prone to developing it. This injury can also affect people who perform repetitive tasks, such as carpenters, painters, or even those who spend many hours typing on a keyboard.

What are the most common symptoms of tennis elbow?

The main symptoms of tennis elbow include:

Pain on the outside of the elbow that may radiate down the forearm
Tenderness when touching the elbow or during gripping movements
Difficulty performing everyday activities like lifting objects or shaking hands
Weakness in the forearm, making activities like writing or lifting weights challenging

If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to take action quickly to prevent the injury from worsening or becoming more difficult to treat.

How does an elbow brace work for tennis elbow?

If you are suffering from tennis elbow, using an elbow strap or brace is one way to reduce discomfort and give your elbow some extra support. The Actimove Sports Edition Elbow Strap is designed to stabilise the elbow and provide support to affected tendons and muscles. By applying compression on the tendons, our brace helps reduce overload, as well as decrease inflammation and pain.

Benefits of using an elbow brace for tennis elbow

Pain relief: The compression offered by the elbow brace helps reduce inflammation and pain
Additional support: Provides stability to the elbow, allowing you to perform daily activities
Injury prevention: Suitable for people who play sports or perform jobs with repetitive movements

When should you use an elbow brace for tennis elbow?

Using an elbow brace for tennis elbow is recommended at different stages of treatment, such as:

During physical activity: If you play sports that involve frequent elbow use, an elbow brace can prevent pain and protect the tendons
During work activities: If you perform manual work that requires constant elbow use, the brace helps prevent the injury from worsening
During rehabilitation: After receiving treatment or performing physical therapy exercises, the brace can be a great aid to continue the recovery process

Tennis elbow treatment: beyond the elbow brace

The elbow brace for tennis elbow is a key tool in treatment, but there are additional recommendations that may help address this injury:

Rest: It is essential to avoid activities that worsen elbow pain
Pain relief: Paracetamol, applying an anti-inflammatory gel to the area, using a hot or cold pack on the affected area
Physical therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises can be useful to improve flexibility and strength in the elbow muscles. Watch video exercises for elbow pain from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy here

In more severe cases, and following medical guidance from a GP or doctor, surgery may be necessary.

Using an elbow brace for tennis elbow helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and provide stability to the elbow, improving mobility throughout the day. To promote recovery, it is recommended to complement its use with rest, as well as strengthening and stretching exercises.

References

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. (2022). Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis). Read now.
Mayo Clinic. (2024). Tennis Elbow. Read now.
MSD Manual. (2023). Lateral Epicondylitis. Read now.
NHS website for England, Health A-Z, Conditions A-Z, Tennis Elbow. Page last reviewed: 31 May 2024. Last accessed: 14 January 2026. Access here.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy 3rd Floor South, Chancery Exchange, 10 Furnival Street, London, EC4A 1AB, website, conditions, elbow pain. Page last reviewed 30 July 2020. Last accessed: 14 January 2026. Access here.