Different Types Of Elbow Supports
• Tennis elbow accounts for about 4% of every 1,000 people • Those aged between 35 and 54 are more likely to suffer from tennis elbow • Golfers elbow is the most common source of medial pain • Both tennis and golfers elbow is exacerbated from extending the forearm muscles
There are a variety of different sorts of elbow support products on the market. The type required will depend on what condition is being treated and the intended activity.
Elbow skin
If you have had hurt your elbow in a fall or sporting accident it may be necessary to wear an elbow skin, especially if the joint is painful and inflamed. The elbow skin is a type of elbow support that provides compression both above and below the joint. It serves to limit swelling, reduce bruising, minimise elbow pain and increase mobility, while allowing the elbow to heal. Wearing an elbow skin can help users to carry on with their usual activities, while offering additional protection to the injured joint.
Tennis elbow supports and golfer's elbow supports
Where the injury is in a more specific area, an elbow support may be a better approach as it can offer more targeted compression. Elbow supports allow the wearer to manipulate individual tendons as part of the recovery process, as well as enabling the wearer to remain active.
An elbow support can be worn for the treatment of elbow pain and common conditions such as tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.
Tennis elbow is an injury caused by overuse, or overloading at the attachment point on the outer elbow of the wrist extensor muscles. The condition is frequently caused by repetitive and/or gripping activities, such as holding a suitcase or using a computer mouse, as well of course through participation in racquet sports like tennis.
Golfer's elbow is similar, but it is the inside of the elbow that is affected, where the muscles controlling grip attach.
For either condition, an elbow support can be worn slightly below the elbow around the forearm. The band applies a particular level of pressure or compression to the tissues. It is possible to buy elbow supports that specifically target golfer's elbow or tennis elbow, although many products can be used to treat both conditions, as well as other similar injuries. Many elbow support products are aimed at treating conditions such as golfers elbow or tennis elbow will enable the wearer to vary the level of compression according to their needs.
It is thought wearing a band may work by 'tricking' the body into thinking the muscle is attached further down the arm, probably in a similar way as holding a guitar string down will prevent it vibrating along its whole length. This allows the muscle some respite, giving it the opportunity to heal and preventing further injury.
An elbow support will provide sensory input for the skin and muscles around the joint, increasing the feedback to the brain and improving proprioception. In addition, an elbow support will help to maximise grip, reduce elbow pain and enable the wearer to continue with activities as before.
About the Author
Dave Regis discusses the use of orthotics for the management of elbow pain http://www.ossurwebshop.co.uk/pages/injury-a%252dz.html reviewing injury rehabilitation through exercise and the use of bracing and supports. He writes articles focussing on the use of an elbow support http://www.ossurwebshop.co.uk/categories/braces-%26-supports/arm-%26-elbow-support/ and other methods of rehabilitation.
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