Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow: Can a Simple Sleeve or Tape Ease the Pain?

Sore elbow that flares up with everyday tasks?

If you’ve been told you have tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, you’re not alone. These common tendon injuries cause pain where the forearm tendons attach to the elbow and they can make gripping, lifting or even typing uncomfortable.

• Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondylitis).

• Golfer’s elbow affects the inside of the elbow (medial epicondylitis).

But simple tools like an elbow sleeve or taping can help ease the strain, reduce pain and support healing.

How does it work?

Elbow sleeves apply gentle compression around the joint and surrounding muscles. This helps offload the tendon during movement and improves proprioception, which can make the elbow feel more stable. Taping works similarly: applied in the right pattern, it helps redistribute force across the forearm, making movement more comfortable.

"Up to 80% of tennis elbow sufferers report pain relief with a brace or taping, according to clinical studies."

You might see athletes wearing elbow sleeves during sport but they’re not just for pros. People with desk jobs, tradies, and weekend warriors can all benefit.

Tape or sleeve: which is better?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s a quick comparison:

Elbow Sleeve (like our Elbow Stabilising Sleeve)

• Easy to wear yourself

• Provides gentle compression and support

• Reusable and fits under clothing

• Comfortable for daily tasks or light activity

Tape

• Targeted support for specific areas

• Useful for training or flare-ups

• Can assist muscle retraining

• Requires proper application technique

While most of my research focuses on the knee, the unload-then-retrain approach applies across the body. Unloading an injured tendon gives it a chance to calm down. Once pain is reduced, targeted strengthening can begin.

Don’t just treat the symptoms. Treat the cause

While tape or a sleeve can make everyday tasks easier, long-term recovery comes from improving forearm strength, grip control and posture. A physiotherapist can guide you on exercises to fix the root cause, not just the pain.

Final takeaway

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow can linger if not supported properly. Whether it’s the snug compression of a sleeve or targeted support from tape, these tools can reduce strain and help you recover faster.

McConnell Therapeutics offers both taping products and our Functional Stability Elbow Support sleeve, designed to offload and support your elbow with comfort and confidence.

Talk to your physiotherapist about what option fits best and start feeling the difference today.

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.