Counterforce Brace
Last Updated: September, 2024
Medically Reviewed by
Brooke Maneval, LAT, ATC
Certified Athletic Trainer
Written by Robert Gore
Last Updated: September, 2024
Advertising Disclosure: We earn a commission when you purchase products using our links. This is at no additional cost to you. This page is sponsored by RiptGear. The owner of this site has a financial interest in RiptGear.
Elbow Braces
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RiptGear
![](https://i0.wp.com/consumeradvise.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/ElbowStrapRiptGear.jpg?resize=300%2C300&ssl=1)
Summary of Customer Feedback
- Excellent Support
- All-Day Comfort
- Adjustable Compression
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🇺🇸 Corporate Headquarters in USA
Petask🇨🇳
![](https://i0.wp.com/consumeradvise.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PetaskElbowBrace.jpg?resize=300%2C300)
Summary of Customer Feedback
- Good Support
- Fastener Doesn’t Hold Long
- Catches Skin For Some Users
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🇨🇳 Corporate Headquarters in China
Pacearth🇨🇳
![](https://i0.wp.com/consumeradvise.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PaceearthElbowBrace.jpg?resize=300%2C300)
Summary of Customer Feedback
- Good Support
- Runs Small For Some
- Strong Smell Reported by Users
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🇨🇳 Corporate Headquarters in China
WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN A TENNIS ELBOW BRACE
- Materials – Tennis Elbow Stap products should be made from the right material to give proper support. We recommend elbow braces with breathable materials so it can easily wick away moisture and keep from slipping.
- Support – Tennis elbow pain is usually caused when the tendons do not distribute pressure or act as a shock absorber.
- Durability – Elbow braces are worn to reduce the pain from tennis and golfers elbow. It is important that an elbow brace reduce stress on the elbow while remaining comfortable to wear and easy to clean.
- Comfort – Tendonitis elbow pain results in discomfort, so you need an elbow brace that is adjustable and conforms to your arm for maximum comfort. Look for elbow braces with breathable fabrics and a well-designed compression gel pad that will mold to your body shape after multiple uses, providing accurate pressure on your forearm muscles after repetitive motion.
Finding The Best Elbow Brace - A Buyer's Guide
Whether you are an athlete who likes a bit of elbow support, or someone recovering from a sports injury such as tennis or golfers elbow, elbow braces can help you get through your day without having to deal with the pain. They can also help people suffering from Tendonitis, Epicondylitis, and Arthritis pain in their arm and elbow.
When looking for elbow braces online, there are many things to consider in order to find the best elbow brace that fits your individual needs. Here is what you need to look for in a good tennis elbow brace.
Why Use A Tennis Elbow Strap?
Exercise can do wonders for your overall physical health, but if you are experiencing tennis elbow pain, or dealing with tendinitis, you may be limited in the exercises you can do. However, wearing an arm brace for tennis elbow will help you avoid any further problems and allow you to continue your normal, daily routine.
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Why Use A Tennis Elbow Strap?
Exercise can do wonders for your overall physical health, but if you are experiencing tennis elbow pain, or dealing with tendinitis, you may be limited in the exercises you can do. However, wearing an arm brace for tennis elbow will help you avoid any further problems and allow you to continue your normal, daily routine.
Types of Elbow Braces
- 1/4" Thick Firm Support Brace – These are the most common braces as they are the most discrete and effective (shown in above picture). They are easy to put on and take off and are extremely adjustable. They can be used on any part of the arm but the most commonplace is right below the elbow as it applies comfortable targeted pressure to the epicondyles of the humerus (site of epicondylitis pain).
- Compression Sleeve – Typically used for less severe injuries or help prevent injury, these sleeves are very common amongst recovering athletes. The sleeve provides compression around the whole area and helps restrict movements that otherwise might injure or re-injure the affected area. There are many different types of compression sleeves that differ in thickness and material. Some are also infused with copper which might have some helpful healing benefits but nothing that has yet been scientifically proven.
- Kinesiology Tape – Kinesiology tape is a method where you apply a special therapeutic taping method to help alleviate pain and or prevent an injury. It helps provide the patient support while performing certain functions but it also is very helpful for rehabilitating existing injuries.
- Strap Braces – Strap-style braces are most commonly neoprene and velcro, can wrap around the arm for added support. They are completely adjustable and can be thinly or thickly wrapped depending on the length of the strap. Flexibility can also be controlled by how tightly the strap is wrapped.
Elbow Tendonitis Brace Type Review
Finding the perfect elbow brace can take a bit of time. It’s important to know the balance you’ll need between comfort and stability. Unfortunately, there is an inverse correlation between stability and comfort. In other words, the more comfortable the brace is, the less stable it will be.
Luckily, there are a variety of options on the market to choose from, and braces can be found in every category from highly rigid to highly flexible. However, in the end, only you will know the exact balance needed to take care of your personal elbow and arm issue.
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Golfers Elbow Brace for Sports Injuries
Sports injuries can be one of the most debilitating injuries there are. Not only are you now in pain, but you also can’t play your beloved sport.
Choosing an arm brace for tennis elbow is useful for a sports injury will depend on whether you plan to continue playing while your elbow and tendons get better or whether you prefer to wait it out before playing again.
- Continue Playing as You Heal – If you intend to continue playing through your injury, you’ll need an elbow brace that is both flexible and adjustable. The brace will need to be flexible enough to accommodate your movement while you play, and you may also need to adjust it throughout your recovery as your ankle gets better. Our top pick is perfect for this situation.
- Wait to Play Until You’re Healed – Waiting until you heal before playing sports again is usually the best route to take. You’ll heal faster and better if you give your elbow, tendons, and arm a chance to rest. During this recovery time, you will heal faster by using a more rigid brace that restricts most of your elbow movement while you heal. You might want to consider using both a compression sleeve and our Recommended picked firm support elbow brace.
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How To Wear an Elbow Support Brace
Elbow tendon pain such as tennis elbow and golfers elbow usually need a lesser amount of support than a more serious arm injury and sometimes only a small bit of compression will give you the stability you’re looking for. The nice thing about the 1/4" firm brace is that the compression is easily adjustable and simple to put on and take off. It might be the perfect answer to your everyday need. You’ll feel safer, stronger, and more stable with your elbow ligament supported as it’s gently compressed into alignment.
Elbow Brace Review Conclusion
Overall, elbow braces are a very personal matter, and your choice of elbow brace will depend on your own personal reasons for needing one. Be sure to choose a brace that properly targets the injured area and compresses effectively. In doing so, you’ll be well on your way to recovery as well as preventing any further injury.
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RiptGear Elbow Brace
- Designed for Tennis Elbow & Golfers Elbow
- Compression Pad Reduces Vibration
- Fully Adjustable
- Ligament and Tendon Support
- Durable and Washable Material
VIEW ON AMAZON
🇺🇸 Corporate Headquarters in USA
"I bought mine in February and wear it 3-4 times weekly for 3 hours while playing pickleball...helped to relieve my tennis elbow...use it now as a preventive measure and it is working...no problem with anything breaking or velcro wearing out..."
Irene. R., August 31, 2020
Testimonial has been edited for brevity.
Counterforce Brace Availability
The counterforce brace comes adjustable and is one size fits most. We found that the adjustability fits well for most men and women.