Physical Therapy Clinic Helping Phoenix Residents Move Better Without Pills or Surgery
If you're dealing with chronic pain, injury, or mobility issues in Phoenix, Preferred Physical Therapy is here to offer a solution that helps you move freely without the need for medication, injections, or surgery.
Our experienced physical therapists help you recover faster and achieve real results. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, chronic pain, or stiffness, we focus on your needs to help you move better and feel stronger, so you can get back to doing what you love.
Located just outside central Phoenix, our clinic offers easy access, early appointments, and a schedule that works with your weekday routine.
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 Phoenix Patients
We offer a full range of physical therapy services designed to address your unique needs and help you recover faster. From personalized treatment plans to advanced therapies, we focus on long-term results—without relying on temporary fixes.
A targeted technique that uses thin needles to release trigger points in muscles and relieve pain caused by tension or overuse.
A therapeutic technique that alleviates chronic muscle tightness and promotes blood flow to stiff joints.
Non-invasive treatment that delivers high-energy sound waves to injured tissue to stimulate healing and reduce chronic pain.
A guided rehab approach that helps correct balance issues, dizziness, and motion sensitivity related to inner ear disorders.
Customized rehab for athletes of all levels, built to treat acute injuries, improve movement patterns, and reduce reinjury risk.
A supervised post-therapy program that bridges the gap between rehab and regular exercise to help you stay active and pain-free.
One-on-one assisted stretching sessions that target muscle tension, increase flexibility, and support better overall movement.
Compression-based therapy using a pneumatic device to reduce muscle fatigue and boost circulation after workouts or long days.
Meet The Preferred Physical Therapy Team
Our team is here to guide you through every step of your recovery. We take the time to understand your pain, goals, and progress so that your treatment plan fits exactly what you need.
Click below to learn more about each team member’s background and approach to physical therapy.
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...
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Conditions We Treat
We treat a wide range of conditions, from everyday aches and pains to complex, long-term issues. Many of our patients come to us after trying other treatments that didn’t work. If you don’t see your condition listed, contact us to see how we can help.
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 Phoenix Residents Choose Our Clinic for Physical Therapy
We’re a local clinic that puts real solutions first. People in Phoenix choose us because they want more than quick fixes—they want long-lasting relief and functional improvement.
Here’s why people trust us:
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every plan is customized to your needs and goals. We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach.
Proven Results
We use evidence-backed methods to deliver long-term relief and help you get back to doing the things you love.
Convenient Location & Flexible Hours
Just a short drive from Phoenix, we help residents with pain relief and mobility recovery, offering a better way to move and feel better.
Book Your Physical Therapy Session Today
If you’re ready to feel better and move without pain, book your appointment today. Our clinic is here to help you recover and get back to your life.
Your Physical Therapy Questions Answered
Choosing a physical therapy clinic can feel overwhelming. To make the process easier, we’ve answered some of the most common questions patients ask. If you have any other questions, reach out—we’ll guide you through every step of the way.
What types of pain or injuries do you treat?
We treat a wide range of conditions that can limit your ability to stay active and comfortable. Whether it’s joint pain, muscle strains, back pain, sports injuries, arthritis, or recovering from surgery, we focus on getting you back to what matters most.
For a full list of conditions we treat, check out the “Conditions We Treat” section, where we dive deeper into how we `can help you regain your strength and mobility.
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?
The time it takes to feel better varies from person to person, but many patients start noticing improvements after just a few sessions. Our goal is to set realistic expectations from the start and continuously monitor your progress to ensure you’re moving toward your recovery in a way that works for you.
Can you help if I’ve already tried physical therapy somewhere else?
Absolutely! It’s common for people to come to us after not getting the results they were hoping for elsewhere. We take a personalized approach, focusing on the root cause of your pain, and use proven methods that are tailored to your needs. You’ll get the attention and care that you didn’t get before—no more wasted time.
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 is about improving your movement, strength, and overall recovery. Regenerative treatments focus on supporting your body’s natural healing processes in deeper tissues like joints, tendons, and muscles. Many of our patients find the combination of both therapies helps them recover faster and more completely.
Service Area
We proudly serve Phoenix and the surrounding communities with expert physical therapy care. Our mission is to help you move better, feel stronger, and live without pain. We are here to support your recovery every step of the way, so you can get back to living life on your terms.
We offer physical therapy services in the following areas:
Top Sights In Phoenix, 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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