"Choosing a Tennis Elbow Brace or Support"

What are the main types of Tennis Elbow Braces?

There are various types of Tennis Elbow Brace. The main function of the brace is to support the damaged tendon while it is healing. The main types of tennis elbow braces are:

Elbow Heat Retainer/Support
Magnetic Tennis Elbow Brace
Epicondylitis Clasp
Cold Therapy Elbow Wrap
Elastic Elbow Support

The Elbow Heat Retainer provides support and protects the elbow joint in general. It helps to retain the heat naturally produced by the body which in turn, increases the blood circulation and aids healing. Check out the Active Wrap Elbow Heat Ice Wrap which acts as an elbow brace that has pockets which allow you to insert hot or cold ice packs. By applying the ice for up to 20 minutes at a time, you will get relief from the pain. Sufferers report excellent results for pain management. Once the inflammation has improved, usually within 3 - 4 days, a heat pack can be applied. This helps in relaxing the muscles which have tightened in the inflamed area. The tendons can regain flexibility and improved activity range of the elbow can be achieved.

The Magnetic Tennis Elbow Wrap works on the principle of creating a magnetic field around the affected area which causes the blood vessels to dilate and increases the blood circulation which then accelerates the natural healing process. The magnetic field also reduces swelling and therefore relieves pain. Most Magnetic Elbow Wraps make use of neodymium magnets which are quite common in magnetic therapy for various ailments. Magnet therapy has not maid it into the mainstream with many studies showing a placebo effect. Some double blind studies have been conducted where there is reported improvement in pain and where the range of results goes from no effect to immediate improvement. Having said this, many resort to magnet pain management after they have tried various other pain relief methods which have not worked. The wraps and braces that utilize magnets also provide the usual compression effect and restrict mobility of the elbow at the very least.

The Epicondylitis Clasp is a precision support and is usually recommended by sports injury professionals. It fits comfortably around the forearm and places direct pressure on the muscles of the forearm taking strain off the epicondylitis. This type of clasp needs to be fitted correctly in order for it to be effective. An Epicondylitis clasp is referred to as a orthotic device. Most orthotic devices on the market come with detailed instructions on how to be worn. The EpiSport Epicondylitis Clasp is one of many such devices.

Cold Therapy Tennis Elbow Brace or wrap combines compression with cold therapy. The wraps typically have a middle layer of sewn in re-freezable gels which helps to prevent inflammation around the joint, and provides support to the elbow. This type of Elbow Brace can also be used for bursitis and pain associated with arthritis. A great example of this is the Elbow Ice Wrap by Cold One for its instant relief. The ice pack is only to be worn for about 20 minutes at a time. You can remove the ice pack and continue wearing the brace for restricted movement of the elbow and the compression that it provides.

Elastic Elbow Supports usually cover more of the arm and help to protect the tendon whilst healing and strengthening. They do not put direct pressure on the tendon and are generally used to support the whole area rather than to control inflammation and pain. They fit comfortably under clothing to give support when at work. Check out the McDavid Elastic Elbow Support.

Decide on a Tennis Elbow Brace

The main function of the brace is to support the damaged tendon while it is healing. We take a look a the most common types of tennis elbow braces below. Clicking on any of the products below will take you to the amazon.com website where you can find further details on each brace.