Physical Therapy Clinic Helping Peoria Residents Move Better Without Pills or Surgery
If you live in Peoria and you're dealing with pain that just won't go away, you're not alone. At Preferred Physical Therapy, we help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to what you love—without relying on pills, injections, or surgery.
Whether you're dealing with back pain, a sports injury, or limited mobility, our team of licensed physical therapists is here to guide your recovery and get you back to the life you want.
We’re just minutes from central Peoria, making it easy for you to fit high-quality care into your routine. We’ve helped thousands of patients get results that last, and we’re ready to help you do the same.
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 Therapy for Peoria Patients
We offer a full range of physical therapy services at our clinic to help you recover faster and move with confidence. From personalized rehab plans to advanced regenerative treatments, every service is focused on long-term results without relying on pills or surgery.
Dry needling can treat an enormous range of conditions, from muscular pain to carpal tunnel and plantar fasciitis.
Therapeutic Cupping is indicated for people who seem to have chronic muscle tension associated with joint stiffness.
This innovative therapy delivers pulsed, sonic energy deep into the injured tissue, promoting faster healing.
Therapy that helps reduce dizziness, improve balance, and restore your confidence in daily movement.
Specialized hands-on sports physical therapy that works at ending all of the common sports injuries, fast
Provided with the comfort of our office and staff, this plan is designed to be your next step after physical therapy
Assisted stretch session by one of our Stretch Specialist to help you feel relaxed and flexible.
NormaTec uses a patented Pulse Technology to help athletes recover faster between trainings and after performance.
Meet The Preferred Physical Therapy Team
Our team includes experienced physical therapists, rehab specialists, and support staff who are here to guide you through every step of recovery. We take time to understand your goals, track your progress, and adjust your plan as needed.
Click on each profile below to learn more about their expertise and commitment to your health and wellness.
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.
Choose The Best Option For You...
Just click one of the buttons above and then fill out the simple form.
Conditions We Treat
Our physical therapists treat a wide range of conditions, from common injuries to complex, long-term issues. Many of our patients come to us after trying pain medications, chiropractic care, or even other clinics that didn’t work out.
If you don’t see your condition listed, contact us to see how we can help.
Head and Neck
-
Vertigo and Dizziness
Herniated or Bulging Disc
Whiplash
-
Neck Pain
Degenerative Disc Disease
-
Headaches and Migraines
Neck Spondylosis (Degeneration)
Arthritis and Stenosis
Poor Posture and Forward Head Syndrome
Shoulder
-
Shoulder Pain
Sprain / Strain
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Fractures
Labrum Tear
Bursitis / Tendonitis
Dislocation, Instability
Post-surgery Rehab
Frozen Shoulder / Adhesive Capsulitis
Back
-
Low Back Pain
Post-surgery Rehab
Sciatica and Radiating Pain
Sacroiliac Joint Pain and Stiffness
Osteoporosis
Spinal Arthritis and Spinal Stenosis
-
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 Patients in Peoria Trust Our Physical Therapists
We’re a locally owned clinic that takes pride in helping people in our community move without pain. Our Peoria patients come to us because they’re tired of quick fixes and want real answers.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Personalized Treatment Plans
We create a treatment plan specifically for you—no cookie-cutter approaches.
We take the time to understand your unique challenges and goals, then design a plan to help you succeed.
Proven Results
We use evidence-based practices that are backed by research and years of successful outcomes.
Our patients experience long-lasting relief and functional improvements.
Convenient Location & Flexible Hours
While our clinic is located in Glendale, we are proud to serve the entire Peoria community.
Our clinic is easily accessible with ample parking, and we offer flexible hours to fit your busy schedule.
We’re known in Peoria for delivering results. From young athletes to busy professionals and active retirees, we help people move better without relying on pills, injections, or surgery.
Book Your Physical Therapy Session Today
Pain doesn’t have to be your normal. If you're ready to feel better and move without limitations, schedule a consultation today. Our clinic is a short drive from Peoria, and we’re ready when you are.
Your Physical Therapy Questions Answered
We understand that choosing the right physical therapy clinic is an important decision. To help you make an informed choice, we've compiled answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask. Whether you're new to physical therapy or you're seeking specific treatment options, we hope these FAQs provide the clarity you need.
If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to provide answers and guide you on your path to recovery.
What types of pain or injuries do you treat?
We treat a wide range of conditions including joint pain, muscle strains, back pain, sports injuries, arthritis, and post-surgical rehab. For a full list of conditions we treat, check out the “Conditions We Treat” page.
I’m getting older and feel like I’m losing strength and mobility. Is physical therapy a good option for me?
Yes, physical therapy is an excellent option for older adults who want to maintain or regain their strength, flexibility, and mobility. As we age, our bodies naturally lose some muscle mass, balance, and coordination. Physical therapy can help slow this process down and improve your independence, allowing you to enjoy everyday activities with more ease. It’s never too late to start!
How soon can I expect results?
Some patients start feeling better after just a few sessions, while others may need more time depending on their condition. We’ll work with you to set clear goals and track your progress to ensure you’re on the right path.
Can you help if I’ve already tried physical therapy somewhere else?
Yes, absolutely. Many of our patients come to us after other therapies haven’t worked. Our unique approach focuses on identifying the root cause of your pain and developing a custom plan to get you back to doing what you love—without wasting your time or money.
How often will I need to return to physical therapy?
That will depend on several things. It will depend on what your doctor recommended, what we recommend based on our evaluation, and what your insurance plan allows. Typically doctors recommend 2-3 visits each week for 4 weeks, or 8-12 visits. At the end of this prescription of PT we will do a re-evaluation. This is where we re-evaluate the measures we took in our initial evaluation (first visit) to see the progress made.
If you are where you want to be and have achieved your therapy goals then you are ready for discharge to continue at home with your home program (we strive to make this happen). If you are making progress but aren’t quite where you want to be with your improvement we recommend you continue another round of physical therapy (more common with more complex issues).
In the event you are just not getting better, you will be referred back to your doctor to pursue more aggressive treatment options (we hope this doesn’t happen, but unfortunately we can’t fix everyone as fast as they want to be fixed).
Will I get treatment the first day?
Yes! We’ll treat you and give you an exercise program (with pictures and descriptions) and have all the equipment (for purchase) you’ll need so you can perform them at home. This will complement the hands on portion of our treatment plan very nicely. The exercises also help further identify what may be causing your problem. So it may be a good idea to keep a record of what exercises help or hurt your problem after the first visit.
What’s the difference between physical therapy and regenerative treatments?
Physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, strength, and function, while regenerative treatments aim to support the healing of deeper tissues, such as joints, tendons, and muscles. Many of our patients see the best results with a combination of both approaches.
Service Area
We proudly offer expert physical therapy services to Peoria and the surrounding West Valley communities. Our mission is simple: to help you move better, live with less pain, and get back to the activities you love. We’re here for you, offering personalized care every step of the way, so you can live life on your terms again.
Top Sights In Peoria, Arizona
What People Are Saying About Preferred Physical Therapy
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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!!
-
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
We are located in the Arrowhead Area in Glendale Arizona. Here is a video to show you where exactly to find us, as it can be tricky near the mall and Costco. This will be helpful for anyone trying to find our clinic for the first time!
Google Street View Virtual Tour
Take an interactive look inside our clinic with the Google Streetview Virtual Tour!