Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury causing inflammation in the tendons attached to the outer part of your elbow. Commonly caused by playing tennis, this injury can also happen due to activities involving repetitive wrist and forearm motion.
Sports tape for tennis elbow is an effective treatment as it reduces pain and inflammation while providing support, improving blood flow, and promoting a faster recovery time. Kinesiology tape for tennis elbow, like the MedTAC Synthetic Kinesiology Tape, is another option, but sports tape is used more often because of its extensive benefits. One is reducing your elbow load during wrist extensor muscle contraction. Sports tape may not limit your mobility, but it manages muscle activity, decreasing tissue irritation between your tendon and bone.
As such, here is one of the most common and effective elbow-taping techniques to treat tennis elbow with sports tape.
Technique for Strapping Tennis Elbow with Sports Tape by Yourself
Strapping the elbow with sports tape is an ideal and straightforward treatment you can do at home with the proper guidance and product, like the MedTAC Rigid Sports Tape. Here’s a step-by-step guide you can follow.
Step 1
Begin by cleaning the affected elbow and drying it thoroughly. Then, cut two pieces of sports tape: one that is almost the same length as your elbow to your wrist, and the other that is half this size.
Step 2
Take the longer strip and place it just above your outer elbow. Pull it in an upward direction towards your outer forearm and wrist. It should go over the bony prominence of your outer elbow and curve slightly towards the back of your wrist.
Step 3
Take the shorter strip and place it under your elbow at the back of your forearm. It should be facing in the direction of the front of your forearm. With moderate stretch, pull the strip across towards the front of your forearm.
Step 4
You must pull the strips tight enough to provide support but not tight enough to discomfort you or restrict blood flow. The strips should form an X over the affected area. Make sure they are applied smoothly and form no creases or wrinkles.
Once everything is in place, try moving your elbow through its full range. If the tape does restrict your movement, the procedure was successful. If you feel any discomfort, try adjusting the tape and making sure you properly activate the adhesive.
In addition to tennis elbow strapping tape, sports tape can also be used for other sports injuries, such as ankle strapping and knee strapping. The tape provides the support and stabilisation needed during physical activity in case of an injury.
Rigid tape for tennis elbow may be an effective treatment, but remember that sports tape isn’t usually a standalone treatment. It works best in conjunction with rest, therapy, and medication. And, as always, consult with a medical professional before beginning any treatment and doing it on your own to ensure safe and optimal results.
Recommended: How Sports Physiotherapy Improves Athletic Performance