Do Compression Braces Really Help Tennis and Pickleball Players Recover?
Share
My Experience with Compression Braces
Right now, I’m wearing a compression brace for tennis elbow. After weeks of dealing with nagging soreness on my forearm every time I hit my one-handed backhand, I decided to try it out and see if it made a difference.
I’ve worn compression braces on my elbow, knee, and ankle at different times, but I wanted to dig deeper—do they actually work, or do they just feel like they do? And how do they compare to taping (like KT Tape)?
What Do Compression Braces Actually Do?
Compression braces apply gentle, consistent pressure to an injured or overused joint, helping to:
✔ Reduce Swelling – Compression minimizes fluid buildup that contributes to stiffness and pain.
✔ Improve Blood Flow – Increased circulation can aid in muscle and tendon recovery.
✔ Enhance Stability – Extra support helps reduce strain on injured joints during movement.
✔ Provide Pain Relief – Many players find that a brace reduces discomfort by limiting excessive motion.
But does the science back it up?
Compression Braces vs. Kinesiology Tape (KT Tape)
Tennis and pickleball players often choose between compression braces and taping for pain relief and support. Both have benefits, but they work differently:
✅ Compression Braces – Best for longer-lasting, consistent support. Helps reduce swelling and provides firm pressure around the joint. Works well during and after play.
✅ KT Tape – Best for light support with increased mobility. Works by lifting the skin slightly to promote circulation and reduce pain. Better for players who don’t want restrictive support but still need relief.
🚫 Compression Brace Drawbacks – Can feel restrictive, especially on the elbow during forehands or serves.
🚫 KT Tape Drawbacks – Less durability (often peels off with sweat), and requires proper taping technique for effectiveness.
For my tennis elbow, I’ve been alternating between the two. The compression brace helps during play, while taping offers more freedom of movement when I don’t want bulk around my arm.
The Science Behind Compression Braces
Research on compression braces shows mixed but promising results. While they won’t magically heal a torn ligament or cure tennis elbow overnight, studies suggest they help manage pain, swelling, and recovery time—especially for overuse injuries.
For conditions like tennis elbow, patellar tendonitis, and ankle instability, braces can:
✔ Reduce pain and inflammation during movement.
✔ Improve proprioception (your body’s awareness of joint positioning), which may prevent further strain.
✔ Allow players to stay active while recovering.
However, braces and tape aren’t replacements for rehab exercises. They’re tools, not cures.
When Should You Use a Compression Brace?
✔ During Play – If you need extra stability or pain relief for tennis elbow, knee pain, or ankle instability.
✔ Post-Match Recovery – To reduce swelling and aid circulation after intense matches.
✔ Preventative Use – If you’re prone to certain injuries, a brace may help reduce strain.
When not to use one? If you’re relying on a brace instead of proper recovery and rehab, you’re only delaying the inevitable. It’s best used alongside strengthening exercises, mobility work, and smart recovery habits.
Are Compression Braces Worth It? (Recovery Score: 8.0/10)
Compression braces can be valuable for tennis and pickleball players, especially for managing pain and preventing re-injury. But they work best as part of a full recovery strategy, not as a band-aid solution.
✔ Great for mild to moderate injuries like tennis elbow, knee pain, and ankle instability.
✔ Helpful for swelling, circulation, and pain relief after matches.
✔ Not a replacement for strengthening, mobility, and rehab exercises.
For tennis elbow, I personally switch between a compression brace and KT tape early in my injury recovery depending on how my arm feels. The key is finding what works for your injury, your playing style, and your recovery routine.
Have you used compression braces or KT Tape for your tennis or pickleball injuries? Let me know what’s worked for you!