Futuro Spiral Lift Elbow Support
Dec 15 '00 (Updated May 07 '07)
The Bottom Line Use RICE
I hurt my elbow not too long ago working out with weights. Some would call this pain “tennis elbow”.
What is tennis elbow? Dr. Michael Cicotti states, “The muscle tendon units which allow flexion and extension of the wrist, as well as grasping with the hand, begin at the inner and outer aspects of the elbow. Repeated grasping, gripping or twisting can irritate these muscle tendon units. This irritation or inflammation occurs at the elbow joint and is called epicondylitis. Epicondylitis along the inner aspect of the elbow is commonly known as "golfer’s elbow" and epicondylitis along the outer aspect of the elbow is commonly known as "tennis elbow". "
When working out with weights there are a couple of exercises that are particularly sensitive to hurting one’s elbow: the bench press and the skullcrusher (a tricep exercise).
People of any age can develop aches, pains, muscle soreness and worse incapacitating injury. I usually use the RICE method of dealing with this. The RICE method is rest, ice, compression, and elevation unless the injury is serious.
1. The immediate use of ice reduces bleeding. For the first 48 to 72 hours following injury, an ice pack should be applied for 10 to 12 minutes every 2 waking hours. Ice Packs are ideal for this purpose.
2. In order to reduce further the amount of blood flowing to the injured area, elevation and compression are recommended using a an elastic support.
3. Rest can prevent further trauma to the damaged site. Supports can help to protect minor injuries while going about daily activities and even going back to working out.
4. Very light massage using any form of oil to prevent skin abrasion can help scar tissue from forming, help heal the area and reduce the possibility of injury recurrence. I know that when I hurt my shoulder I went to physical therapy. Part of physical therapy is deep, intense massage.
In the past for me compression meant wrapping a bandage around the area, elbow, knee, ankle, etc. for support. These bandages slip and slide and the buckles that are used to keep it closed get caught in clothes or they get lost and I end up using safety pins.
After 48 hours with no relief from my sore elbow, I should have seen a doctor but I didn’t. I decided to try a more supportive brace, which I had seen advertised. I bought the Futuro Spiral Lift Elbow Support. It advertises itself as having “firm support and helps to reduce the chance of re-injury.” I found that it really does work!
The elbow support comes in 4 sizes: small to extra-large. The box tells you how to determine the size you should buy (measure around the elbow at the joint).
It is made of cotton, rayon and rubber. There is a cautionary warning that the product contains natural rubber latex “which may cause allergic reactions.” It also warns that if the pain increases or persists to stop using the product.
So what is so special about the Spiral Lift?
1. It is shaped to fit the elbow; in fact if you hold it up it looks like one.
2. Unlike ACE Bandages, which often times require several hands to wrap around the injury, this requires only two. You can put it on yourself.
3. It isn’t too tight but it is tight enough to feel immediate support.
4. It is washable and appears to be able to withstand many washings and last a long time.
5. It is called Spiral Lift because it has a spiral design built into it. The instructions say exactly where to place the design to get the most support.
6. It can be used on either the right or left elbow.
7. Futuro guarantees their products to be of the highest quality. If you feel the product is defective they will replace it free of charge.
This company also makes knee, wrist, ankle braces as well as other supports. I would definitely use other products made by them.
Stretching is crucial to prevent injuries. I do stretch, but get injured anyway so you can imagine what would happen if I didn’t stretch! I stretch in between exercises and after I have finished my workout. Two stretches that I would recommend for the elbow are are: stretching your arm our in front of you and gently push back on the palm of your hand. This will stretch the front of your arm and bicep. Switch arms.
The second one involves putting one arm above your head and bending your elbow so your hand is touching your ear. Gently push down on your elbow. This will stretch the back of your arm and tricep.
In the December issue of Shape Magazine, there is an article based on Montreal research. They found that:
•Stretching before exercise does not decrease injury risk but it will extend range of motion and reduce stiffness.
•Warming up with light activity does not increase range of motion but will reduce injuries.
•For most people, one 15-30 second stretch will increase range of motion.
•Bouncing – repeated, brief stretches can increase stiffness and harm muscles.
•Applying heat or ice to a muscle before or while stretching will increase range of motion but has not been shown to prevent injury.
•And last, the best way for any one person to stretch depends on her injuries and other factors.
I hope this information has helped. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me. Remember to see your doctor if an injury lasts longer than 72 hours!
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