If you have injured your elbow, start the recovery process by resting, icing, compressing, and elevating. Rest by taking a few days off from your sport. For easy cold therapy, use an elbow ice pack. Compress with a brace for your elbow injury: hyperextension, tennis elbow, golf elbow, or general elbow tendonitis. Lastly, elevate the injured area above your heart by keeping your arm above your head.