Not all elbow braces are the same, and picking the wrong one is one of the most common mistakes people make when managing tennis elbow. The brace you need depends on how severe your symptoms are, what activities you are doing, and how far along you are in your recovery. This section breaks down the two main brace types, which specific products suit which situations, and how to size them correctly — so you stop guessing and start healing.
The Two Types of Braces That Work for Tennis Elbow
There are two fundamentally different approaches to bracing tennis elbow, and understanding the difference matters more than the brand you choose.
Counterforce Straps are narrow bands worn approximately 2–3cm below the elbow joint, directly over the forearm extensor muscles. They work by applying focused compression to the muscle belly, which reduces the force transmitted to the damaged tendon at the lateral epicondyle. These are the classic “tennis elbow strap” design. They are low-profile, inexpensive, and effective for people who need to keep working or playing sport during recovery. The trade-off is that they do not address swelling or provide joint-level support.
Compression Sleeves with Integrated Pads cover the entire elbow joint and use anatomically shaped silicone or viscoelastic pads to apply targeted pressure directly to the epicondyle region. These sleeves also manage swelling, improve proprioception (your joint’s positional awareness), and stimulate circulation to accelerate tissue repair. They are the better choice for moderate to severe symptoms, post-inflammatory flare-ups, and anyone who needs support during both activity and rest.
Counterforce Straps- Best for when symptoms occur during activity
If your pain is manageable and you need to stay active, a counterforce strap is your starting point.
Supporta Narrow Tennis Elbow Strap
The most affordable clinical-grade option in the range. The narrow profile sits precisely over the extensor muscle belly, and the shock-absorbing foam pad reduces the vibration load that aggravates the tendon during gripping and lifting. It is one-size-fits-most and works for both lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) by repositioning the pad. This is the right choice for someone in the early stages of symptoms who wants a simple, low-cost solution they can wear all day without bulk.
Supporta Tennis Elbow Brace
Takes the same counterforce concept and adds a firmer silicone deloading pad with a dual-strap system. The inner strap positions the pad, and the outer strap controls compression independently. This gives you more precise control over how much pressure is applied, which matters when symptoms are more acute. Position the silicone pad approximately 2cm below the elbow crease over the painful tendon area, tighten the inner strap first, then secure the outer strap for a snug fit. Do not overtighten — if you experience numbness or increased pain, loosen it immediately.
Cramer Tennis Elbow Strap
Uses a dual-density foam pad that handles higher-impact activities better than single-density alternatives. The inner layer absorbs initial shock while the outer layer distributes the remaining force across a wider area. This makes it the preferred counterforce strap for athletes or tradespeople dealing with high-repetition gripping loads — carpenters, tennis players, warehouse workers. The adjustable hook-and-loop closure holds its position better during dynamic movement than simpler strap designs.
Compression Sleeves- Best for Swelling and Chronic Cases
When a strap alone is not enough, when you have visible swelling, constant aching at rest, or symptoms that have persisted for more than six weeks — you need a compression sleeve with integrated epicondyle pads.
Orthocare Epicare Active Plus
The entry point into this category and strong value for money. The anatomical knit sleeve applies graduated compression across the joint while integrated silicone pads deliver a massaging effect to the soft tissue surrounding the epicondyle. This combination reduces swelling and improves blood flow to the damaged tendon- both necessary for actual tissue repair, not just pain management. Available in sizes Small through XXL. This is the right choice for someone who has moved past the acute phase and needs consistent support during both training and daily life.
ACTIMOVE Epi-Motion Elbow Support
Steps up the clinical precision with two anatomically shaped pressure pads that target both the lateral and medial epicondyle regions simultaneously. The helix design and epicondyle cut-outs ensure the pads sit in exactly the right position without manual adjustment. The seamless terry cloth liner eliminates friction points, which matters for people wearing the brace for extended periods. Sizing runs from XS to XXL based on forearm circumference measured 12cm below the elbow — measure carefully, because a sleeve that is too loose will not deliver the compression needed to be effective.
Medi Epicomed Elbow Support
A step above in material quality and compression consistency. The compressive knitted fabric and silicone insert work together to create a massage effect that actively promotes healing rather than just offloading pain. This brace is particularly well suited for chronic cases. People who have had tennis elbow for months and have not responded adequately to straps or basic sleeves. Also appropriate for post-operative elbow protection and for managing joint swelling alongside epicondylitis. Sized 1 through 6 based on the 12cm-below-elbow forearm measurement.
Bauerfeind EpiTrain Elbow Support
The premium option and the one most frequently recommended by physiotherapists for complex or persistent cases. The viscoelastic inserts with epicondyle cut-outs are the key differentiator- they relieve direct pressure on the most sensitive point of the epicondyle while redistributing compression to the surrounding soft tissue. This is clinically significant because direct pressure on an acutely inflamed epicondyle can worsen symptoms, while distributed pressure to the surrounding tissue promotes healing. The breathable knit manages moisture effectively, and reduced compression at the sleeve edges protects circulation. Sizing runs from Size 0 to Size 6.
How to Size Your Brace Correctly
Sizing is where most people go wrong, and a poorly fitted brace is worse than no brace at all. A sleeve that is too tight restricts circulation and can increase pain. One that is too loose delivers no meaningful compression and will migrate down the arm during activity.
For counterforce straps, most are one-size-fits-most and the fit is controlled by strap tension. The pad should sit 2–3cm below the elbow crease, directly over the muscle belly, not over the bony epicondyle itself.
For compression sleeves, the universal measurement point is the forearm circumference taken 12cm below the mid-point of the elbow joint. Use a soft tape measure and measure with the arm relaxed at your side. If your measurement falls on the border between two sizes, select the smaller size – a slightly firmer fit delivers better compression than a looser one. Here is an example of some sizing guides for braces, however refer to the sizing guide on the product page itself
| Brace | Measurement Point | Size Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bauerfeind EpiTrain | 12cm below mid-elbow | Size 0 (21–23cm) to Size 6 (33–35cm) |
| ACTIMOVE Epi-Motion | 12cm below elbow | XS (19–21cm) to XXL (29–31cm) |
| Medi Epicomed | 12cm below elbow | Size 1 to Size 6 |
| Orthocare Epicare Active Plus | Forearm circumference | Small to XXL |
| Supporta / Cramer Straps | N/A | One size fits most |
Which Brace Should You Choose
Mild symptoms, need to stay active- Start with the Supporta Narrow Tennis Elbow Strap or the Cramer Tennis Elbow Strap for higher-impact activities. Wear them during the activity that provokes symptoms and remove them at rest.
Moderate symptoms, some swelling, or a strap alone has not helped after 2–3 weeks- Move to the Orthocare Epicare Active Plus . It covers more of the joint, manages swelling, and can be worn continuously throughout the day.
Severe or chronic symptoms lasting more than six weeks- The ACTIMOVE Epi-Motion or Medi Epicomed are the appropriate clinical-grade options. Both are designed for extended wear and deliver the compression consistency needed for genuine tissue recovery.
Confirmed diagnosis, seen a physiotherapist, want the highest-performing option available- The Bauerfeind EpiTrain is the evidence-backed premium choice. The viscoelastic pad technology and anatomical knit represent the current standard in conservative tennis elbow management.
All products listed above are available from APE Medical. All our products can be purchased by the retail customer and clinician alike, and we can deliver all around Australia.