Bauerfeind - EpiPoint - Elbow Strap - Stabilizing Supports for Elbow Pain, Swelling and Injury, Tendon Pain Relief for Tennis & Golfer's Elbow, Muscle Irritation and Inflammation

Generally, I’ll compare the devices: Sleeve vs Band/Mfgr. vs Mfgr. The existing Amazon reviews cover the individual pros & cons. For months, I’ve been dealing with moderate to severe medial epicondylitis or “golfers elbow”. Both elbows – more pronounced in right (I’m right handed). As my elbow pain began to become a very persistent problem, I decided to find a “fix”. I’m pleased to say my elbows are much improved … read on. The onset my elbow problems coincided with the failure of the pneumatic piston on my office chair which resulted in the chair sinking to the “bottom”/not staying at the desired height. Not realizing this would cause elbow problems, I procrastinated replacing the chair for a few months because, after all, it was still functional … just lower than I was accustomed to. Once the broken chair was identified as the problem, I immediately stopped using it and replaced it. Slowly, my elbows got better … but they were still injured and needed support to heal. Those of you that have epicondylitis from working at your desk, PLEASE try raising your chair up a few inches. Replacing the chair put me on the road to recovery. However, I soon discovered that healing my “injured” elbows was going to take some time. Riding my bike (road & mountain) inflamed my elbows and set me back in the healing process. Same thing with golf. Taking divots & grounding the club was very painful. Ongoing, my elbows would be especially painful in the morning. I had never experienced this pain before my office chair inflicted injury. I’ve researched & believe the pain is from sleeping with my arms tightly bent. Bending the elbow compresses the ulnar nerve and flexes the injured tendon thus exacerbating the injury. I started sleeping with elbow sleeves which reminded me to keep my arms straight(er) throughout the night. Soon, my morning elbow pain began to subside. So what’s the fix? Surgery isn’t an option for me. Advil & ice help but aren’t the cure. So I went to the internet to read all abut epicondylitis (including Amazon product reviews) for a potential fix. Lots of great reviews here on Amazon for various brands of elbow bands and elbow sleeves. Not sure what to do, and growing impatient with the limitations imposed by my elbows (really – I can't pick that up because my elbow hurts??), I decided to purchase several of the better quality/more popular straps and sleeves that I found here on Amazon. For each device, I assume that I purchased the correct size based on the manufacturers sizing recommendation. This of course, doesn’t mean I got the correct sizes. Here are my measurements: Forearm: 11.5” Elbow: 11.5” Bicep: 12.5” A common problem with nearly all of sleeves & straps I purchased, are lack of directions. None of the sleeves tell you which end goes toward the bicep and which side of the sleeve goes over the elbow (top vs bottom). Looking at the sleeves, some have discernible differences in the openings and the weave on top/bottom. Using logic, I assume that I got them on correctly … but not sure in all cases. Same with all the bands (except the EpiSport). Where are they placed in relation to the painful tendon? How much tension should they have? How do they help the healing process? How do these things help prevent injury? The EpiSport has excellent directions describing the mechanics of the band and where to place it. These directions were very helpful making informed assumptions on how to wear all the devices. Strap or sleeve? Generally, I found the straps to be much better for targeting the muscle compression and therefore protecting the tendon. I’ve found the sleeves to be supportive giving some muscle compression & comfort while supporting the injured & surrounding areas. Straps: McDavid 489 Elbow Strap “L”: A comfortable neoprene strap. I found it helpful but limited because it compress the entire arm with some added neoprene high points for focused compression. Because the compression around the arm is mostly uniform, I don’t think it is as effective as the other straps. EpiSport Epicondylitis Clasp “L”: Excellent instructions on how to wear the clasp and how it works. Because of the instructions, I understand how the band is designed to work: "The clasp applies dual compression on the long tendons of the forearm extensor and flexor muscles making them more parallel to allow healing to begin and reduce inflammation and pain.” I wore it on the golf driving range and for a few rounds of golf. It was comfortable and effective. No pain during or after. I believe, this clasp does the best job of targeting and compressing the muscle while reducing the compression elsewhere on the arm. Bauerfeind EpiPoint Elbow Strap One Size: Looking at their web site, I believe this strap is designed for tennis elbow and therefore any vague instructions are geared for compression on the outside of the arm. I reverse everything and use it for golfers elbow. Worked well for tree pruning project with heavy arborist pole saw. Pulling motion was too much for elbows. Not really believing this would help, I decided to try it. Figured it was worth a try since I couldn’t continue anyway. Also didn’t know for sure how to put it on since it didn’t come with any instructions other an elaborate multi language disclaimer booklet. I put it on and pain was gone! Couldn’t believe it. No pain afterward either. Later, Google helped me find this information on where to put the strap and the mechanics of how it works: "The strap should be placed around 2.5 cm distal to the lateral epicondyle”. Turns out, I had the strap too close to the elbow. I found the quote here: http://www.mikereinold.com/2009/07/are-tennis-elbow-straps-effective.html Sleeves: Zensah Compression Elbow Sleeve “M”: Wore it on vigorous hour long mountain bike ride. Did the job. Supported my elbow. No pain during or after ride. The weave of the Zensah appears to be very specific for support & range of motion (this is the only way I could figure out how to wear it). The Zensah is a thinner lighter weave and therefore “cooler”. I think it generally helped with the constant vibrations. McDavid 512 Elastic Elbow Support “L”: Left arm on vigorous hour long mountain bike ride. Did the job. Supported my elbow. No pain during or after ride. Function was not quite as good as the Zensah. The McDavid, however, is a thicker heavier weave & and therefore “warmer”. If want the extra warmth, I will go with McDavid. I sleep with the McDavid sleeve on because it comfortably supports and helps me keep from bending my elbows tightly. Bauerfeind EpiTrain Elbow Support “Size 4: Comfortable neoprene and anatomical/form fitted neoprene sleeve with compression high points that don’t really compress much. It doesn’t come up onto bicep very high and tends to slip down more than others. Although it provides some support and limited compression, its best attribute is impact protection to the painful area. You will know what I’m talking about when you bump the painful tendon connection. I wear this when doing educational part of my Jiu Jitsu class. It won’t, however, stay on my elbow while sparring so I take it off to spar.

I have been trying to handle tendinitis/golfer’s elbow for months. Almost instantly when I put this on I had greatly increased use of my left arm and elbow. Two days so far and my elbow feels so much better better. This is no joke for me this was a miracle product. Thanks.

It’s a very good fit and design. My only complaint is that the edges are too sharp and tend to scratch with movement. I’m keeping it, but at that price they need to change the edges.

It feels nice quality and I like that I can adjust the tightness for smaller to large hands. I bought this for the quality to be proactive with my new pickleball passion, and prevent any potential damage (carpal tunnel risk with my computer job). I just wished they had all black or something that matches with their wrist product

I’ve tried others, but this is worth the price point. Helps my elbow pain and fairly easy to get on.

While I have not had the armband long, from the moment I put it on, the golfer elbow pain diminished almost entirely. While quite expensive compared to domestic options, the construction of the Bauerfeind EpiPoint is superior to domestic devices provided by Ortho and my Occupational Therapist. I'm not thrilled with the price, but I would pay it again if need be for the quality and comfort of the band.

Two years ago, I pulled my left triceps. While I was recovering from that, I have myself tennis elbow, by improperly compensating for the injured muscle. My doctor recommended a brace, so after some research, I got this one. It took a little practice to get it in the right spot, but once I mastered that, it worked great, and the tennis elbow went away after only two weeks of using it. Last month, I injured the right arm, including what felt suspiciously like tennis elbow. My doctor agreed, so I dug out this brace, switched it up for use on the other arm, and started using it. Again, it worked like a charm. I really like the convenience of only having to store one brace, as opposed to the wrist braces I use occasionally, where I have to have separate left and right braces. This is comfortable, easy to use, reversible for both arms. It also fits a wide range of arms, and has a warning guide to let you know if you' et tightened it too far. Highly recommended.

High quality, washable, and did help me play during my injury.

Ich trage die Orthese nun schon einige Monate und bin damit sehr zufrieden. Sie führt beim Arbeiten zu einer spürbaren Entlastung und trägt auch im Alltag zu einer Besserung der Beschwerden bei. Sie ist angenehm zu tragen und lässt sich gut dosiert einstellen. Sehr gut finde ich die rote Markierung welche einen zu engen Sitz anzeigt. Ich hatte zu Beginn meiner Beschwerden auf die Schnelle ein Produkt in einer Drogerie gekauft, welches ich (mit heutigem Wissen) wohl immer zu eng eingestellt hatte. Dazu, oder vielleicht auch daher, führte die genoppte Kunststoffpelotte bei mir zu anhaltenden unangenehmen Hautirritationen. Das hat Bauerfeind deutlich besser gelöst. Anfangs war ich skeptisch, da mir sowohl die Pelotte als auch der Gegendruck zu weich vorkamen, in Benutzung wurde ich aber direkt eines besseren belehrt. Selbst nach einem ganzen Tag körperlicher Arbeit ist diese Orthes eine deutliche Verbesserung zu meinem Vorgänger und eine große Hilfe bei der Schmerzreduktion. Dank des Stoffüberzuges ist die Hautverträglichkeit kein Thema mehr. Da ich sie täglich nutze ist die Waschbarkeit ein zusätzliches Plus. Einsatz und (Hand) Wäsche hat sie bisher sowohl funktional als auch optisch sehr gut überstanden, der Klettverschluss hält wie am ersten Tag und nichts ist ausgefressen oder fusselig. Die einzige Schwierigkeit stellt die Benutzung unter langärmeliger Bekleidung dar, da die Orthese dabei am Unterarm verrutscht. Mit ein bisschen Geschick (und Positionierungserfahrung) lässt sie sich aber auch schnell wieder an die richtige Stelle schieben. Da vermutlich alle Spangen dieser Bauart dieses "Problem" haben ist das nichts, was ich diesem Produkt anlaste. Ich hatte in dem Zusammenhang auch eine Ellenbogenbandage (mit verstellbarem Klettband) gekauft. Die passt zwar super unter die Klamotten, hilft mir aber so gut wie gar nicht bei den Beschwerden und ist in meinen Augen somit nutzlos. Wen's genauer interessiert, der kann meine dortige Rezension (medi Epicomed) lesen. Ich hoffe, allen Tennisarmgeplagten auf der Suche nach Linderung geholfen zu haben und wünsche gute Besserung :-)

Money WELL SPENT! I suffer from golfer's elbow so I use this in the gym. I feel a massive improvement in my rehabilitation since I started using these. Also, I feel less pain while working out. I'm just afraid the fabric and especially the velcro will lose it's functionality from all the sweat - but it hasn't happened yet though.

Excelente producto! Está marca de verdad maneja calidad y funcionalidad!

It takes a little getting used to but it works great and minimizes the amount of pain i have had

fait le job