How to wear a tennis elbow brace

A tennis elbow brace may sound like it should be worn on your elbow. But it should actually be worn on your forearm, just below your elbow. (As a reminder, this creates another point of tension in your arm—keeping the pain and tension from being focused in just one spot.) Try to locate the big muscle in your forearm, and place the padded part of the brace over that muscle. Then, tighten the brace until it's comfortably snug—that means tight, but not too tight. These instructions only apply if you’re wearing an elbow brace or an elbow strap. If you’re wearing an elbow sleeve , pull the sleeve over your elbow so that half the sleeve is below your elbow and half is above it. If the sleeve comes with a strap, adjust your fit so the sleeve feels snug and secure, but not too tight.

How long to wear a tennis elbow brace

Dr. Yoo recommends wearing an elbow brace “only during activities that create pain or require repetitive motions to the hand, wrist, and forearm.” And if these activities last a while—for example, typing during the course of an eight-hour workday —he recommends consistent breaks from the brace. “It is vitally important that you refrain from wearing an elbow strap for prolonged periods of time,” Dr. Yoo says. Why? Injuries (like tennis elbow) need blood flow to heal. And since elbow braces are tight, they can restrict your circulation—inhibiting recovery. To determine whether you’re overwearing your elbow brace, look for discoloration or puffiness in your hand or wrist, or redness or irritation where you were wearing the brace. Feeling pins and needles in your hand or arm is also a bad sign, Dr. Yoo says. As always, it’s a good idea to consult with your primary care provider or a physical therapist to ensure you’re wearing your elbow brace properly.

Should I wear tennis elbow brace at night?

You can wear an elbow brace during any time of day, but you should only wear one during activities that are painful, uncomfortable, or repetitive. “An elbow brace may temporarily improve grip strength and provide pain relief during everyday tasks and household chores , or provide relief during the workday,” Dr. Yoo says. “[But] elbow braces should not be worn to sleep or while resting, walking, or sitting at home.” Again, this is because injuries need blood flow to heal. And since elbow braces can inhibit your circulation, you want to refrain from wearing them for prolonged periods of time.

How tight should a tennis elbow brace be?

Tennis elbow braces should be tight—but not too tight. “It should be applied with the appropriate amount of tension to allow the pressure to dissipate any soreness , but not so tight that it affects circulation or gripping strength,” Dr. Christine M. Scarano Ward, D.P.T ., certified Kinesio taping instructor at Sports Performance Lab, says. In other words, your tennis elbow brace should be tight enough to provide relief—but not so tight that your hand starts to fall asleep. Dr. Scarano Ward also recommends keeping an eye out for skin irritation. If your skin is becoming red or irritated in the spot where you’re wearing your brace, it may be too tight.

The 8 Best Tennis Elbow Braces of 2022

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Tennis elbow is a condition characterized by pain and discomfort in the elbow. And though its name might suggest otherwise, it doesn’t just happen to tennis players. Tennis elbow can be caused by any kind of repetitive elbow overuse. That often includes playing tennis, but it can also include painting, cooking, and more. "This causes discomfort, pain, or tension.” And often, these symptoms can be alleviated by wearing an elbow brace," says Jerry Yoo, DPT, founder and CEO of Next Level Physio.

Reviewed & Approved

Made of breathable material and a gel pad, the SENTEQ's Tennis Elbow Brace stabilizes and offers compression while you move. AVIDDA's Tennis Elbow Brace is a comfortable, breathable, and affordable option.

Wearing a tennis elbow brace can "provide pain relief by moving the point of tension closer to the wrist," Yoo adds. This keeps the tension from being focused in just one place, which can relieve some of the pain or discomfort around your elbow.

We researched dozens of tennis elbow braces and evaluated them for material, breathability, comfortability, and price. Each of the tennis elbow braces chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.

Here are the best tennis elbow braces on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SENTEQ Tennis Elbow Brace at Amazon

Best Budget:

AVIDDA Tennis Elbow Brace with Compression Pad at Amazon

Best Set:

Abyon Elbow Support Gear at Amazon

Best Sleeve:

PowerLix Elbow Brace Compression Support at Amazon

Best Adjustable Strap:

ACE Custom Dial Elbow Strap at Amazon

Best Adjustable Sleeve:

Bodyprox Elbow Brace with Strap at Amazon

Best Ice Pack Wrap:

Vive Elbow Ice Pack Gel Wrap at Amazon

Best Wrap:

Vive Elbow Brace at Amazon

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Budget-friendly
Comfortable and breathable
Adjustable fit
Lined with an inner gel pad for added comfort

Cons

May be hard to wear under clothing
May not properly fit those with very small or very large arms

Comfortable, supportive, and lightweight, Senteq’s Tennis Elbow Brace is crafted from a stretchy, breathable fabric that promises to move with you as you exercise, which is why we chose it as our top pick. And a plush gel pad is tucked inside this fabric, offering comfort and compression in equal measure.

The elbow brace comes equipped with a neoprene strap you can use to get the snug fit you’re looking for. And since this neoprene strap secures with Velcro, you can rest assured knowing the elbow brace should be easy to fasten and adjust.

Strap Length: 15.5 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes

AVIDDA Tennis Elbow Brace with Compression Pad

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Incredibly budget-friendly
Two elbow braces for the price of one
Comfortable and breathable
Adjustable fit

Cons

May lose its elasticity over time
May not properly fit those with very small or very large arms

AVIDDA sells its elbow braces in two-packs—giving you the chance to score two solid elbow braces for the price of one. The elbow braces are crafted from neoprene, so they promise to be comfortable and breathable. And each one comes padded with plush EVA foam.

This padding promises to contour to your arm, keeping you comfortable—while giving you that compressive pressure you’re looking for. Each elbow brace is made up of two parts: a padded brace and an adjustable strap. This two-piece design makes it easy to customize the fit of your elbow brace: Simply place the brace where you want it, and use the strap to lock it in place.

Strap Length: 15.35 inches (up to 14.17 inches in circumference) | Weight: 1.76 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes

Abyon Elbow Compression Sleeve Support Gear

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Budget-friendly
Comes with two elbow straps and one elbow sleeve
All three promise to be comfortable and breathable
The straps offer an adjustable fit

Cons

The sleeve may unravel and/or lose its elasticity over time
May not properly fit those with very small or very large arms

Can’t figure out whether you want an elbow sleeve or an elbow strap? Abyon’s elbow sleeve and brace set offers a budget-friendly way to try both, so you don’t have to make a uninformed commitment to one right off the bat. The set ships with three pieces: an elbow sleeve and two elbow straps.

The sleeve is crafted from a stretchy compression fabric that promises to stay firmly in place as you move around. The straps are crafted from a combination of stretchy neoprene and skin-friendly nylon.

Each one comes lined with plush EVA foam padding, and each fastens with an adjustable Velcro strap. Combined, these pieces should give you plenty of options to experiment with as you determine which style of elbow brace works best for you.

Strap Length: Not listed | Sleeve Size: Small to extra-large (8 to 15 inches in circumference) | Weight: Not listed | Adjustable Fit: Yes

PowerLix Elbow Brace Compression Support

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Low-profile enough to wear under clothing
Comfortable and breathable
Great for weightlifting
Available in three colors

Cons

Not technically adjustable
May lose its elasticity over time
Fabric may cause skin irritation

Elbow straps aren’t the only options on offer. If you’d prefer something longer and lower-profile, a compression sleeve may be a better choice for you, and PowerLix’s Elbow Compression Sleeve is one of the most popular picks around. The sleeve is crafted from a stretchy compression fabric. And since it boasts a four-way stretch design, it promises to stay firmly in place as you exercise—moving with you instead of slipping down your arm.

Even better: The lightweight sleeve promises to be low-profile enough to wear under clothing. And since it comes in four different sizes, you can easily find an option that works for you.

Sleeve Size: Small to extra-large (7 to 13 inches in circumference) | Weight: 3.2 ounces | Adjustable Fit: No

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Budget-friendly
Comfortable and supportive
Classic adjustable fit
Built-in dial makes it easy to adjust

Cons

May lose its elasticity over time
The dial, in particular, may not be very durable
May not properly fit those with very small or very large arms

Many elbow straps are adjustable. They come lined with Velcro you can use to tighten or loosen them as you see fit. ACE’s Custom Dial Elbow Strap boasts a similar design. But it also comes with a built-in adjustable dial you can use to get an even more precise and secure fit.

Start by sliding your arm into the strap and fastening it the way you normally would. Then, once it’s securely on your arm, turn the dial to tighten or loosen the strap until it feels just right. This added feature will give you access to an even more precise range of tightness and pressure, making it even easier to find your perfect fit.

Strap Length: Not listed (up to 14 inches circumference) | Weight: 2.08 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Incredibly budget-friendly
Comfortable and breathable
Low-profile enough to wear under clothing
Great for weightlifting
Adjustable strap

Cons

May lose its elasticity over time
May not properly fit those with very small or very large arms
Fabric may cause skin irritation

At first glance, Bodyprox’s Adjustable Elbow Brace may look like a classic compression sleeve. But take a closer look, and you’ll notice that the sleeve boasts a built-in strap you can use to get an adjustable fit. Like many elbow sleeves, the Adjustable Elbow Brace is crafted from a stretchy compression fabric. And it promises to stay securely in place as you move around.

But unlike many elbow sleeves, the Adjustable Elbow Brace comes complete with an adjustable elastic strap at its base. This strap will make it easy to get the snug, secure fit you’re looking for—and it will offer you some of the compressive support you’d expect from an elbow strap or elbow brace.

Plus, it’s bound to keep your elbow sleeve from slipping down your arm as you move around—and that’s always a plus.

Sleeve Size: Small to extra-large (9 to 15 inches in circumference) | Weight: Not listed | Adjustable Fit: Yes

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Great for heat and cold therapy
Comfortable and breathable
Adjustable fit
Machine-washable for easy cleaning

Cons

Very heavy
May be hard to wear under clothing
Bulky and not particularly flexible

Vive’s Elbow Ice Pack Wrap is an elbow brace that doubles as an ice pack. The wrap is crafted from soft, machine-washable neoprene. And it comes lined with four removable gel packs. These gel packs can be popped in your freezer for a little cold therapy. And you can warm them up to use them for heat therapy, too.

Since each gel pack fits snugly inside a pocket in the elbow wrap, you can get targeted temperature therapy in a comfortable and convenient way. And since the brace comes equipped with two adjustable straps, you can rest assured knowing you’ll get the secure fit you’re looking for.

Strap Length: Not listed (up to 19.5 inches circumference) | Weight: 51 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes

Courtesy of Vive Health

Pros

Incredibly budget-friendly
Comfortable and supportive
Adjustable fit
Part sleeve, part brace, part wrap

Cons

Heavier than some other options
Not particularly low-profile
May not properly fit those with very small or very large arms

If you’re looking for a more supportive elbow brace, Vive’s Elbow Brace is a solid option. A compression sleeve and a wrap in one, the brace offers the lightweight pressure of an elbow sleeve with the adjustable fit of a wrap. And since it’s lined with padding, you can expect the comfort and support of a more classic elbow brace, too.

This combination makes the brace flexible enough to move around in, but still sturdy enough to provide support. And since its adjustable straps make it easy to get a snug, secure fit, you won’t have to worry about your brace sliding out of place the moment you start moving around.

Sleeve Size: One-size-fits-all (up to 17.5 inches in circumference) | Weight: 4.6 ounces | Adjustable Fit: Yes

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an elbow brace that’s both lightweight and supportive, Senteq’s Tennis Elbow Brace (view at Amazon) is a solid option. The brace promises to be comfortable, breathable, and low-profile. And since it secures via Velcro, you can easily customize and adjust your fit as needed.

What to Look for in a Tennis Elbow Brace

Strap Length/Sleeve Size

Since elbow braces are wearable, you’ll want to consider size as you shop. If you’re looking at an adjustable strap, pay attention to total strap length. And if you’re shopping for a sleeve, pay attention to sleeve size. Some braces also list a “maximum circumference,” which you can use to determine size. (This describes the maximum circumference of an arm that the brace can accommodate.)

Weight

Elbow braces tend to be pretty lightweight. But some are heavier than others. So it’s worth double-checking a brace’s weight before buying, just to ensure you know what to expect.

Adjustable Fit

Many elbow braces come with straps you can use to adjust your fit. This can help you ensure your brace is exactly as tight or as loose as you want it to be—giving you an even more tailored way to size your brace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to wear a tennis elbow brace

A tennis elbow brace may sound like it should be worn on your elbow. But it should actually be worn on your forearm, just below your elbow. (As a reminder, this creates another point of tension in your arm—keeping the pain and tension from being focused in just one spot.) Try to locate the big muscle in your forearm, and place the padded part of the brace over that muscle. Then, tighten the brace until it's comfortably snug—that means tight, but not too tight.
These instructions only apply if you’re wearing an elbow brace or an elbow strap. If you’re wearing an elbow sleeve, pull the sleeve over your elbow so that half the sleeve is below your elbow and half is above it. If the sleeve comes with a strap, adjust your fit so the sleeve feels snug and secure, but not too tight.
How long to wear a tennis elbow brace

Dr. Yoo recommends wearing an elbow brace “only during activities that create pain or require repetitive motions to the hand, wrist, and forearm.” And if these activities last a while—for example, typing during the course of an eight-hour workday—he recommends consistent breaks from the brace.
“It is vitally important that you refrain from wearing an elbow strap for prolonged periods of time,” Dr. Yoo says. Why? Injuries (like tennis elbow) need blood flow to heal. And since elbow braces are tight, they can restrict your circulation—inhibiting recovery.
To determine whether you’re overwearing your elbow brace, look for discoloration or puffiness in your hand or wrist, or redness or irritation where you were wearing the brace. Feeling pins and needles in your hand or arm is also a bad sign, Dr. Yoo says.
As always, it’s a good idea to consult with your primary care provider or a physical therapist to ensure you’re wearing your elbow brace properly.
Should I wear tennis elbow brace at night?

You can wear an elbow brace during any time of day, but you should only wear one during activities that are painful, uncomfortable, or repetitive. “An elbow brace may temporarily improve grip strength and provide pain relief during everyday tasks and household chores, or provide relief during the workday,” Dr. Yoo says. “[But] elbow braces should not be worn to sleep or while resting, walking, or sitting at home.”
Again, this is because injuries need blood flow to heal. And since elbow braces can inhibit your circulation, you want to refrain from wearing them for prolonged periods of time.
How tight should a tennis elbow brace be?

Tennis elbow braces should be tight—but not too tight. “It should be applied with the appropriate amount of tension to allow the pressure to dissipate any soreness, but not so tight that it affects circulation or gripping strength,” Dr. Christine M. Scarano Ward, D.P.T., certified Kinesio taping instructor at Sports Performance Lab, says. In other words, your tennis elbow brace should be tight enough to provide relief—but not so tight that your hand starts to fall asleep.
Dr. Scarano Ward also recommends keeping an eye out for skin irritation. If your skin is becoming red or irritated in the spot where you’re wearing your brace, it may be too tight.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

The 8 Best Tennis Elbow Braces of 2022

SENTEQ's Tennis Elbow Brace has a gel pad that provides comfort and stability

Reviewed & Approved

Best Overall: SENTEQ Tennis Elbow Brace

Best Budget: AVIDDA Tennis Elbow Brace with Compression Pad

Best Set: Abyon Elbow Compression Sleeve Support Gear

Best Sleeve: PowerLix Elbow Brace Compression Support

Best Adjustable Strap: ACE Custom Dial Elbow Strap

Best Adjustable Sleeve: Bodyprox Elbow Brace with Strap

Best Ice Pack Wrap: Vive Elbow Ice Pack Gel Wrap

Best Wrap: Vive Elbow Brace

Final Verdict

What to Look for in a Tennis Elbow Brace

Strap Length/Sleeve Size

Weight

Adjustable Fit

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Fit