Tennis elbow is one of the most common overuse injuries we see at the clinic. It causes pain on the outside of the elbow and can make simple daily tasks feel surprisingly difficult. Think lifting a coffee cup or turning a door handle.

The good news? It’s very manageable — and a tennis elbow brace can make a real difference.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is also known as lateral epicondylitis. It occurs when the tendons attached to the bony outer part of your elbow become inflamed or develop small tears. These tendons control wrist and finger movement. So when they’re overloaded, pain follows.

It’s more common than you might think. Tennis players, carpenters, painters, plumbers, and office workers are all regularly affected.

What Causes It?

The main cause is repetitive motion of the wrist and forearm. Over time, these repeated movements create microscopic tears in the tendon.

Common triggers include:

• Backhand strokes in tennis or racquet sports
• Using hand tools like screwdrivers or hammers
• Typing or using a computer mouse for long periods
• Lifting weights
• Repetitive tasks like gardening or painting

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms usually build gradually. At first, you might notice mild discomfort. However, without treatment, it can become severe enough to affect your daily life.

Look out for:

• Pain or burning on the outer elbow
• Weak grip strength
• Difficulty holding items
• Morning stiffness
• Pain that worsens with gripping, twisting, or lifting
• Pain that refers into the forearm and wrist

How Is It Diagnosed?

An osteopath diagnoses tennis elbow through a physical examination. In some cases, imaging likeultrasound or an MRI scan may be used. These help rule out other conditions such as arthritis, nerve compression, or fracture.

Treatment and Management Options

1. Rest and Activity Modification First, reduce or avoid the activities making your elbow worse. This gives the tendon a chance to settle.

2. Manual Therapy An osteopath can provide hands-on treatment and guide you through targeted stretches and strengthening exercises for your forearm muscles.

3. Tennis Elbow Brace A tennis elbow brace reduces strain on the affected tendon during daily activities. It’s a simple, effective tool that supports your recovery.

Why Use a Tennis Elbow Brace?

A quality brace can be a game-changer. It gives you the support you need to keep moving, working, and playing sport.

Here’s what it does:

• Reduces tendon strain during everyday activities
• Relieves pain by taking pressure off overworked tendons
• Supports healing and speeds up recovery
• Keeps you active and boosts confidence with movement
• Easy to wear — fits under clothing, so support goes with you anywhere

How to Wear It

Using a tennis elbow brace correctly makes all the difference.

1. Place the brace just below your elbow joint
2. Adjust for a snug — but not too tight — fit
3. Wear it during activities that usually trigger pain, like typing, lifting, or playing tennis

Prevention Tips

Once you’re on the mend, it’s worth protecting yourself going forward. Here’s how:

• Warm up before exercise
• Strengthen your forearm muscles regularly
• Maintain good ergonomics at your desk
• Use correct technique in racquet sports and weightlifting
• Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks

Our Recommended Brace

We stock the Procare Tennis Elbow Brace in our online shop. It features:

• Functional, ergonomic design
• Velcro and D-ring fastening
• Secure yet comfortable support
• Universal fit for right or left elbow
• Fully washable

Shop the PROCARE Tennis Elbow Brace

Important: A brace alone won’t fix the problem. For the best results, combine it with targeted stretches, strengthening exercises, and hands-on osteopathic care.

Book an Appointment

We recommend booking with one of our registered osteopaths for personalised advice and a tailored treatment plan. We’re here to help you recover well and get back to doing what you love.