Is A Tennis Elbow Support The Same As A Golfer's Elbow Band?
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If you search online, there are far more products listed as a tennis elbow support compared to a golfer's elbow band, which can be quite confusing to customers. You may also find that after searching for a golfer's elbow band in Google that you end up on a page selling a multitude of tennis elbow support products, which can be quite frustrating and lead to you leaving the website without making a purchase. What you might not know is that the conditions and treatment options are very closely related, therefore a tennis elbow support can equally be used to manage the symptoms of golfer's elbow.
What is tennis elbow?
Known clinically as lateral epicondylitis, the condition occurs as a result of overuse of the elbow joint resulting in pain centred on the outside of the joint. This can also cause inflammation which can affect overall mobility of the upper limb as well as being quite painful.
Despite the name suggesting otherwise, tennis elbow can also be brought on from other repetitive tasks including playing the violin and painting. The condition is self-limiting and will recover following a period of rest, though it can take up to two years to fully recover. Ice can also be used to help manage the inflammation during recovery.
What is golfer's elbow?
Golfer's elbow also occurs as a result of overuse and a condition closely linked with golf. The key difference between the two conditions is that pain is centred on the inside elbow compared to being on the outside. It can however still result in inflammation and pain and affect overall movement of the arm, preventing a player from continuing their round.
In a game where the arm is pivotal for applying power and precision to a shot, any form of injury can severely impact on performance. The condition is also self-limiting and you should expect to recover following a period of rest.
What is a tennis elbow support?
A tennis elbow support is designed to fit around the arm and help manage the symptoms of the condition, by applying compression to the affected area.
Compression works to manage inflammation of an injury, which can help to reduce pain and enhance the mobility of an individual. Sports braces are designed to be worn during an activity, offering additional support for a patient and giving them the confidence to push themselves further.
There are different types of products available, from standard elbow skins which conform to the arm and offer equal compression, to bands which allow a custom amount of compression to be applied depending on the patient's requirement.
What is a golfer's elbow band?
A golfer's elbow band is basically the same as a tennis elbow support, with both being used to manage either condition. The key focus of the support is in applying compression to the affected side of the elbow regardless of which side the pain is centred on.
In order to manage golfer's elbow, simply take a tennis elbow support and turn it round so that you are able to control the amount of compression applied to the inside of the elbow joint.
Final Thoughts
Next time you are in the market to buy a support for either condition don't be put off by the name, as what you need is a support which can offer manually adjustable compression which you can twist to accommodate either condition.
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Dave Regis discusses the use of orthotics for the management of sports injuries http://www.ossurwebshop.co.uk/ reviewing injury rehabilitation through exercise and the use of bracing and supports. He writes articles focussing on the use of a tennis elbow support http://www.ossurwebshop.co.uk/categories/braces-%26-supports/arm-%26-elbow-support/ and other methods of rehabilitation.