Overview and Uses
The Essential Wellness Elbow Support is built around tendon problems, specifically tennis and golfer's elbow. The neoprene sleeve wraps around an area that is often tender and swollen, and the pressure pad sits over the forearm muscle. What it does is take some of the load off the tendon. It does not treat the tendon, and rest and sensible load management are what actually settle tennis elbow.
This support is designed for offloading the tendon in the forearm. Repetitive actions, gardening or at work can cause an inflammatory response in the tendon that attaches the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. This bony point of attachment can become very tender, feel hot to touch and be painful with any wrist movement. Gripping may be painful and may weaken over time.
Tennis Elbow
A painful overuse injury that leads to inflammation and weakening of the tendon in the forearm. Symptoms can often begin after a sudden increase in activity - DIY, painting, gardening, heavy lifting or strenuous manual jobs are all common triggers for tennis elbow.
The strap works by reducing the effort and force going through the tendon: the pad presses on the muscle just below the elbow, so less of the pull reaches the sore attachment point. That is the whole mechanism, and it is a real one. What it is not is a treatment. Tennis elbow settles with time, with backing off whatever set it off, and often with the loading exercises a physiotherapist gives you. A strap sits alongside those and makes the day more comfortable while you do them. If it is not improving after a few weeks, or your grip is getting weaker, get it looked at rather than strapping on.
How the Elbow Support is Built
Flexible Strap
Adjustable, so you can set how much pressure the pad applies and change it through the day.
Offloading Pad
Sits over the forearm muscle rather than on the bony point, which is what shifts the load away from the tendon attachment.
Supportive Sleeve
The width of the sleeve keeps the elbow warm, which many people simply find comfortable when the joint is aching.
Essential Wellness Elbow Support Brace
An adjustable neoprene elbow support with a built-in pressure pad. Wear it for the tasks that aggravate the elbow rather than constantly, and keep it snug rather than tight.