An elbow brace is a supportive device intended to stabilize the joint and surrounding soft tissues following an injury, or to manage conditions like tennis or golfer’s elbow. Correct application is necessary to ensure it provides therapeutic benefit without causing problems like skin irritation or restricted blood flow. The specific method for properly putting on a brace is determined by its design, which focuses pressure where needed to relieve strain on tendons or ligaments.
Understanding Different Brace Types
Elbow braces are generally categorized into three main types, each offering a distinct level of support and requiring a specific application technique. Compression sleeves are simple, pull-on garments made from elastic material that provide gentle, uniform pressure around the joint. This type of brace primarily aims to reduce swelling and increase blood flow.
Counterforce straps, often used for tendonitis like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, are narrow bands that wrap around the forearm just below the elbow. They apply targeted pressure over the muscle belly, diverting stress away from the inflamed tendon attachment point on the bone. The most rigid option is the hinged or post-operative brace, which features metal or plastic hinges. These devices limit the range of motion, providing maximum stability after surgery or for severe ligament instability.
Proper Application Procedures
Before putting on any brace, ensure the skin is clean and dry, as moisture can lead to irritation or slippage. For a compression sleeve, gradually ease the garment up the arm to prevent bunching or wrinkling, which creates uneven pressure. The sleeve should be positioned so the elbow joint is centered within the main body of the brace, covering the joint without restricting the natural bend of the arm.
Applying a counterforce strap correctly requires identifying the muscle group causing the pain. For tennis elbow, the strap is placed over the extensor muscles on the top of the forearm, while for golfer’s elbow, it is positioned over the flexor muscles on the underside. The strap should sit approximately one to two finger-widths below the crease of the elbow. Securing the strap is best done while the wrist is actively extended or flexed, depending on the condition, which elevates the targeted muscle and allows for a snug fit when the muscle relaxes.
Hinged or rigid braces require careful alignment of the mechanical hinges with the center of the elbow joint. The brace is first slipped onto the arm, and the hinges are precisely positioned to ensure they move in sync with the elbow’s natural rotation. Once aligned, the hook-and-loop straps are secured in a sequential order. Start with the straps closest to the wrist or shoulder and work toward the center of the brace. This systematic fastening ensures the brace is stable before the final adjustments are made.
Evaluating the Fit and Adjusting
After securing any type of elbow brace, it is necessary to check for signs of a proper fit. A correctly applied brace should not cause immediate pain or discomfort; the support should feel firm, but not constricting. The brace must remain in its intended position during light movement, such as bending and straightening the arm, without sliding up or down.
A crucial check involves assessing circulation to the hand and fingers, as excessive pressure can compress the neurovascular bundle containing nerves and blood vessels. Signs of restricted blood flow include:
- Numbness.
- Tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation.
- A cold feeling in the hand.
- A change in the skin color below the brace, such as becoming pale or bluish.
If any of these symptoms appear, the brace or strap must be loosened immediately to prevent nerve compression or vascular issues. Minor adjustments, like tightening or loosening a strap by a small degree, can be made to achieve the optimal balance of support and comfort.