How To Choose a Golfer’s Elbow Brace

Learn how this simple piece of equipment can help relieve elbow pain
elbow brace for golfer

If you have medial epicondylitis, better known as golfer’s elbow, wearing a special brace around your forearm can help with symptoms. But with a seemingly endless selection, how do you choose the best brace for you?

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Physical therapist Matt Popiolkowski, PT, DPT, explains the ins and outs of selecting a brace for golfer’s elbow pain.

What is golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow happens when your forearm muscle attachment on the inside crook of your elbow becomes inflamed. These muscles are responsible for flexing your wrist and fingers, and repeated or intense movements can strain them.

“The muscle and tendon tissues become disorganized and can be inflamed, so they can’t function normally,” explains Dr. Popiolkowski. “We see it in people who play sports where they throw, swing or weight lift and have jobs where they grip and hold things.”

Elbow and forearm (lower arm) pain are the most common symptoms, especially when you bend your wrist or squeeze something with your hand. But some people also experience wrist and hand weakness or numbness.

“It’s important to figure out what’s causing the condition so you get the right treatment,” Dr. Popiolkowski says. “Rest may calm down your symptoms, but it can’t restore the muscle and tendons’ ability to do their normal workload.”

Treating golfer’s elbow

Dr. Popiolkowski recommends seeing a physical therapist if you think you have golfer’s elbow.

“There’s usually something above or below the elbow that’s making those muscles work too hard or incorrectly,” he says. “A physical therapist can determine the cause of your symptoms, create a plan to get them under control and prevent future issues.”

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How does a golfer’s elbow brace work?

Most golfer’s elbow braces are counterforce braces with hook and loop closures and a raised padded surface that you put directly over your affected muscle.

“When you tighten the strap, the raised area puts added pressure directly to the muscles affected below the painful attachment on the elbow,” explains Dr. Popiolkowski. “The pressure of the strap helps reduce pain and strain on those muscles. Use it to help in the short-term while you work on a long-term fix with your physical therapist.”

A long-term fix typically involves stretches and exercises to help rebuild strength and function in your arm.

What to look for in a golfer’s elbow brace

Many companies make golfer’s elbow braces, but Dr. Popiolkowski says they all follow the same basic design and are equally effective. Some consist of just a strap while others also have built-in compression sleeves. (A compression sleeve is a wide band of fabric made of tight, stretchy material that you wear around your arm.)

“While there are a ton of different varieties, there’s no definitive research pointing to one specific brand or type because they all work the same,” says Dr. Popiolkowski. “Using only a compression sleeve may be more helpful after the condition has improved. They help keep the area warm and blood circulating. While they do not provide much from a support standpoint, many people like the compression feel.”

How to wear a golfer’s elbow brace

Golfer’s elbow braces typically come in small, medium and large sizes. Measure around your forearm just below your elbow and follow the size chart the manufacturer provides. Dr. Popiolkowski says you should wear the brace around the thickest part of your forearm, about two finger widths down from your elbow.

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“A proper-fitting brace should feel snug — but if you start to see any skin discoloration or feel tingling, it’s too tight,” says Dr. Popiolkowski. “You should be able to comfortably slip a finger underneath the non-padded parts.”

For a final fit test:

  1. Put your forearm palm up and make a fist.
  2. Curl the fist up at your wrist while pushing down on it with your other hand. You shouldn’t feel pain if your brace is fitting properly.
  3. If you do feel pain, adjust the golfer’s elbow brace by moving the raised pad to the left or right until you no longer feel discomfort with this movement.

Wear your brace during daily activities that involve using your affected arm. Over time, you may only need to wear it while playing sports or performing tasks that aggravate your symptoms. Don’t wear it while you sleep because it could negatively affect your circulation.  

How long do you need to wear a brace for golfer’s elbow?

The answer depends on your injury. The more severe it is, the longer you may benefit from wearing a forearm brace for golfer’s elbow. You’ll most likely need to wear it for at least a few weeks.

Your physical therapist can help you get the right fit and recommend the best length of time for your situation.

How to prevent golfer’s elbow

To prevent a recurring golfer’s elbow “Groundhog Day,” Dr. Popiolkowski recommends maintaining:

  • Shoulder mobility: Always make sure you can move your arms overhead and to the side.
  • Good posture: Bad posture puts your spine and shoulders in poor alignment, which can lead to the development of conditions like golfer’s elbow.

If you’re experiencing golfer’s elbow symptoms, it’s important to address them quickly. (Ironically, a lot of amateur golfers get tennis elbow instead of golfer’s elbow. Tennis elbow is the same issue, except on the outside of the elbow.)

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