Physical therapy condition guide

Tennis Elbow Physical Therapy in Mt. Pleasant, MI

About Tennis Elbow Physical Therapy

Tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow that often shows up with gripping, lifting, twisting, typing, tool use, racket sports, or carrying objects. Despite the name, many people with tennis elbow do not play tennis. It is often related to tendon irritation and load tolerance in the forearm muscles.

Physical therapy for tennis elbow may include grip and wrist strength testing, shoulder and neck screening, tendon loading exercises, soft tissue work, joint mobility, work or sport modification, dry needling when appropriate, and a home program that gradually rebuilds capacity.

Mountain Town Rehab’s one-on-one model is helpful because tendon pain responds best to the right amount of load over time. Your therapist can help you calm symptoms while keeping you active and progressively rebuild the strength needed for work, hobbies, and sport.

Safety note

Elbow pain after a fall, visible deformity, major swelling, numbness, or loss of hand strength should be medically evaluated.

Tennis Elbow FAQs

Do I have to rest completely?

Usually not. Tendon rehab often uses modified loading rather than total rest.

Can shoulder weakness affect elbow pain?

Yes. Shoulder and shoulder blade control can change how the elbow is loaded during gripping and lifting.

How long does tennis elbow take to improve?

Tendon pain can take time. Consistent exercise progression and workload changes are important.

Is dry needling useful?

It may help some patients with muscle pain or sensitivity as part of a broader strengthening plan.

Related staff experience

Mark Stansberry, Owner / PT, DPT, FAAOMPT Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with fellowship training, extensive manual therapy coursework, dry needling certification, blood flow restriction teaching experience, and experience treating athletes across youth, collegiate, professional, and Olympic levels. Alex Stansberry, DPT Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with outpatient orthopedic and neurologic experience, sports injury interests, dry needling certification, Blood Flow Restriction Training certification, and Graston technique training. Stephanie Pifer, DPT Physical therapist with orthopedic outpatient experience, return-to-sport interests, Blood Flow Restriction Training and Dry Needling skills, and Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist certification in progress for Summer 2026. Kristi Pifer, MA, MSPT Physical therapist with lymphedema certification, pediatric and aquatic therapy specialization, experience treating orthopedic and neurologic conditions, and LSVT BIG certification for Parkinson's treatment. Lisa Smith, PTA Physical therapist assistant with aquatic therapy, neurologic, orthopedic, and pediatric population interests, LSVT BIG certification, and Blood Flow Restriction Training certification.