The condition known as Golfer’s Elbow, or medial epicondylitis, involves pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, which is the attachment point for the forearm muscles responsible for wrist flexion and gripping. This overuse injury occurs due to repetitive stress, causing micro-tears and strain in the common flexor tendon where it connects to the medial epicondyle bone. A brace serves as a supportive measure in a conservative treatment plan, helping to alleviate symptoms by reducing the strain on the injured tendon during activities that involve gripping or flexing the wrist. Understanding how to apply the brace is paramount to effectively managing the discomfort and promoting healing.
Understanding Brace Types for Golfer’s Elbow
For managing medial epicondylitis, two main types of supports are commonly available: the counterforce strap and the compression sleeve. The counterforce strap is generally considered the most effective option, as it is specifically designed to target the biomechanical forces causing the pain. This strap is a narrow band that encircles the forearm and often includes a padded section or air/gel insert to apply focused pressure. A compression sleeve covers the entire elbow joint, offering general support, warmth, and increased blood flow, but it does not provide the same targeted force reduction as a counterforce strap, which is the device that creates a mechanical change to reduce tendon load.
Precise Placement: Step-by-Step Application
Proper placement of the counterforce brace is the single most important factor for its effectiveness in treating Golfer’s Elbow. The goal is not to place the brace directly on the painful bony prominence, the medial epicondyle, but rather on the muscle belly below it. First, locate the painful spot on the inner side of your elbow.
The correct position for the brace is approximately one to two finger-widths, or about 1 to 2 inches, down the forearm from that painful bony bump. The padded portion of the strap must be centered over the thickest part of the flexor-pronator muscle mass on the inner side of the forearm. This placement ensures the brace applies pressure to the contracting muscle fibers before they merge into the strained tendon.
To apply the brace, keep your arm relaxed and slide the strap up the forearm until it is positioned correctly below the elbow crease. Secure the strap, ensuring the padded section remains centered over the muscle. Some braces require a specific level of tension to be set before the final closure, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s specific directions for fastening the band.
Ensuring Effectiveness: Fit, Tension, and Duration of Wear
Fit and Tension
Once positioned, the tension of the counterforce strap must be carefully adjusted to be effective without impairing circulation. The brace should feel snug, applying firm pressure, but should never be so tight that it causes numbness, tingling, or discoloration in the hand or fingers. A practical test for proper tension is the two-finger rule: you should be able to comfortably slide one to two fingers underneath the edges of the strap. Testing the fit can be done by making a fist and curling the wrist upward against resistance, which should now feel less painful than without the brace. If pain is still present, the brace may need to be slightly repositioned or the tension adjusted.
Duration of Wear
The brace is generally intended to be worn during activities that aggravate symptoms, such as gripping, lifting, or playing sports. It is not recommended to wear the brace constantly, especially while sleeping, as this can negatively affect blood flow and skin health. The duration of use is variable, ranging from a few weeks to several months, and should be guided by a healthcare professional based on the severity of the injury. The goal is to use the brace as a short-term aid while working on long-term strength and flexibility fixes.
How the Brace Alleviates Pain
The counterforce brace works by utilizing a biomechanical principle known as force redirection or load dampening. When the flexor muscles of the forearm contract, they transmit tension through their tendons to their attachment point at the medial epicondyle. This constant pulling is what causes the pain and irritation associated with Golfer’s Elbow. By applying focused compression over the muscle belly just below the elbow, the brace essentially creates a secondary, artificial insertion point for the muscle. When the forearm muscles contract, the strap absorbs and disperses a portion of the force, preventing the full load from reaching the inflamed tendon attachment. This reduction in pulling force allows the injured tendon to rest and heal while the arm is still being used. Studies suggest this type of forearm bracing can significantly reduce the acceleration and overload experienced by the wrist flexors during activity.