Are you experiencing pain on the outside of your elbow that worsens when gripping objects, lifting, or performing everyday activities? You may be suffering from tennis elbow, a common condition that affects people of all ages and activity levels—not just tennis players.
Expert Tennis Elbow Treatment and Bracing Solutions in Bryant, Arkansas
At Orthopedic Appliance Company's Bryant location, we provide specialized care for tennis elbow, offering professional evaluation and custom-fitted bracing solutions to relieve pain and support healing. Our certified orthotists understand the frustration and limitations that tennis elbow can cause and are dedicated to helping you return to your normal activities pain-free.
Don't let elbow pain limit your life. Schedule a consultation at our Bryant location today and discover how our expert bracing solutions can help you recover from tennis elbow.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons in your elbow become overloaded, usually from repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Despite its name, tennis elbow affects people in numerous occupations and activities beyond tennis.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow develops when the tendons that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of your elbow (lateral epicondyle) become inflamed or develop small tears due to overuse or strain. Common causes include:
- Repetitive activities: Frequent computer use, typing, painting, plumbing, carpentry, cooking, and assembly line work
- Sports activities: Tennis, golf, baseball, and other racquet or throwing sports
- Age-related factors: Most common in adults between 30 and 50 years old
- Improper technique: Using poor form during activities or using equipment that's too heavy or improperly sized
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Recognizing the signs of tennis elbow can help you seek treatment before the condition worsens. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow
- Pain that worsens when gripping or lifting objects
- Weak grip strength
- Discomfort that extends from the elbow into the forearm and wrist
- Pain when performing twisting movements, such as turning a doorknob or opening a jar
- Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning or after inactivity
- Difficulty extending the arm fully
Impact on Daily Activities
Tennis elbow can significantly affect your quality of life by making everyday tasks painful and challenging:
- Work performance may suffer, especially in jobs requiring manual dexterity
- Recreational activities and hobbies may become difficult or impossible
- Simple tasks like lifting a coffee cup or shaking hands can cause pain
- Sleep may be disturbed if you roll onto the affected arm
Early intervention is key to preventing chronic issues and prolonged recovery times. If you're experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, our Bryant location can provide the specialized care you need.
How Bracing Helps Tennis Elbow
Proper bracing plays a crucial role in the recovery process for tennis elbow by providing support, reducing strain, and promoting healing of the affected tendons.
The Science Behind Tennis Elbow Braces
Tennis elbow braces work through several important mechanisms:
- Pressure redistribution: By applying targeted pressure below the elbow joint, braces redirect forces away from the inflamed tendon attachment point
- Muscle support: Braces provide external support to overworked forearm muscles, allowing them to rest and recover
- Movement limitation: Certain braces restrict extreme movements that could aggravate the condition while still allowing functional use of the arm
- Pain reduction: Compression and support from braces can help reduce pain during daily activities
- Proprioceptive feedback: Braces provide sensory cues that help you maintain proper arm positioning and avoid movements that might worsen symptoms
Types of Tennis Elbow Braces Available
At Orthopedic Appliance Company in Bryant, we offer several types of braces designed to address different aspects of tennis elbow:
Counterforce Braces
These band-style braces apply targeted pressure just below the elbow joint. By compressing the forearm muscles, they reduce tension at the tendon attachment point on the lateral epicondyle.
Best for: Immediate pain relief during activities, early-stage tennis elbow, and prevention of symptom recurrence
Elbow Sleeves with Compression
These provide gentle, uniform compression around the entire elbow joint. Made from elastic or neoprene materials, they offer warmth, improved circulation, and mild support.
Best for: General discomfort, mild cases, and use during recovery from more severe symptoms
Combination Braces
These incorporate both counterforce pressure and sleeve-style compression for maximum benefit. Some designs include additional stabilizing features or gel pads for enhanced pain relief.
Best for: Moderate to severe tennis elbow, patients who haven't responded to simpler braces, and those needing support during more demanding activities
Night Splints
Worn during sleep, these maintain the wrist in a neutral or slightly extended position to prevent flexion that could aggravate symptoms overnight.
Best for: Patients experiencing nighttime pain or morning stiffness
Expected Outcomes with Proper Bracing
When properly fitted and consistently used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, tennis elbow braces can provide significant benefits:
- Short-term relief: Many patients experience immediate pain reduction when wearing an appropriate brace
- Faster healing: By reducing strain on injured tissues, braces create an optimal environment for natural healing
- Improved function: With proper support, you can often continue necessary activities with less pain
- Prevention of recurrence: Even after symptoms resolve, intermittent brace use during high-risk activities can help prevent symptom return
Most patients see noticeable improvement within 2-6 weeks of consistent bracing, though individual results vary based on severity and adherence to treatment recommendations.
Our Tennis Elbow Bracing Solutions
At Orthopedic Appliance Company's Bryant location, we take a personalized approach to tennis elbow bracing, recognizing that each patient's needs and circumstances are unique.
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Options
We offer both custom-fitted and premium off-the-shelf bracing solutions:
Custom-Fitted Tennis Elbow Braces
For patients with unique arm proportions, severe symptoms, or those who haven't responded to standard braces, we create custom-fitted options tailored to your exact measurements and needs. These provide optimal pressure distribution and comfort for maximum effectiveness.
Premium Off-the-Shelf Braces
We carry high-quality, medically-approved tennis elbow braces from trusted manufacturers. Our certified orthotists will help select the right style and size, then make professional adjustments to ensure proper fit.
Professional Fitting Process
Our fitting process ensures you receive the most effective brace for your specific condition:
- Evaluation: Our certified orthotist will assess your symptoms, examine your arm, and discuss your daily activities and goals
- Education: We'll explain how different brace options work and which might be most beneficial for your situation
- Measurement: Precise measurements ensure your brace fits correctly for maximum benefit and comfort
- Selection and fitting: Based on your evaluation, we'll recommend and fit the appropriate brace
- Adjustment: We make necessary modifications to ensure optimal pressure placement and comfort
- Usage instruction: You'll receive clear guidelines on when and how to wear your brace for best results
Additional Supportive Therapies
While bracing is a cornerstone of tennis elbow treatment, we take a comprehensive approach by recommending complementary strategies:
- Activity modification guidance: We'll help you identify and adjust activities that may be contributing to your condition
- Ergonomic recommendations: Simple changes to work setups, tools, or sports equipment can reduce strain
- Home exercise program: We provide instructions for appropriate stretching and strengthening exercises
- Cold/heat therapy protocols: Guidance on using temperature therapy to manage pain and inflammation
- Referrals when needed: If your condition requires additional medical intervention, we coordinate with local healthcare providers
Why Choose Our Bryant, AR Location
Our Bryant, Arkansas location offers specialized care for tennis elbow and other orthopedic conditions, providing the local expertise and convenience you need for effective treatment.
1. Local Expertise
Our Bryant team understands the specific needs and activities common to residents in central Arkansas. Whether you're experiencing tennis elbow from workplace activities, home maintenance, sports, or hobbies popular in our area, we're familiar with the demands placed on your body and can provide targeted solutions.
2. Certified Professionals
Our Bryant location is staffed by certified orthotists with specific training in upper extremity conditions. These professionals maintain the highest credentials in the field and regularly update their skills through continuing education.
3. Convenient Location
Located at 611 Office Park Drive, Suite 3 in Bryant, our facility is easily accessible from I-30 and serves patients throughout Saline County and surrounding areas. Our convenient hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-noon and 1pm-5pm) make it simple to schedule appointments around work and family commitments.
4. Insurance Acceptance
We work with most major insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, to ensure you receive the care you need with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Our patient coordinators will verify your benefits and explain any costs before treatment begins.
The Treatment Process
Initial Assessment
Your journey to relief begins with a comprehensive assessment at our Bryant location:
- Medical history review: We'll discuss your symptoms, their onset, aggravating factors, and previous treatments
- Physical examination: Our orthotist will evaluate your elbow, test movement and strength, and identify specific pain points
- Functional assessment: We'll observe how you use your arm during various activities to identify movement patterns that may contribute to your condition
- Treatment goals discussion: We'll talk about your expectations and establish realistic goals for your recovery
Fitting and Education
Once we've determined the appropriate bracing solution:
- Brace selection: Based on your assessment, we'll recommend the most effective type of brace for your specific needs
- Professional fitting: Your brace will be carefully fitted to ensure proper positioning and pressure
- Wear schedule: You'll receive specific instructions on when to wear your brace and for how long
- Activity guidelines: We'll provide clear guidance on activities to avoid or modify while recovering
- Proper use demonstration: We'll show you how to correctly apply and adjust your brace for maximum benefit
Follow-up Care
Our commitment to your recovery continues after your initial fitting:
- Adjustment appointments: We'll schedule follow-up visits to check your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your brace
- Progress evaluation: Regular assessments help us track improvement and modify your treatment plan if needed
- Advanced options if needed: If your symptoms don't improve as expected, we'll discuss additional bracing options or potential referrals
- Transition planning: As you improve, we'll guide you through gradually decreasing brace use while maintaining progress
- Long-term prevention strategies: We'll provide education on preventing recurrence once your acute symptoms resolve
Ongoing Support
Tennis elbow can sometimes recur, especially if underlying causes aren't addressed. Our ongoing support includes:
- Maintenance checks: Periodic evaluations ensure your brace remains in good condition and properly fitted
- Activity modification guidance: As you return to normal activities, we provide advice on technique modifications to prevent re-injury
- Strengthening progression: Guidance on gradually building arm strength to provide natural support
- Lifetime access to our expertise: Our team remains available to address concerns or provide adjustments as needed
FAQs About Tennis Elbow Braces
How long will I need to wear a tennis elbow brace?
Most patients need to wear their brace consistently for 4-6 weeks during waking hours, especially during activities that cause pain. As symptoms improve, you can gradually reduce usage, often transitioning to wearing the brace only during high-risk activities. Our orthotists will create a personalized wearing schedule based on your specific condition and lifestyle needs.
Can I wear my tennis elbow brace during sleep?
Standard counterforce braces aren't typically worn during sleep as they may shift position. However, if you experience nighttime pain or morning stiffness, we might recommend a specialized night splint designed for use during sleep. These maintain your wrist and forearm in an optimal position to reduce strain on the injured tendons overnight.
Will insurance cover my tennis elbow brace?
Many insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover medically necessary orthotic devices like tennis elbow braces when prescribed by a physician. Coverage varies by plan and specific condition. Our patient coordinators will verify your benefits and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs before proceeding with treatment. Contact us for assistance with insurance questions.
Can I continue playing sports or working while using a tennis elbow brace?
In most cases, yes. Tennis elbow braces are designed to allow continued function while providing support and pain relief. However, we typically recommend temporarily modifying or reducing activities that aggravate symptoms, especially during the early healing phase. Your orthotist will provide specific guidelines based on your condition severity and the demands of your work or sports activities.
How tight should my tennis elbow brace be?
A properly fitted tennis elbow brace should feel snug but not uncomfortable or constrictive. It should apply firm pressure to the muscle belly below the elbow without causing numbness, tingling, color changes in your hand, or excessive indentation of the skin. Our professional fitting ensures your brace provides optimal pressure at the correct location for maximum effectiveness without compromising circulation.
Do I need a prescription for a tennis elbow brace?
While you can purchase basic tennis elbow braces without a prescription, insurance coverage typically requires a physician's prescription. More importantly, professional assessment and fitting by our certified orthotists ensure you receive the most appropriate brace for your specific condition. We recommend obtaining a prescription from your healthcare provider before your appointment at our Bryant location.
How do I care for and clean my tennis elbow brace?
Most tennis elbow braces can be hand washed with mild soap and cool water, then air dried away from direct heat sources. Avoid machine washing or drying, which can damage the elastic properties and shortening the lifespan of your brace. For custom braces or those with special components, we provide specific care instructions during your fitting appointment.
Contact Our Bryant Location
Ready to find relief from tennis elbow pain? Our Bryant, Arkansas location provides expert orthotic care, including specialized solutions for tennis elbow and other upper extremity conditions.
Orthopedic Appliance Company - Bryant
611 Office Park Drive, Suite 3
Bryant, AR 72022
Phone: (501) 508-2227
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-noon, 1pm-5pm
Schedule Your Consultation
Taking the first step toward relief is easy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our certified orthotists. During your appointment, we'll evaluate your condition, discuss treatment options, and help you find the right bracing solution for your specific needs.
Don't let tennis elbow pain limit your activities or affect your quality of life. With professional bracing and expert care from Orthopedic Appliance Company's Bryant location, you can get back to doing what you love—without the pain.