Physical Rehabilitation Therapy for Phoenix Residents Looking to Move Better Without Medication or Surgery
Living with pain, injury, or physical limitations in Phoenix doesn’t have to be your new normal. At Preferred Physical Therapy, we help you recover function, rebuild strength, and restore confidence—without relying on pain medication, injections, or surgery.
Our licensed physical therapists provide focused rehabilitation therapy for adults and seniors dealing with injury recovery, chronic joint or muscle pain, or post-surgical limitations. You’ll get a clear, personalized plan built around your goals and physical needs—not a generic program.
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 Phoenix Patients
We provide one-on-one physical rehabilitation therapy that targets the root of your pain or movement issue, not just the symptoms. Our approach helps you rebuild strength, improve mobility, and return to your daily life with less risk of re-injury.
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
At Preferred Physical Therapy, you won’t feel like a number. Our rehab specialists take the time to understand your condition, guide your recovery, and adjust your plan as you improve. This isn’t just physical therapy—it’s a step-by-step process to help you move forward.
Click on any team member’s profile to learn more about the people supporting your recovery.
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 clinic helps patients recover from a wide variety of conditions, ranging from common injuries to complex, long-term issues. If you’re unsure whether your condition qualifies, reach out. We’ll walk through your symptoms and let you know if our approach is a good fit.
Here are just a few of the conditions we treat:
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 Patients Choose Our Physical Rehabilitation Clinic
We’re a locally owned clinic, not a corporate chain. We’ve helped thousands of people recover safely and confidently by focusing on long-term outcomes instead of short-term fixes. Phoenix patients come to us for one reason—they want to get better, and stay better.
Here’s what you can expect:
Customized Treatment Plans
No generic routines. We assess your movement, pain levels, and goals to build a recovery plan that fits your life and leads to real progress.
Proven Results
We prioritize results that last. Our treatment plans are built around your full recovery, with techniques that support strength, balance, and joint health.
Care That Matches Your Lifestyle
We work with adults of all activity levels, from busy professionals to older adults managing age-related pain. If you’re ready for a better rehab experience, we’re ready to help.
Book Your Physical Rehabilitation Therapy Session Today
Don’t let pain or limited movement hold you back. If you’re in Phoenix and ready for a real recovery plan, schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll listen, assess, and guide you through the next step.
Your Physical Rehabilitation Therapy Questions Answered
We know physical rehab therapy can bring up questions, especially if other treatments haven’t helped. We’ve listed some common questions and answers to help you feel prepared. Still have questions? Call us. We’ll take the time to explain what to expect.
Can rehabilitation therapy help with chronic pain or old injuries?
Yes, rehabilitation therapy is often effective for addressing chronic pain and long-standing injuries. Even if the original injury occurred years ago, focused rehab can help restore muscle and joint function, reduce stiffness, and improve mobility. The goal is to correct movement patterns, build strength, and support lasting relief—so you’re not stuck managing pain day after day.
What is the meaning of rehabilitation therapy?
Rehabilitation therapy is a structured approach to improving movement, strength, and overall function after an injury, surgery, or chronic condition. It involves working with trained therapists who guide your recovery with specific goals in mind. The aim is to help you move with less pain, rebuild lost strength, and return to daily tasks without constant medical intervention or medications.
What are examples of rehabilitative treatment?
Some common examples of rehabilitative treatment include:
- Targeted strength and flexibility exercises
- Hands-on manual therapy techniques
- Training for balance and stability
- Movement pattern correction and retraining
- Pain relief strategies that support healing
- Neuromuscular coordination work
We select the methods that align with your recovery goals and physical needs—every plan is tailored to the individual.
What’s the difference between physical therapy and rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation is the broader recovery process, and physical therapy is a key part of it. Physical therapy focuses mainly on movement, strength, and pain relief. Rehabilitation includes physical therapy but may also involve additional services like balance training, endurance building, or specific post-operative care. In most cases, physical therapy is one piece of a complete rehab plan.
What are the four stages of rehabilitation?
Most rehabilitation plans follow these four core stages:
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Protection and symptom control – Reduce pain and inflammation while protecting the injured area
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Mobility restoration – Improve joint motion, soft tissue flexibility, and general movement
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Strength and neuromuscular control – Rebuild muscle, improve balance, and restore coordination
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Return to full activity – Safely transition back to work, sport, or exercise with confidence
The speed at which you move through each stage depends on your condition and progress.
Service Area
We’re proud to provide expert rehabilitation therapy to Phoenix residents and surrounding West Valley communities. If you’re looking for lasting relief and real recovery, Preferred Physical Therapy is here to help.
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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