Elbow brace

[Bowling Wonder]

As some of you may know, the biggest issue with my game is that my arm is bent during the backswing. A couple of weeks ago, my coach made a suggestion about this. He recommended that I try one of those arm sleeves typically worn by basketball players (I hope you know what I'm talking about). Today, I got a few from a local store. One type is simply a regular sleeve. Another type has some padding. However, none of them seem to offer the support I'm looking for. I suppose this brings me to my question. Is there any type of device, similar to a wrist support, that could help me with keeping my elbow locked? Thank you in advance, and I appreciate your help very much!

[e-tank]

you looking for something like this?

[billf]

I used an elbow brace I bought at Wal-Mart made by Meuller. It's basically a big compression brace. Supports and when you do bend the elbow, you can tell without pain being involved.

[ArtVandelay]

Are you talking about those whole arm sleeves made popular by Allen Iverson? Click here for the picture... I can NEVER get pictures to load in the thread...

I think those are meant more for impact type things, and keeping the muscles warm. Now, I don't know if this is what you're looking for, but I always warm up with a tendinitis brace. It goes right below the elbow and you tighten it just enough to apply a little pressure. Now, you can STILL bend your elbow, but it does tighten things up a bit more and provide some support. It helps me quite a bit. Once I'm properly warmed up I'll normally take it off, depends on how I'm feeling.

I recommend this one by McDavid. I buy mine at Sports Authority and they run about $10-15, but last me at least a year before I replace them. You can actually find tendinitis bands at your bowling alley pro shop, but I don't like those. The McDavid band is kind of padded and more comfortable. I'd try to find one of those, but the bowling alley ones work too, and do a fine job, they're just not as comfortable.

[ArtVandelay]

If you're looking for something more restrictive, try this one, also by McDavid. They sell that at Sports Authority, too (look in the weight lifting section where they normally keep knee braces and things like that).

I don't like it because it's more restrictive. As you can see, it still has a tightening strap, but the device goes completely over your elbow and up your bicep. The one I use is considered, "level 2 protection," and the one in this post is considered, "level 3 protection." I'd imagine it might be more your speed. The packaging they come in is easily opened. I try the stuff on before I buy them to make sure it fits right.

I hope that helps!

[Bowling Wonder]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. First, I'm not experiencing pain, so a tendinitis sleeve isn't what I'm looking for. Also, yes, I am talking about the type of sleeve worn by Iverson. Again, what I'm looking for is basically the concept of a wrist brace, but used for the elbow- a device that creates proper muscle memory for the elbow rather than the wrist. I realize that the elbow shouldn't stay locked throughout the armswing, such as in the pushaway. Having said that, I'm not sure if such a device exists. Having said that, my only option may be to have more conscious efforts to keep my elbow straight.

[e-tank]

The sleeve worn by basketball players is just for warmth, show and slight protection with the pad on the elbow. You could try looking into a Rehband elbow sleeve. Idk if youve ever watched the worlds strongest man competitions but its the blue sleeves they wear on their knees. The sleeve is good for keeping the joint warm and also offers resistance with flexion of the elbow. Its also more resistance than the sleeves youll find at your local sports store.

[75lockwood]

Are you talking about those whole arm sleeves made popular by Allen Iverson? Click here for the picture... I can NEVER get pictures to load in the thread...

slightly off topic but i can help

instead of using the picture button on the editor, take the like the the picture you want to post and wrap it in "[IMG]" "[/IMG]" Tags as so:

[ArtVandelay]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. First, I'm not experiencing pain, so a tendinitis sleeve isn't what I'm looking for. Also, yes, I am talking about the type of sleeve worn by Iverson. Again, what I'm looking for is basically the concept of a wrist brace, but used for the elbow- a device that creates proper muscle memory for the elbow rather than the wrist. I realize that the elbow shouldn't stay locked throughout the armswing, such as in the pushaway. Having said that, I'm not sure if such a device exists. Having said that, my only option may be to have more conscious efforts to keep my elbow straight.

Yes, but even if you aren't experiencing pain, the tendinitis bands do restrict some movement. They'll do more than those Allen Iverson type sleeves. You might try it and see if it's closer to what you're looking for.

slightly off topic but i can help

instead of using the picture button on the editor, take the like the the picture you want to post and wrap it in "[IMG]" "[/IMG]" Tags as so:

Thank you! I've never had that picture importer thing work for me. I appreciate the tip!