The elbow is perhaps the most vulnerable joint in tennis. Hundreds if not thousands of repetitive strokes daily can take a toll on even the healthiest players.
To combat tennis elbow, or any other elbow-related injury, it is essential to wear a tennis brace that helps out while still allowing people to play.
There are different types of braces, depending on how severe a person’s pain is. The seven listed below are the best of the best, and if worn diligently, a person can start to feel better in no time. Make sure to compare each option, as some are just a strap, while others are a more complete brace.
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1. Mueller Adjustable Elbow Support
A strap is all that some people need, but others are not quite as lucky. For that added bit of support, this brace from Mueller is a solid solution. It extends above the elbow, providing more support throughout the joint.
The focus is still on that one part of the elbow people need at most, but the extra support can help people play completely pain-free. There are times when people put too much stress on other parts of the arm when they are battling back from tennis elbow, and this helps to cut down on that happening.
The trade-off is that it is a bit bulkier, but most people are still able to do just fine with it. It doesn’t cost that much more money, so it more has to deal with a bit more bulk.
The extra padding does pick up sweat more than a simple strap, so that is something to keep in mind if it starts to smell. There is a bit more maintenance involved with a full elbow support instead of a strap, so do not be afraid to put in that extra bit of effort.
Most people will try out a strap first, and see if that is sufficient enough. If that is not the case, this support is a good alternative that won’t cost a person that much more money. It draws a bit more attention to people who might be trying to keep their pain under wraps, but if it speeds up the recovery process, most will not mind at all.
Pros
- More comprehensive support for the entire elbow
- Easy to put on and adjust
- Hydramesh fabric is perfect for nearly any skin type
Cons
- A little bulky
- Tough to get an accurate fit since there is only one size
2. Mueller Tennis Elbow Support
Quite a few people depend on Mueller products to help with different types of pain. They are always evolving and using top-of-the-line technology to help people stay in the game. This tennis elbow support from Mueller is available with and without an added gel pad, which provides additional support. Most people who have severe pain will go with a gel pad option, even if it adds just a little bit of bulk.
One positive from the strap is that people who are not fans of a ton of branding on products won’t have to deal with that. It is virtually a solid black or beige color, and it takes care of the job in a very unassuming way. Mueller knows that most people want to wear something that blends in instead of standing out.
The build quality and materials used are second to none, meaning that even if this product is just a little bit more, people will feel like it is worthy of the investment. As long as a person does not abuse it, the elbow support should provide a lot of value over time.
Make sure to properly care for the Velcro that is used on the support, because that is the one vulnerable area that can wear out pretty quickly if a person isn’t careful. Try to avoid it sticking on other items, and keep it closed even when not in use. Too many people do not properly treat Velcro, and it wears out quicker than it should.
Mueller offers a few different elbow products depending on what type of issue a person has specifically. This is one of the lowest profile options, and worthy of purchasing if there is an issue with the elbow whatsoever.
Pros
- Limited branding
- Gel padding provides great added relief
- Extremely lightweight
Cons
- Velcro isn’t the most durable
- Tough to get a proper fit when dealing with extreme sizes
3. McDavid 489 Elbow Strap
As one of the most trusted names in the industry, McDavid produces a lot of different options for relief. This simple elbow strap is not too much different from the other options out there, but it comes from a trusted name that people recognize. It also helps that it is much more common to find locally instead of only having to rely on shopping online.
The biggest stand out feature of the strap is that the pads provide very targeted pressure and relief. It does make the strap just a little bulkier than some of the other options out there, but it provides advanced protection that people enjoy.
Available in three different sizes, the tennis elbow strap can be used for any type of symptoms a person might be going through. Targeted pressure is the best way to get over this pain, as no one wants to have to deal with it all the time.
As for any negatives, it takes some adjustments to get the right amount of pressure without cutting off circulation. If it starts to feel a little too painful, make some adjustments here and there and hope for the best. There are three different sizes, so make sure to take proper measurements beforehand so that it is not a huge issue. Most of the time, the strap allows for enough adjustments that even a wrong size can be fit to work differently.
Pros
- Trusted company in the industry
- Three sizes for a very specific fit
- Pad provides great pain-relieving pressure
Cons
- Fit is tricky to get just right
- A little more expensive than similar products from lesser-known brands
4. Simien Tennis Elbow Brace
The tennis elbow brace from Simeon is another simple solution that provides a fair amount of support for minor tennis elbow cases. It is easy to adjust and fit just right, and it is not arm-specific. Many people who invest in these braces will use them off and on, depending on pain level.
With any type of pain, instant relief is something people are searching for. It seems like it could take a long time to get over something like tennis elbow, especially if a person continues to play. That’s just not the case when using the Simien Tennis Elbow Brace. It provides excellent support right away, and people don’t have to worry about making too many adjustments.
Comfort is pretty strong all around, as quality materials make up the entire brace. The company put extra effort in making sure the strap is as durable as possible, because braces taken continuously off and on go through quite a bit of wear and tear. When taking the brace off after a long play period, people don’t want to deal with something that feels fragile.
While having a two-pack of these braces is nice, they do tend to get stretched out if they are not appropriately treated. The good news is they are washable, and that helps to bring back some of the elasticity in the brace. If they get stressed out too much, it becomes challenging to get that customized fit everyone is looking for.
Pros
- Low profile brace that fits everyone
- Made of quality materials
- Strap is extremely durable
Cons
- Not strong enough relief for severe pain
- Stretches out a bit too easily
5. Dashport Tennis Elbow Brace
For people who want a bit more support than just a standard strap, this complete elbow system does just that. Dashport provides an entire copper compression sleeve to pair with the tennis elbow brace. This provides a lot more coverage, fast relief, and just a better overall feel for a lot of people.
At first, it does take a little bit of getting used to when wearing a full sleeve while playing tennis. Mainly, in the summer months, it gets a bit hot for some people. However, if it fits just right, it provides excellent relief throughout the entire elbow area. Even though the pain might be specific in the tennis elbow region, having that extra bit of support around the whole elbow helps a lot.
Some people might be afraid that wearing a sleeve and a strap becomes bulky. The sleeve itself is very easy to slip on and off at any time. It can be worn by itself if a person feels that it is sufficient enough. The strap goes on over, and provides that extra bit of focused relief in that area.
Since the sleeve needs a precise fit, measuring the arm beforehand is essential. The arm needs to be measured when it is relaxed, or a person might struggle to find the right fit. It is recommended to go with a slightly smaller size if on the fringe of two sizes, as it provides a snug fit that helps with relief.
From 10 inches to 16.5 inches, there are four different sizes for people to choose from. The tennis elbow brace is much like other options from different companies, and that’s completely adjustable. For a different type of tennis elbow relief, this is a great option that covers most of the important parts of the arm.
Pros
- Better overall relief with a full sleeve
- Low profile sleeve and brace for easy wear
- Excellent quality
Cons
- Might be too much support for some
- Sizing can be a little tricky
6. Fengjida Tennis Elbow Support Brace
Another complete elbow support brace for people dealing with tennis elbow comes from Fengjida. This is one of the most streamlined designs for a full brace, not relying as much on that typical strap found on most tennis elbow braces. It still provides that extra amount of support, but it is mostly for complete elbow coverage.
This is a very durable brace worn for more than just tennis. In fact, this is the choice for people who live a rugged lifestyle and don’t want to worry about doing any additional damage to their elbow. From climbing outdoors to lifting weights, this can work for so many different activities.
The primary material in the pad is neoprene, which is very comfortable for most people on their skin. It’s effortless to adjust so that the fit is just right as well. At first glance, it might seem like it is an elastic armband, but it’s fully adjustable with a wide loop. The straps close the pad off so that it fits just right.
There are positives and negatives to any type of brace when compared to just a strap. It might make things a little warmer overall, but most people are fine with adjusting. As long as it provides pain relief, most will be just fine with the end result. Don’t be afraid to spend a little bit more money on something like this.
Pros
- Four different sizes
- Easy velcro closures
- Money-back guarantee if it fails to live up to expectations
Cons
- Too much added bulk for some
- Durability issues with the straps at times
7. Tomight Elbow Brace
Looking for a cheap solution for a nagging problem? It doesn’t get much better than this elbow brace from Tomate. The brace ships in a pack of two, so a player can alternate each day and keep the other one as clean as possible. This is great news for people who don’t want to slow the game down at all, focusing on getting better along the way.
Some people do not believe initially that a tennis brace is going to do much if any good. It seems like for a modest investment, a person can play around with this brace and see what it is capable of. It’s not bulky at all, so even if a person does not see instant results, it doesn’t get in the way.
Some cheap braces gained a reputation of not lasting long at all, but this elbow brace holds up, and provides a good amount of comfort. The simple design and quality stitching and seam work really stand out for something so affordable.
It might not provide the best amount of support out there, but for mild cases of tennis elbow, it’s hard to argue with a price this low. Available in five different colors, a person can have a little bit of fun with the brace they ultimately purchased as well.
Pros
- Very inexpensive
- Quality design and build
- Not bulky at all
Cons
- Designed for milder cases of tennis elbow only
- Branding is pretty big on the brace
What Else Can People Do For Tennis Elbow Relief?
Whether a person wants to hear it or not, perhaps the most effective way to deal with tennis elbow is to simply rest. If tennis is actually what causes the pain, taking a break is easy to do to a certain extent. It becomes more difficult or if the tennis elbow is caused due to something related to a job. Whether it be a tennis professional, or someone who has to do physical labor at work, resting is simply not an option.
As long as the pain is lingering, make sure to ice the elbow after use every single time. Icing for 20 or 30 minutes after each activity can help with the swelling and pain. If that doesn’t do enough by itself, there’s also the option to use anti-inflammatory medication. Just try to make sure that it is only used for a short amount of time so that it does not become a drug a person depends on. Having to drug up with anti-inflammatory medication every time to perform will ends up being frustrating.
For more extreme tennis elbow issues, there are two different things to turn to:
The first is to sign up for physical therapy to not only strengthen the muscles, but stretch them out. This can prove to be pretty beneficial for anyone who needs help long-term. If tennis elbow continues to come back for people, physical therapy is one way to correct the issue. Maybe it’s a form issue, or something else that is causing trouble.
The other option is to try injections. Most of the time, doctors will suggest steroid injections to help with elbow pain. Although not shown to work in the long term, it does a much better job than painkillers when dealing with current pain. It allows athletes to get back out and start playing well even if they are not fully recovered. You can read more on how to treat tennis elbow in this article.
How To Stop Tennis Elbow From Coming Back
Dealing with pain is one thing, and it’s a huge relief when it finally fades away. However, tennis elbow seems to come out of nowhere, so sometimes, people need to change how they go about certain things if they don’t want to deal with tennis elbow for the rest their life.
The first step is to, of course, not rush the recovery process. It’s challenging to stop something fully, but it might be worth it in the end. Once there is little to no pain, the long-term solution should be explored.
With tennis, there are several different things a person can do to cut down on tennis elbow from coming back and causing a lot of trouble. For starters, changing to a different racquet might be the easiest solution.
There are many different racquets out there, and there is no real rhyme or reason why tennis elbow flares up. Some people will develop tennis elbow because they are using a racquet that is too heavy. The added weight puts stress on the arm and causes pain. You can check out my other post on the best tennis racquets for tennis elbow here.
For others, the racquet may be too light, and therefore they need to overcompensate by swinging as hard as possible. A light racquet might seem better, but too light causes just as much damage.
Not Always Your Racquets Fault
Demo a few different racquets and see if a change would possibly help with the arm trouble at all. It certainly doesn’t hurt to consider a change, as it could also improve a person’s game. Just understand that like everything, it takes time to get used to something different, so there may be some soreness in general.
Another way to change a person’s game is to work on technique. Maybe a player is hitting with the wrong form. A simple grip change could make all the difference in the world. It also helps to loosen the grip on the racquet, as holding a racquet too tightly can put some stress on the elbow.
The best way to fix form when it comes to tennis is to talk to a professional. They will be able to analyze precisely what type of shot a person is pulling off, and give accurate suggestions on fixing things. Trying to fix something or overcompensate without any assistance could further damage a person’s arm. Proper technique in tennis is essential, because those same strokes will take place hundreds of times during each match.
Final Thoughts On Tennis Elbow Braces
Whether a person ultimately decides on a brace or a sleeve, tennis elbow is not fun to deal with. Fortunately, in most cases it’s mild enough that a person is still capable of playing through it without much of an issue. Don’t be afraid of taking a little bit of time off, and easing back into tennis. Sometimes a few days can make a huge difference, and that’s all people need.
Tennis elbow mostly is capable of healing itself over time. People who do develop tennis elbow for the first time or more susceptible to picking it up later on in life as well. Since straps and braces for tennis elbow are all relatively inexpensive, it is a sound investment to have if/when pain pops up.
Remember that when dealing with tennis elbow, try to avoid any strenuous activity. Even if it doesn’t specifically connect to the same exact type of strokes, people can still damage their elbow more simply by lifting too much.
Here is the full list of the best tennis bracelets for 2020
