Imagine you’re playing the best golf of your life. You swing the golf clubs as gracefully as a swan. Your drives, long shots, and short shorts are all perfectly lined up. Your putting has never been any better. Eager to play more, you cannot wait to come back. All is sailing smoothly but your elbow has some other plans. You feel this weird mild to acute pain. Obviously, if it’s your first time, you rush to Google for consultation and as you start typing, it answers before you can even finish: KT Tape Golfers Elbow.
Upon research, you find out that it’s a Golfer’s Elbow. You get terrified, the idea of not having to play golf ever again strikes your mind even faster than a lightning strike. Should you be worried? Well, after reading this blog, you’ll know.
In this article, you’ll find all of your questions answered as I unravel the issues, relief, and basic support for KT tape golfers’ elbow and golfers’ elbow brace. I will share how to apply KT tape, how to wear a golfers elbow brace, and effective golfer elbow exercises.
Understanding Golfer’s Elbow
As you know, in golf, there is plenty of elbow, wrist, and hand movement. Due to consistent elbow, wrist, and hand movement, the inner tendons of your elbow get fatigued and swollen. An inflammation occurs which causes a sharp pain. This doesn’t mean that you have been swinging incorrectly. Although that could be a strong factor, it happens because there are limitations in a body. When they are excessively challenged, these issues are bound to happen.
Excessive and forceful use of elbow joints will cause this problem repeatedly. And this is not limited to golf or tennis, any sport or physical movement that stresses the elbow results in a similar condition.
Key Differences Between Golfer’s Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow
This information might be new if this is your first time with a golfer’s elbow. But if you have had this before, you already know that a golfer’s elbow is often referred to as a Tennis elbow. The mechanism and core issues are the same. However, there are 3 key differences.
- Inflammation in a golfer’s elbow is on the inner tendons, whereas in tennis elbow, it is on the outer tendons of the elbow.
- A golfer’s elbow is caused by extensive wrist flexion whereas a tennis elbow is caused by repetitive wrist extension.
- A golfer’s elbow is prominent in men and a tennis elbow is more prominent in women.
This being said, their symptoms, treatment, and support are similar. In some cases, both can coexist. Therefore, it’s important to timely consult a healthcare professional for the proper course of treatment.
Nonetheless, KT tape for golfers’ elbows and KT tape for tennis elbows is beneficial. Shortly, I’ll discuss it and tell you how to apply KT tape and what is the best golfer elbow brace.
KT Tape Golfers Elbow
KT tape also known as Kinesiology Therapeutic Tape is a secret weapon trusted by golfers and other athletes worldwide. KT tape is an incredible elastic tape that can stretch up to 140% of its original composition. It’s designed to provide targeted support and relief right where you need it the most. It simply reduces stress on the affected tendons. Just like a golf ace, KT tape is your ace in golfers elbow.
How KT Tape Works
KT tape golfers elbow offers a comfortable fit that won’t stunt your swing or limit your mobility. It mimics the human skin to provide extra support. Even if you’re playing or going through the rehabilitation process, KT tape will be as Goose is to Maverick and as Scooby is to Shaggy.
KT Tape works by lifting the skin slightly, creating a space between the skin and the underlying tissues. This space allows for improved circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can reduce swelling and promote healing.
It is important to note that while KT Tape can provide temporary relief and support, it should not be considered a standalone treatment for a golfer’s elbow. It is recommended to use KT Tape in conjunction with other treatment strategies, such as rest, ice, exercises, and professional medical advice, to effectively manage and recover from golfer elbow.
How To Apply KT Tape
Before applying KT Tape to the golfer’s elbow, it’s essential to ensure that the affected area is clean and dry. Start by washing the skin with mild soap and water, then gently pat it dry. Afterward, follow the following steps.
- Measure and cut the appropriate length of KT Tape for your golfer’s elbow.
- Begin by applying the anchor end of the tape just below the inside of the elbow. Apply it with no stretch.
- With the elbow slightly bent and the palm facing up, stretch the KT Tape and apply it diagonally across the painful area of the forearm, wrapping around the elbow.
- Smooth down the tape, ensuring there are no wrinkles or folds, and rub it gently to activate the adhesive.
- Repeat the same process if additional strips of tape are needed for full coverage.
After application, rub the tape again to generate heat and enhance the adhesive properties.
Common mistakes to avoid when using KT Tape for Golfers’ Elbow
When using KT Tape golfers elbow, it’s important to avoid common mistakes to ensure its effectiveness.
- Applying the tape with excessive stretch can restrict movement and cause discomfort.
- Failing to clean and dry the affected area thoroughly before application, can compromise adhesion.
- Applying the tape over open wounds, irritated or broken skin.
- Applying the tape too close to the joint can hinder movement.
Best KT Tapes for Golfers’ Elbow
1. KT Tape Golfers Elbow (20×10) Precut Strips
2. KT Tape Precut Strips (20×10) Best Seller
3. KT Tape Pro Extreme (20×10) Precut Strips
What is a Golfers Elbow Brace
A golfer’s elbow brace is a supportive device worn around the forearm and elbow to provide compression, stability, and relief for individuals suffering from a golfer’s elbow. It is designed to target the muscles and tendons on the inside of the elbow, where the pain is typically felt. The brace helps alleviate pressure on the injured area, reduce inflammation, and provide support.
While looking for a golfer elbow brace, some features should be kept in mind. The level of support, size, fit, adjustability, comfort and breathability, quality, and durability. Given that in mind, there are 4 types of golfers elbow braces to choose from. They are Strap or Band Braces, Elbow Sleeves, Counter Force Braces, and Hinged Braces.
Best Golfers Elbow Braces
1. Aircast Pneumatic Strap Brace
2. FILA Elbow Sleeve
3. OTC Band-It Counter Force Brace
4. Mueller Adjustable Elbow Support Hinged Brace
Golfers Elbow Exercises
Lastly, I’ll share some of the best golfers’ elbow exercises. I insist again that consultation with a healthcare professional should be your top priority. Following are some of the exercises that you can perform.
Wrist Flexor Stretch
- Extend your affected arm in front of you with the palm facing up.
- Use your other hand to gently bend your wrist backward until you feel a stretch in the forearm.
- Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times on each side.
Forearm Pronation and Supination
- Hold a dumbbell or a small weight in your affected hand, with your elbow bent at 90 degrees and resting on a table or your thigh.
- Slowly rotate your forearm, turning your palm up (supination) and then down (pronation).
- Perform 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions in each direction.
Eccentric Wrist Extension
- Sit at a table with your forearm supported on the table and your palm facing down.
- Hold a lightweight dumbbell or a can of soup in your hand.
- Slowly lower the weight by bending your wrist, then use your other hand to bring the weight back up to the starting position.
- Perform 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
Forearm Flexor Strengthening
- Hold a lightweight dumbbell or a resistance band in your hand, with your palm facing up.
- Rest your forearm on a table or your thigh, with your wrist hanging off the edge.
- Slowly curl your wrist upward, contracting the muscles in your forearm.
- Perform 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions.
Wrist Extensor Stretch
- Extend your affected arm in front of you with the palm facing down.
- Use your other hand to gently bend your wrist forward until you feel a stretch in the forearm.
- Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times on each side.
Final Words
Remember, it’s important to start with light weights or resistance and gradually increase as your symptoms improve. If any exercise causes pain or discomfort, stop immediately and consult with a healthcare professional. These exercises should be done in conjunction with proper rest, icing, and other treatments recommended by your healthcare provider.
I hope this article helps you. We look forward to seeing you back on the golf course,
