Comparing Tennis Elbow Braces
& Compression Sleeves
Despite their perceived similarities, tennis elbow braces, and compression sleeves function differently and offer varying benefits.
Depending on your injury or discomfort, one is likely to be more appropriate, so it’s beneficial to understand the nuance between the two so you can select the best for your needs.
This article will provide an overview of tennis elbow, review braces, and sleeves individually, and then discuss how they differ. I’ll also touch on whether or not tennis players should combine them.
Disclaimer: This guide is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
About Tennis Elbow
Before diving deep into the differences between braces and compression sleeves, let’s level set on definitions.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition that occurs when tendons in your elbow are overloaded, usually by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm.”
Although common among tennis players, the condition isn’t exclusive to the sport. Virtually any repetitive activity that uses the hands, wrist, and arms can cause people, including golfers, volleyball players, and basketball players, to develop painful symptoms.
Beyond sports, additional examples of at-risk people include sewists, chefs, baristas, hairstylists, and electricians.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) suggests that common symptoms might include:
- Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow
- Weak grip strength
Sometimes, pain at night
Of course, tennis elbow isn’t the only condition that can cause pain or a burning sensation in your arm. You should see a doctor if conservative treatments such as rest and ice don’t provide much relief.
A proper diagnosis can help ensure you have the necessary support, save you money from buying unnecessary products, and confirm you’re tackling the problem with the best possible treatment.
Tennis Elbow Braces
A tennis elbow brace, or counterforce brace, is one of the most common devices for reducing discomfort, especially while engaging in repetitive activity causing issues, such as tennis.
According to an article in the US National Library of Medicine, “an elbow band (strap) is a common device which is worn below the elbow. It applies a binding force over the wrist extensor muscle mass at their proximal origin (this is also known as a counterforce orthosis). It has been substantiated, that such a band can reduce the percentage of the elongation and force generation made by musculotendinous fibers above the orthosis.”
In other words, a tennis elbow brace applies constant pressure to the muscles and tendons of your arm to reduce pain and discomfort.
Here are a few of my favorite tennis elbow straps:
- Simien
- Sleeve Stars
- ProBand BandIt
Advantages
One of the benefits of elbow braces is that they offer targeted support and pain relief without covering your elbow, which helps ensure proper range of motion, which is particularly important for tennis players.
Additionally, the level of force applied by the brace can be easily adjusted by the individual using the device, which is beneficial to achieve optimal comfort and support for a wide range of individuals.
Finally, even the best braces for tennis elbow are relatively inexpensive and easy to experiment with to determine if they offer any benefit.
Disadvantages
Unfortunately, some players struggle with keeping their braces snuggly in place, resulting in frustration and lower efficacy as accurate placement ensures optional results.
On a related note, many people have difficulty determining how to wear a tennis elbow brace properly, as finding the ideal placement necessary for relief can be tricky.
Another downside to elbow braces is that they’re usually only a few inches wide. As a result, they only cover a small portion of your arm and may lack adequate support for some individuals.
Finally, wearing a brace for extended periods is generally not recommended. Instead, they’re best suited for use during activities that cause discomfort.
Compression Sleeves
Compression sleeves are specialized lightweight garments that cover a targeted area of an individual’s body, such as an arm, leg, hand, or chest, to apply pressure, which helps increase blood circulation.
For athletes, there is a range of practical benefits. Here are some of the most common reasons they’re worn.
- Enhanced performance
- Injury prevention
- Temperature regulation and warmth
- Skin protection
- Muscle and joint recovery
- Added support
- Relieve tension and pressure
Players often wear sleeves for tennis elbow, offering added support to increase blood flow, promote or enhance the healing process, and prevent further injury.
However, beyond athletics, compression sleeves have applications for treating or preventing lymphedema by helping move lymph fluid that builds up and causes swelling or discomfort.
Here are a few of my favorite brands:
- Kunto
- Powerlix
- Cambvio
Advantages
The benefits of sleeves that provide compression are multifaceted, especially for tennis.
From increased blood circulation to added support and relieving tension and pressure, players may experience a range of benefits.
Although they apply pressure, their flexible material allows for adequate range of motion, which is crucial for optional performance on the court.
They also cover a more significant portion of a player’s arm and are relatively easy to position.
Finally, they’re suitable to wear for lengthy periods, especially compared to tennis elbow braces.
Disadvantages
For some, this style of sleeve can be uncomfortable, and although they don’t heavily restrict movement, individuals may find them cumbersome.
Furthermore, some people may find elbow sleeves challenging to put on and take off because the garments are intentionally tight to apply pressure.
Another downside, especially in warm conditions, is that they can provide excessive heat that becomes uncomfortable.
Lastly, it can be tricky for some individuals to track down the right size, especially when they’re between sizes.
Braces vs. Sleeves
Although there is some crossover between braces and sleeves, they’re more different than many people realize.
Here are a few of the areas where you can expect a distinction.
Pressure
Tennis elbow braces, or counterforce braces, apply targeted pressure to an individual’s arm just below the area of discomfort.
On the other hand, compression sleeves apply gentle all-over pressure to the area covered by the sleeve.
Furthermore, while you can adjust the force or pressure a tennis elbow brace applies, a sleeve’s pressure is not adjustable.
Blood Circulation
One of the benefits of sleeves is that they stimulate blood circulation, which may help aid recovery and healing from a strain.
Braces, on the other hand, do not improve blood circulation. Instead, the pressure applied is purely to reduce discomfort.
Warmth
Compression sleeves, which come in varying lengths, cover an individual’s skin, much like a long-sleeved shirt. As a result, they can create warmth, while an elbow brace doesn’t.
Depending on the conditions, players may or may not perceive the added heat as a benefit, so that’s worth considering when evaluating the two.
Duration of Use
Generally, braces aren’t recommended for extended use, i.e., wearing them for hours. Instead, people will usually only wear them during an activity that causes discomfort.
However, people often wear compression sleeves for extended periods as they offer more general support.
Ease of Use
Sleeves are incredibly straightforward to use. Slide it over your arm, and you’re good to go.
Although elbow braces aren’t overly challenging to use, they present some difficulties for individuals to achieve the proper placement.
Furthermore, elbow braces are more likely to slide on an individual’s arm during an activity such as tennis while sleeves stay in place.
Combining Braces & Sleeves
Due to their complementary benefits, many tennis players consider using braces and sleeves for optimal benefits. To that end, there are two ways you might consider approaching using them together.
Using them Together
Many players learn about the benefits of braces and sleeves for tennis elbow and combine them simultaneously.
In this scenario, a player will wear a sleeve for general support and then apply a brace over the top of the sleeve for extra targeted support.
Some companies have combined the two with a compression sleeve with a strap attached to it, which has the added benefit of helping keep the strap fixed in place.
However, despite the convenience of a two-in-one solution, many players prefer to purchase a quality compression sleeve and tennis elbow brace separately.
Not only does it give you a more comprehensive selection of products to choose from, but you also gain added flexibility over the placement of the elbow brace and the ability to use them separately when desired.
Using them Separately
If using them together feels excessive or uncomfortable, another alternative is to use them separately.
In most cases, players who use them separately wear the elbow brace while playing tennis and then the compression sleeve for more general support during lighter activity.
However, it’s perfectly acceptable for players to alternate using a tennis elbow brace and sleeve during play, making the call depending on how they feel on a given day.
Are Braces or Sleeves Best?
Elbow braces and sleeves offer varying benefits, so the best option depends on your unique needs and situation.
I’ve found that braces work best for more pointed discomfort, where the direct force applied to the source of tennis elbow pain helps provide relief, especially while playing tennis.
On the other hand, I’ve had great success wearing a sleeve for added support and stabilization when dealing with mild elbow or forearm discomfort and to help reduce inflammation and manage symptoms.
That said, I’ve found it’s best to have both on hand. For the limited extra cost, you can experiment with both options to determine what works best for you, with the flexibility to switch things up based on your symptoms.
Wrapping Up
If you’re struggling with tennis elbow, braces, and sleeves present viable options for added support and relieving discomfort. However, depending on your needs, you may find one more practical than the other.
Hopefully, what I’ve shared in this resource helps provide helpful information on their similarities and differences and why you might use one or both.
Before you begin using either, I’d strongly encourage you to contact your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider who can help further evaluate your symptoms, provide you with a proper diagnosis, and provide suggestions for treatment.
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