Physical Therapy Clinic Helping Tolleson Residents Move Better Without Pills or Surgery
In Tolleson, life can be busy, and when pain or injury gets in the way, it can feel like an obstacle you can't overcome. At Preferred Physical Therapy, we're committed to helping you move better and live life without the limitations of chronic pain, surgery, or unnecessary medications.
Whether you're dealing with an old injury, recovering from surgery, or struggling with everyday aches, our team of licensed physical therapists is here to help you heal and return to doing the things you enjoy. We’re just a short drive from Tolleson, providing expert physical therapy that fits into your lifestyle.
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 Tolleson Patients
We offer a variety of physical therapy services designed to help you recover, prevent further injury, and achieve long-lasting results without relying on invasive procedures or medications.
Targeting muscular pain and tightness, this technique is effective for treating common conditions like muscle strains, headaches, and chronic pain.
Cupping therapy is great for releasing muscle tension, improving blood flow, and promoting relaxation in patients with chronic stiffness or tension.
This advanced therapy delivers focused energy to injured tissue, accelerating recovery and reducing pain by stimulating the healing process.
For patients experiencing dizziness or balance issues, vestibular therapy helps restore stability and confidence, allowing you to return to daily activities with ease.
Focused on treating sports injuries, our physical therapy sessions are designed to help athletes of all levels recover quickly and get back to peak performance.
A fitness program designed for patients after physical therapy, ensuring your recovery continues and you maintain your strength and mobility.
Assisted stretching sessions with a specialist to increase flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and improve overall mobility.
This advanced compression therapy helps reduce soreness and speed up recovery, allowing athletes and active individuals to recover faster after physical exertion.
Meet The Preferred Physical Therapy Team
Our team is composed of skilled physical therapists and rehab professionals who are passionate about helping you achieve your goals. We take a hands-on approach, providing personalized care at every stage of your recovery.
Click on each profile below to learn more about our team members and their 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 variety of conditions, from minor injuries to more complex musculoskeletal issues. Our experienced physical therapists are ready to help you address a range of concerns, including:
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 Tolleson Residents Choose Our Clinic for Physical Therapy
At Preferred Physical Therapy, we’re proud to be part of the Tolleson community. Our patients trust us because of our commitment to personalized care and evidence-based treatments.
Here’s why you should choose us:
Customized Treatment Plans
We take the time to understand your needs and goals, crafting a treatment plan specifically for you.
Proven Results
Our physical therapy methods are backed by research and years of successful outcomes, ensuring lasting results for our patients.
Convenient Location & Easy Access
Located just a short drive from Tolleson, with working hours to fit your busy schedule, making it easier for you to get the care you need.
Book Your Physical Therapy Session Today
Don’t let pain hold you back any longer. If you're ready to take the next step in your recovery, book an appointment today. We're here to help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love.
Your Physical Therapy Questions Answered
Choosing the right physical therapy clinic is an important decision. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask. If you don’t see your question here, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to help.
What types of pain or injuries do you treat?
We help patients with joint pain, muscle injuries, post-surgery rehab, balance issues, and more. If movement is difficult or painful, we’re here to help.
For a full list of conditions and treatments see our “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?
Many Tolleson residents feel early progress within a few sessions, but the timeline depends on your condition and goals. We stay flexible and focused on your progress.
Can you help if I’ve already tried physical therapy somewhere else?
Yes. People in Tolleson often come to us after trying other options without success. We focus on getting to the root of the problem, not just covering up the pain.
How often will I need to return to physical therapy?
Physical therapy focuses on building strength and mobility. Regenerative therapies, like dry needling, target deeper healing. Patients often benefit from both approaches working together.
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 and reducing pain through guided exercise, manual therapy, and mobility work. Regenerative treatments, like dry needling and shockwave therapy, help your body heal by triggering natural recovery processes. Most Avondale patients benefit from a combination of both.
Service Area
We proudly offer physical therapy services to Tolleson and the surrounding areas, including:
Top Sights In Tolleson, 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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