Lateral Epicondyle Tendinopathy Toolkit: Section H - Braces, Splints, and Taping

Toolkit Navigation

• Contents Page
• Summary of the Evidence
• Treatment Algorithm
• Appendix A: Details of the Articles
• Appendix B: Manual Therapy
• Appendix C: Details of Exercise Prescription
• Appendix D: LASER Dosage Calculation
• Appendix E: Braces, Splints, and Taping
• Appendix F: Outcome Measures
• Appendix G: Medical and Surgical Interventions

Counterforce Brace

Counterforce braces are often used for pain relief in LET. They are thought to diffuse the load through the tendon to less sensitive areas, thereby decreasing the stress on the area of pathology. A combined cadaveric and clinical study showed a 13-15% force reduction of the ECRB origin with the counterforce brace (Meyer et al 2003).

Figure 1

Wrist Splint

Wrist splints are less commonly used, but do have some support for temporary pain relief in more acute patients. The goal is to rest the musculotendinous unit originating at the lateral epicondyle.

Figure 2

Diamond Taping Technique (Vicenzino et al 2003)

This taping technique consists of four tape strips, repeated twice. The tape is laid in a diamond shape while pulling the soft tissues centrally towards the lateral epicondyle. The goal is to decrease tension at the epicondyle attachment.

Figure 3

Download Lateral Epicondyle Tendinopathy Toolkit: Appendix E - Braces, Splints, and Taping

http://physicaltherapy.med.ubc.ca/files/2013/07/Appendix-E.-Lateral-Epicondyle-Tendinopathy-Braces-Splints-and-Taping-June-2013.pdf

Acknowledgements

Developed by the BC Physical Therapy Tendinopathy Task Force: Dr. Joseph Anthony, Dr. Angela Fearon, Diana Hughes, Carol Kennedy, Dr. Alex Scott, Michael Yates, & Alison Hoens.

A Physical Therapy Knowledge Broker project supported by: UBC Department of Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy Association of BC, Vancouver Coastal Research Institute and Providence Healthcare Research Institute.

June 2013