Elbow supports provide compression and support for the elbow. They can be made from elastic, neoprene, foam, polyamide and Kevlar. Elbow supports can be used to prevent an injury or to provide support to an ongoing injury.
There are various elbow supports available that can provide compression and orthopaedic support for a person including:
- basic elastic supports which help to retain heat to relieve pain
- tennis elbow supports which provide extra pressure to the muscles to relieve pain in the forearm during movement
- adjustable compression supports which help to reduce tension in the wrist and fingers during gripping
- thermal neoprene supports which help to support the elbow whilst also retaining heat
- elastic wrap supports which provide compression and support for specific areas without restricting arm movements.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
People that may benefit from use of an elbow support within the workplace include those with:
- occupational overuse injury
- tendonitis
- tennis or golfer’s elbow
- swelling of the tissues in the elbow.
Professional advice should be sought prior to the buying or wearing of a brace or support. This will ensure that a suitably designed support is recommended, appropriate instructions given for use and alternative treatments considered such as strengthening exercises.
For more information on support braces, see the following links:
References
Bad Backs 2001-2011, Elbow, Bad Backs, Melbourne, viewed 2 June 2011, http://www.badbacks.com.au/shop/category/129/elbow.
Physio Works (no date specified), Bracing or Support, Physio Works, Online, viewed 2 June 2011, http://www.physioworks.com.au/_webapp_294845/Bracing_or_Support.
Return to Fitness 2011, Elbow and Arm Supports, Return to Fitness Ltd., Illinois, viewed 2 June 2011, http://www.return2fitness.net/Supports_And_Braces/Elbow_And_Arm_Supports.