KT Tape: Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow is the common name describing the condition Lateral Epicondylitis, or inflammation of the outside portion of the elbow resulting in soreness and tenderness. Though, recent research has shown that the condition is not as much inflammatory as it is degenerative (microscopic injury to the tendon). The elbow is the obvious juncture between the shoulder (the rest of the body for that matter) and the hand. Though often unappreciated or recognized, the elbow and especially the ligaments and nerves that pass through, are put under constant pressure and demand during even the most simple of activities. Research shows the condition is not entirely inflammatory in nature and has many root causes and presentations. Typically the condition affects individuals greater than 40 years of age with a history of repetitive activity of the forearm leading to aggravation of the tendons. Most often the condition shows up in the dominant arm and will take extended periods of time to heal due to the low blood flow to the area.

The cause of tennis elbow is not precisely known, and is very likely due to many contributing extrinsic (activity) and intrinsic (anatomical and nutritional) factors. Some, but not all, of the following factors can lead to symptoms of tennis elbow and pain at the lateral epicondyle:

• Poor general conditioning
• Improper form while training
• Bad technique during sport or work (repetitive)
• Worn or poor fitting equipment
• Gripping with unnecessary force
• Sudden forceful pulls
• Overexertion
• General overuse

As the namesake for the condition, tennis is the most common sport directly associated with this condition. However, tennis players represent a very small portion of the total population of tennis elbow sufferers. Use of the wrist and forearm to increase power during movement, rather than the core, will create susceptibility to lateral elbow pain. Tennis is certainly a sport that often creates opportunities for these causes, but many other activities do as well. Those who engage in other racquet sports, work at a computer for long periods of time, hair stylists, construction workers, mechanics, and others that grip and use their wrists while the torso is stationary are likely to develop this condition. Other conditions such as carpal tunnel, rotator cuff calcification or tears, and biceps tendonitis may also increase the chances of developing tennis elbow.

Pain from tennis elbow is felt on or near the bump that forms the outer portion of the elbow. Symptoms are usually mild, but can be so excruciating the daily activities become impossible. They usually occur one to three days after the causal activity and typically get worse with activity and better with rest. Performing a backhand in tennis, use of a screwdriver, shaking a hand, wrist extension, lifting an object with the arm extended in front, or unscrewing a lid are all motions that will recreate the pain of tennis elbow. Pain is generally specific to the lateral elbow, but can radiate down the forearm into the wrist and hand. Rarely does swelling or bruising occur, and these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.

KT Tape helps to treat tennis elbow by increasing circulation to a relatively nonvascular area. KT Tape also decreases pressure and creates fascial manipulations to immediately reduce pain. To minimize healing time, one should also perform light progressive stretching of the forearm muscles, ice after activity, implement massage, and focus on core movements rather than overuse of the extremities. NSAIDs may also be taken to reduce pain and any inflammation that may be present. Once symptoms have subsided, implementation of a strength training program targeted at the shoulders, back, and core will help to reduce strain on the forearm. Technique improvement during sport or occupation will also greatly reduce the occurrence of tennis elbow.

[swooster]

I’m still in disbelief of how pain relieving the KT is! I broke and dislocated my elbow more than a decade ago and this is the best relief I can get from the pain and strain of my elbow. I first learned about this tape during physical therapy for tendinitis in the Achilles. This tape is wonderful!

[tommyholtMN]

my wife used these instructions and helped me tape my (agonizing) tennis elbow. I've tried many different tape variations and this one provided the greatest relief for me and I highly recommend to anyone the KT Pro Synthetic Tapes in pre-cut 10" strips. I feel relief!! Awesome video and thanks for sharing.

[Tjw]

Thanks for the tape and video guys. I've been really struggling as a tiler with tennis elbow and had been lashing on Ibuprofen gel. I started with the tape 8 weeks ago and haven't used gel since and been pain free. I really didn't think tape would work so well but it does. Thanks again.

[garryscheel]

I thought the tape was a sham until I tried it! I followed your steps and all I can say is wow this stuff really works when applied correctly. Thanks for the videos

[gerlindevankoeveringe]

This was really helpful! Tried this with my mother-in-law and she was thankful, hope that's apple pie for me next week😊

[KTTapevideos]

Yes. The tape is meant to be worn during your activity. Thanks for following with us!

[KTB]

Thank God for KT tape! I use this for so many different parts of my body. LOL. I really appreciate your videos because they help me in between my physical therapy appointments. God bless you.

[kungfuman]

Thanks so much for this! Through a combination of weightlifting and guitar playing I've given myself some nice inflammation issues in my left elbow. I can't wait to see how using KT tape will help!

[HannahRanita]

I got tennis elbow for a while and was pretty terrified and depressed for about 5 - 7 weeks. Real bad stabby pain in the elbow area.

My pain decreased when I did these.


ICE ICE ICE. I cannot stress how impt this is. Do not apply heat! It made my pain much worse.

Relax your arms. Make sure your elbows do not touch hard surface. Stretch but not too much. Do not stretch elbows over your head. I did that and it made everything super bad. I applied Voltaren which had diclofenac diethylamine. Omega 3 fish oil and sometimes Neurobion. Make sure your not allergic to the stuff I took. Hope this helps.

[paigejunk]

This is nice and all, but how about a video for when you don't have someone to help you apply the tape. I mean what am I supposed to do, go ask my neighbors?

[cybrslug]

I recently began having serious elbow pain on the outer pointy bone of my left elbow. It was severely impacting my workouts, keyboarding and daily grabbing and carrying of bags and or backpacks. I thought it was a bruised bone, but no amount of Ibuprofen seemed to do anything for the pain and it was not getting any better.. In a last ditch effort, I bought some KT tape and came to YouTube to see how to apply the product. There are a few Elbow videos, but the Tennis Elbow description in this video matched my pain location. It can be a little tricky to do the application by yourself, you will need to set the anchor tape end and then do the stretch and anchor the other end as described. I have serious relief finally! I can type and bend with reduced discomfort.

Thanx KT, you gave me my arm back!

[KTTapevideos]

This should help. You won't become dependent on the tape. In fact we don't want you to have to use it forever. We want to help you heal so you can continue playing without the tape.

[VighneshSelvam]

This is a very informative, clean and crisp video.

[teresablackwelder-rainwate]

Your video has helped us tremendously. Thank you so much for explaining how to use the kt tape sufficiently. You explained it perfectly. Thank you again so much

[StevenBurley-nm]

Now I am wondering what it was that I gripped with my wrist in the prone position when I was packing and moving. Great information. Thank you.

[RoseGoldBeastInTheStreet]

Thank you for the demonstration! Love the tape, it definitely helps.

[KTTapevideos]

KT Tape Original will last 1-3 days and KT Tape Pro will last 3-7 days depending on skin type, type and intensity of activity, etc.

[butchcoplin]

I'm grateful to have proper instruction. Very well done sir.

[KTTapevideos]

KT Tape Pro is made of a synthetic fiber, has a stronger adhesive and is water proof. It will stay on for a week or more. The original KT Tape is made of cotton and is water resistant and will stay on for about 3 days. If you're doing high impact, high endurance or water activities or using the tape on your feet, we recommend the Pro.

[alysskennedy]

I just purchased this tape for my boyfriend because he is into BMX and digs a lot of dirt jumps. Over the years it has taken affect on him.