Therapy for elbow pain

Taping for irritation in the elbow is intended to help relieve pain and increase blood flow to the affected areas. The increased blood circulation is said to accelerate the healing process. By relieving the pain, it is hoped that the patient will hold his arm less in a relieving position and thus avoid cramps caused by abnormal positions.

Taping at the elbow is often used in the course of overstraining. One possible application is the tennis elbow – here the outer point of origin is irritated for the extensor muscles of the forearm (epicondylus lateralis). By sticking tapes over the back of the forearm from the flexed wrist to the outer side of the elbow, the extensor muscles are relieved.

If the origins of the forearm flexors on the inner side of the elbow (epicondylus medialis) are irritated, taping can also be used. In this case, the tapes are stuck to the inside of the stretched forearm along the flexor muscles up to the wrist. In the event of further inflammation of the elbow, the muscle bellies of the upper arm extensors (Musculus trzeps brachii) that are attached to the elbow can also be taped.

As a general rule, only persons who are familiar with the medical and anatomical basics of the elbow should be taped. Incorrect application will not result in a supportive effect and in rare cases the problem may worsen. Many muscles and tendons for hand and forearm have their origin in the area of the elbow.

In case of irritation caused by one-sided movements or overloading, such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, a bandage on the elbow can have a supporting effect. The tendons and muscle origins are relieved and stabilized by the bandage. In addition, the elbow joint can be immobilised by means of a bandage. The additional stability and immobilization can support the healing of an irritation. Furthermore, a bandage can have a preventive effect even before problems arise – it can be used prophylactically.