Rehabilitation Therapy Helping Sun City Residents Regain Strength and Confidence Without Medication or Surgery
If you’re in Sun City and dealing with pain, injury, or reduced mobility, you don’t need to accept it as your new normal. At Preferred Physical Therapy, we help people recover movement, restore strength, and return to the activities they enjoy, without relying on medications, injections, or surgical procedures.
We work with adults and seniors facing a range of challenges, from joint pain and balance issues to post-surgical recovery and long-term injuries. Our licensed therapists will guide you through a personalized plan that helps you regain control of your health and your daily life.
Watch this 2 minute video that explains exactly how Preferred Physical Therapy helps people like you!
How To Get Started
1) Qualifying Phone Call: This helps you know if we can solve what you have AND schedule a FREE discovery visit.
2) Discovery Visit: You will sit down with a provider to understand your problem and Create a Custom Care Plan.
3) Execute Custom Care Plan: This is your road map to moving easy and pain-free.
Start Your Pain-Free Journey Now »Our Services: Effective Physical Rehabilitation Therapy for Sun City Patients
We offer focused, goal-oriented rehab therapy for patients in Sun City who want lasting results. Every treatment plan is built around your goals and current condition, using methods that promote long-term strength and function—not just short-term relief.
This technique targets muscle knots and tightness, helping to alleviate pain and improve flexibility in affected areas.
Therapeutic cupping helps to reduce chronic muscle tension and improve circulation, relieving stiffness and discomfort in the body.
Shockwave therapy uses sonic energy to accelerate healing, reducing pain and promoting recovery in damaged tissues.
Designed for patients with balance disorders or vertigo, this therapy works to improve stability and coordination, reducing dizziness.
Tailored for athletes, our sports therapy helps to treat injuries and prevent future problems so you can get back to your activities as quickly as possible.
After completing your physical therapy, continue your progress with our Preferred Fitness Program, which is designed to keep you active and strong.
Our Stretch Program focuses on increasing flexibility and relieving tight muscles with assisted stretches led by our specialists.
Normatec recovery systems help reduce muscle soreness and accelerate the healing process, ensuring you’re ready for your next activity.
Meet The Preferred Physical Therapy Team
You’ll work directly with experienced therapists and support staff who take the time to understand your condition and map out the right approach. From your first visit through every step of recovery, our team is here to support your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Click below to learn more about the people behind your care.
Nick Hunter, PT, DPT
President and Owner of Preferred Physical Therapy
Nick is a Physical Therapist who grew up in Glendale, Arizona. He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. He then went on to attend the University of Utah in Salt Lake City where he received his Doctor of Physical Therapy.
While in school, Nick was able to work in a hearing and balance center, pain management clinic, and several orthopedic clinics. In 2010, Nick moved back to the Phoenix area to begin his physical therapy career. After just 2 years in practice, Nick was promoted to partner physical therapist, managing a team of physical therapists and support staff. With this experience, he decided to continue his care for patients by starting his own clinic. Some of his special areas of interest include orthopedic rehab, vestibular impairments, and trigger point dry needling. He is particularly skilled with the spine, knee, and foot/ ankle areas.
In his spare time, Nick enjoys CrossFit training, cycling, triathlon training, jeeping, and spending time with his wife and four boys in the outdoors (by camping in the summer and snowboarding in the winter).
Born: Provo, UT
Lives now: Peoria, AZ
Favorites
Place: Codon, Catanduanes Philippines
Restaurant: The Keg Steakhouse
Food: Chinese Food
Holiday: Christmas
City: Moab, Utah
TV Show: Stranger Things
Movie: Growing up: Dumb and Dumber, Now: Thor Ragnarok as well as The Power of One
Singer/ Group: Imagine Dragons
Celebrity: Lebron James
Book: Lee Childs Jack Reacher Series and many books by David Baldacci
Hobbies: Crossfit, basketball, 4 wheeling in my Jeep
Sports Team: The Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Cardinals
Dr. Nick Hunter, PT, DPT
Owner of Preferred Physical Therapy
Dr. Shayla Alvarez PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Shayla was born in San Jose, California, but now calls Peoria, Arizona home. She attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama, where she played Division 1 Volleyball both indoor and on the beach from 2016-2020. She then went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, graduating in 2024.
Shayla is excited to join the Preferred Physical Therapy team, where private practice allows her the freedom to provide individualized care without being limited by quotas and insurance constraints. She is passionate about helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life through personalized treatment plans.
In her spare time, Shayla enjoys playing volleyball with her husband and friends, line dancing with her sister, and spending quality time with her daughter, Autumn.
Born: San Jose, California
Lives now: Peoria, AZ
Favorites
Place: Freeport, Bahamas
Restaurant: Cooper’s Hawk
Food: Sushi
TV Show: Vampire Diaries
Movie: Forrest Gump
Singer/Group: Cody Johnson
Book: Throne of Glass
Hobby: Indoor and Beach Volleyball
Sports Team: Green Bay Packers
Dr. Shayla Alvarez PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Aolani Peiper
Stretch and Fitness Director
Aolani is originally from the Big Island of Hawai’i and attended Fort Lewis College in Durango Colorado where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science. Aolani is currently attending Bastyr University to pursue an online Masters of Science in Integrative Nutrition.
Aolani has a passion for health and wellness and has always loved helping people. In addition to her work at Preferred Physical Therapy, Aolani is an exercise specialist, stretch therapist, and Lomi Lomi massage therapist. She has strived to make the care she provides both accessible and individualized to create a safe healing journey. She has dabbled in a few facets of healthcare but has always been interested in rehab, movement therapy, and correctional exercise techniques.
“Like I would with my own family, I want to provide the best care possible and empower the patient to make effective decisions in their plan of care.”
Born: Hawai’i
Lives now: Glendale, AZ
Favorites
Place: Any beach in Hawaii
Restaurant: Spinato's Pizza or Hapa Food Co.
Food: Poke and Kalua Pig
Holiday: Halloween
City: Boston
TV Show: The office or Chicago med
Movie: The breakfast club
Singer/ Group: 2pac
Celebrity: Selena Gomez
Book: The Girls weekend
Hobbies: Weightlifting and cooking
Aolani Peiper
Stretch and Fitness Director
Kristy Snyder
Sales Administrator
Kristy was born and raised in California but now calls Peoria her home. She attended school in Fullerton, CA and Irvine, CA where she studied Physical Education.
Kristy is excited to now be a member of the Preferred Physical Therapy team. She loves the company’s core values. It makes her happy to know that she is helping people feel better and influencing them in a positive way.
She spends her spare time with her husband and 2 daughters.
Born: Anaheim, CA
Lives: Peoria, AZ
Favorites
Place: Anywhere in nature with a pretty sunset (and her camera)
Restaurant: Any place that has tacos or sushi
Food: Street tacos
City: Any city where my family is
TV Show: Heartland
Movie: City of Angels
Singer/ Group: 80’s pop or country
Celebrity: I don’t really follow them
Book: Facebook! Lol. Kidding! Anything informative on health, fitness, or relationships.
Hobby: Photography, yoga, & smiling
Sports team: Any team my kids are playing on
Kristy Snyder
Client Success Specialist
Learn how Preferred Physical Therapy can help you move better and feel your best.
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Conditions We Treat
Our physical rehabilitation therapy helps with a wide range of concerns—whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing arthritis, healing from a fall, or trying to regain strength after a health setback.
If you’re unsure whether we’re the right fit for your recovery, we’re happy to talk it through with you.
Head and Neck
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Vertigo and Dizziness
Herniated or Bulging Disc
Whiplash
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Neck Pain
Degenerative Disc Disease
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Headaches and Migraines
Neck Spondylosis (Degeneration)
Arthritis and Stenosis
Poor Posture and Forward Head Syndrome
Shoulder
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Shoulder Pain
Sprain / Strain
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Fractures
Labrum Tear
Bursitis / Tendonitis
Dislocation, Instability
Post-surgery Rehab
Frozen Shoulder / Adhesive Capsulitis
Back
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Low Back Pain
Post-surgery Rehab
Sciatica and Radiating Pain
Sacroiliac Joint Pain and Stiffness
Osteoporosis
Spinal Arthritis and Spinal Stenosis
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Mid Back Pain
Compression Fractures
Sprain / Strain
Herniated or Bulging Disc
Spondylolisthesis
Degenerative Diseases
Elbow, Wrist and Hand
Elbow Pain, Wrist Pain, Hand Pain
Tendon Repair & Post-surgery Rehab
Sprain / Strain
Fractures
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Nerve Injuries
Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow (Lateral & Medial Epicondylitis)
Hip
Hip Pain and Thigh Pain
Difficulty Walking
Sprain / Strain
Piriformis Syndrome
Trochanteric Bursitis
Osteoarthritis of The Hip
Sciatica
Groin Pull
Sports Hernia
Post-surgery Rehab
Total Hip Replacement / Partial Hip Replacement
Foot and Ankle
Achilles Tendonitis
Plantar Fasciitis
Morton’s Neuroma
Bunionectomy Recovery
Peroneal Tendonitis
Sprain / Strain
Fractures
Post-surgery Rehab
Instability
Sports Injury
Calf Strain
Hamstring Strain
Shoulder Muscle Tear
Achilles Tendonitis
Groin Strain
Knee, Balance and Walking
Meniscus Injury
Sprain / Strain
Post-surgery Rehab
Difficulty Walking
Total Knee Replacement
Knee Pain
Poor Balance / Risk of Falling
Tendonitis
Medial Cruciate Ligament (MCL) Tears
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tears
Lateral Cruciate Ligament (LCL) Tears
Why Sun City Residents Trust Our Physical Rehabilitation Therapy
We’re not a high-volume chain clinic. We’re a locally owned practice that puts your recovery first. Our Sun City patients appreciate our one-on-one approach and the results it delivers.
Here’s why so many people in your community choose us:
Personalized Recovery Plans
We don’t use cookie-cutter routines. We start by understanding your condition and goals, then build a plan that fits your body and your pace.
Results That Last
We focus on restoring movement, strength, and stability, using proven rehab techniques that help prevent relapses or setbacks.
Convenient Location & Easy Access
We’ve helped patients from all walks of life, retirees, caregivers, and active adults, rebuild their health and feel like themselves again. If you’re ready for a clear recovery plan, we’re ready to help.
Book Your Rehabilitation Therapy Appointment Today
Don’t let pain or limited movement hold you back. If you’re in Sun City and looking for a clear way forward, schedule a consultation with our team. We’re nearby, and we’re committed to helping you recover safely, fully, and without unnecessary interventions.
Common Questions About Physical Rehabilitation Therapy
We understand that starting rehab can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most common questions below—so you can feel confident about your next step.
If you still have questions, just reach out. We’re happy to help.
Can rehabilitation therapy help with chronic pain or old injuries?
Yes, it can. We often work with patients who’ve been dealing with long-term pain or injuries that never fully healed. Through a combination of targeted exercises and hands-on treatment, we help restore function and reduce pain—so you’re not stuck avoiding movement or relying on painkillers every day.
What is the meaning of rehabilitation therapy?
Rehabilitation therapy is a process that helps you recover physical strength, coordination, and mobility after an injury, surgery, or chronic condition. At our clinic, it’s about helping you move better, feel stronger, and return to normal activities with more comfort and confidence.
What are examples of rehabilitative treatment?
Some of the treatment methods we use in rehab therapy include:
- Mobility and flexibility training
- Manual therapy to improve joint or muscle function
- Exercises that rebuild strength and control
- Neuromuscular coordination drills
- Balance-focused work
- Safe strategies for reducing pain and tension
Your plan will always match your individual needs and progress.
What’s the difference between physical therapy and rehabilitation?
Physical therapy is one part of the bigger picture. Rehabilitation includes physical therapy, but also addresses full-body recovery—things like balance, posture, strength, and re-training the way you move. Rehab supports healing from injuries, surgeries, or long-standing issues that affect how you function day to day.
What are the four stages of rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation usually happens in four stages:
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Pain and protection – Ease discomfort and protect the injured area
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Mobility and movement – Restore flexibility and basic movement
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Strength and balance – Improve muscle control and coordination
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Return to function – Help you get back to daily routines, work, or sports
We work with you through each stage, adjusting the plan as your body improves.
Service Area
We provide rehabilitation therapy to Sun City residents and surrounding areas in the Northwest Valley. Our goal is to help you recover with strength, confidence, and independence, so you can keep doing what matters most to you.
Top Sights In Sun City, Arizona
What People Are Saying About Preferred Physical Therapy
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This has been the best experience I have ever had with physical therapy. They are very hands on and then so knowledgeable about why the particular exercises are selected for you. I have consistently improved with the program I am on. Staff is friendly and encouraging. They keep me able to be active and do the things I love to do as I age.
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Bob, a retired Army LTC turned PGA golf pro, had a severe stroke in 2019. Despite good progress with physical therapists across the Valley, Dr. Nick Hunter at Preferred Physical Therapy truly turned things around. He and his team understood Bob’s aspirations and quickly realized his motivation was to return to golf. They implemented strategies to enhance his balance, strength, and mobility. Dr. Nick’s creativity and caring approach, combined with the staff’s friendly support, made physical therapy a pleasure.
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I have been going to Preferred Physical Therapy for over a year. I am an avid trail runner and as I have gotten older, I realize that if I don't take care of my body, injury will most certainly follow. Nick helped me work through a hip flexor injury and a quad strain, and I am back on the trail feeling wonderful. Not only did I get through my injuries, I was sent away with tools to prevent further injury.Running is my sanity, so I am so grateful for this place. So much so, that I have continued my journey by getting active stretch 2x/month with Aolani to help prevent future injury. She is wonderful and I look forward to every visit.Finally, one of the absolute best parts of coming here is the personal touch. Everyone knows my name and is so welcoming. I love being greeted by Jennifer and Kristy right as I walk through the door! But at every appointment the PTs are always present and give 100% of their attention to every visit.I cannot recommend this place enough. I am so grateful for the team here!
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I am so very happy that I found Preferred Physical Therapy!!! I was previously a patient at another clinic nearby, and although the staff was just fine I felt like something was missing.I was scheduled to have a complete knee replacement June 3, and I wanted to check out other clinics to be sure I had the right fit. The second you walk into Preferred Physical Therapy you are greeted by Kristy and Jennifer who answer all and every question you might have. They are always welcoming and polite and are very caring and accommodating.Nick and Brad are amazing therapists who know their stuff!!!! I felt completely comfortable with both of them immediately. They set high goals for success, and work carefully with you to help you to reach those goals. They spend 30 minutes of one on one time with you before having their technicians work with you to complete your exercises.Ivan, Kenzie, Jen, and Catherine are all incredible technicians who make sure I complete all of the exercises assigned carefully and correctly. These four are rising stars as they are all working toward careers in the medical field.Last, but certainly not least, is Aolani. She provides specialized services which are incredibly helpful for pain management. I just had a massage/stretching session with her last week, and those hands of hers are magical. She is tuned into your body and mind. A very aware and knowledgeable young woman.I cannot believe the success I have had in the last eight weeks after my total knee replacement. Thank you all at Preferred for all of your care, you make me feel special!!! All in all Preferred Physical Therapy gets 100% from this client.Try them, you will not be disappointed!!
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I experienced some intense vertigo/dizziness upon waking up one morning. Kristine on the phone was able to help me get an appointment in that morning despite it being the same day. Nick (the DPT) helped me diagnose and treat my symptoms and regain some normalcy to my life. Two days after my visit and I am feeling a lot better!This office is very professional, courteous, and effective in their service they provide. Preferred physical therapy is my first recommendation to anyone looking for a PT in the valley!
How To Find Preferred Physical Therapy
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