A counterforce brace is a simple strap worn around the forearm used to manage pain associated with elbow tendon conditions, primarily lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) and medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow). It applies targeted compression to the forearm muscles just below the elbow joint, altering biomechanics to reduce strain on the injured tendon attachment without immobilizing the joint.
Understanding Tendonitis Pain
The discomfort experienced in conditions like Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow originates from a pathology at the point where the forearm muscles attach to the humerus bone at the elbow. This attachment site is a bony prominence called an epicondyle. Repeated, forceful movements of the wrist, such as grasping or rotating, create chronic, excessive tension on these tendon origins. This repetitive strain leads to microscopic tears and a progressive degeneration, a condition more accurately termed a tendinopathy rather than a purely inflammatory “tendonitis.”
Lateral epicondylitis involves the extensor tendons, which lift the wrist, attaching to the lateral (outside) epicondyle. Conversely, medial epicondylitis affects the flexor tendons, which bend the wrist, attaching to the medial (inside) epicondyle. The repetitive micro-trauma can cause the formation of disorganized tissue and sometimes a partial tear in the tendon fibers.
How the Brace Redistributes Force
The mechanical benefit of the counterforce brace lies in its ability to create an artificial or temporary new origin point for the affected forearm muscles. When the compression pad is correctly positioned over the largest part of the muscle belly, it applies a focused external pressure. This pressure acts as a fixed point, causing the muscle to generate its force from the location of the strap rather than from its natural attachment on the elbow’s epicondyle.
By shifting the point of force application distally, away from the elbow, the brace effectively shortens the functional lever arm of the muscle-tendon unit. This reduction in lever arm length decreases the overall tension and stress transmitted to the already damaged and painful tendon insertion. The goal is to unload the injured area, giving the degenerative tendon fibers an opportunity to rest and begin the healing process.
The brace also provides a secondary function of vibration dampening within the muscle mass. During impact activities, such as striking a ball or operating vibrating tools, the rapid deceleration and shock can travel through the forearm muscles, contributing to irritation. The compression pad on the strap can absorb and disperse some of this vibrational energy, further protecting the compromised tendon.
Wearing the Counterforce Brace Correctly
The brace must be positioned on the forearm just below the elbow joint, typically about one to two finger-widths down from the bony epicondyle where the pain is felt. The compression pad should be centered over the specific muscle group involved—the extensor wad for Tennis Elbow or the flexor wad for Golfer’s Elbow.
The brace needs to be secured snugly to create the necessary counterforce, but it must never be so tight that it restricts circulation or causes numbness or tingling in the hand. A practical test is ensuring the strap is firm enough to stay in place during activity without sliding, yet loose enough to comfortably slide one finger underneath the band. Some specialists recommend tightening the strap while the wrist is actively extended to ensure the muscle belly is properly compressed.
The device is intended to be worn during activities that typically cause pain, such as work tasks, exercise, or repetitive movements, to protect the tendon from excessive strain. It is generally not necessary to wear the brace constantly or during sleep, as the goal is to manage the load during active use. If the brace is effective, relief should be felt immediately, which confirms the correct placement and tension are being used.