About Us
Rehab, Redefined.
One-on-one. All-in.
Our Story

People deserve better.

At Arizona Performance Institute (AZPI), we’re redefining what it means to get better. We combine expert physical therapy, cutting-edge sports performance training, and personalized care to help you move better, feel stronger, and perform at your best. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, training for competition, or looking to stay active and pain-free, we’re here to support your goals.

Our Mesa-based facility offers one-on-one physical therapy sessions, small group strength and conditioning workout classes, Hybrid Athlete training, HYROX training, and advanced recovery tools like cold plunge, dry needling, and NormaTec compression therapy. Every program is designed by licensed professionals who specialize in sports rehab, injury prevention, and performance optimization.

We’re more than a clinic. We’re a community committed to helping you achieve long-term results. From youth athletes and weekend warriors to everyday people tired of cookie-cutter care, AZPI is the go-to destination for results-driven rehab and elite training in the East Valley.

Come experience why we were voted “Best of the Valley” and why so many athletes, families, and professionals trust AZPI for their health, strength, and recovery.

Core value #1
Excellence
Core value #2
Empowerment
Core value #3
Community
Meet our team

#ExpectBetter
specialists

Dr. Julie Cortina - Top Rated Physical Therapist in Mesa, AZ

Dr. Julie Cortina

Physical Therapist
Sam Cortina - Owner & Founder of AZPI

Sam Cortina

Owner
Meet Christine Carlson - Chief of First Impressions at AZPI

Christine Carlson

Front Office Manager
Will O'Connell - Director of Sport Performance at AZPI

Will O'Connell

Director of Sports Performance
Dr. Brady Michelsen - Clinical Director, Physical Therapist at AZPI

Dr. Brady Michelsen

Clinical Director
Joey Graham - Physical Therapist Assistant at AZPI Mesa

Joey Graham

Physical Therapist Assistant

Dr. Megan Swinney

Physical Therapist
Dr. Carlos Villanueva - Physical Therapist in Mesa

Dr. Carlos Villanueva

Physical Therapist
Caitlin Whitaker PT. DPT. Pelvic Floor Specialist

Dr. Caitlin Whitaker

Physical Therapist
See what our patients have to say...

100+ 5 Star reviews on Google Maps

Patrick McMullan
June 18, 2026
Carlos, Julie, Christine and the entire team are awesome. I came in on crutches barely able to put weight on a hard to heal foot, toe and knee injury. Within weeks I was weight bearing and within two months, not only healed, but back training for my January marathon. Not only are they great at their craft, but they are even better people.
JCRh1n0 YT
June 9, 2026
Brady has been great and targeting the areas that are causing pain. He has explained what is happening and thoroughly explains each exercise before performing them. Arizona Performance Institute is amazing.
Phil Rogers
June 3, 2026
Great job and great facility!! Highly recommend!!
Tiffany Wright
May 15, 2026
Julie is so, so amazing! She is incredibly kind and really knows what works. Definitely recommend!
Andrew Leon
May 9, 2026
Brady and will are awesome. Excited to start the journey
Nataly Cruz
May 5, 2026
Finding Arizona Performance Institute was truly a blessing. Suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction can feel isolating and overwhelming, but I never felt alone there. Christine Carlson, the Front Office Manager, is so kind and helpful. From the very beginning, she made scheduling easy and was always available to answer any questions I had about my care. Dr. Julie Cortina is incredible. Her extensive knowledge of pelvic floor dysfunction, along with her compassion and encouragement, helped me heal and feel like myself again. She empowered me with so much information and supported me every step of the way. I truly enjoyed my PT sessions with Julie and am so grateful for her guidance throughout my recovery. I also had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Caitlin Whitaker, who is equally caring and very knowledgeable in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. She listened carefully and shared helpful resources to guide me in my recovery. Thank you to the entire team at AZPI for helping me get better when I wasn’t sure that was even possible. I am forever grateful.
Michael Riley
April 14, 2026
We have only been to API for two appointments and we have been extremely impressed with the professionalism and dedication in getting our back to doing what he loves.
Nataley Vickery
March 30, 2026
Arizona Performance Institute did a wonderful job with my teenage son. We originally started physical therapy, but later ended up going to a doctor for X-rays and an MRI, which confirmed it was a bone bruise. Throughout the process, their team was kind, knowledgeable, and personable. They truly care about their patients and took the time to make sure my son was progressing safely. We really appreciated their support and would highly recommend them.
Beverly Peeples
March 17, 2026
My appointments were always on time and focused specifically on my identified need. The staff was always friendly and professional . I felt that I learned coping mechanisms even immediately to help me with my issues. The exercises I was given by Caitlin were in the app by the evening if the appointment and I was able to know that I was doing them correctly at home during the week. As I moved through the process, I had questions from my own outside research and they were always answered thoughtfully and fully, which further enhanced my learning. Now that I’ve completed my therapy, the exercises remain available to me through the app. I would definitely call here first with any future physical therapy needs.
Bruce LevitCh
March 13, 2026
Always a productive visit with ample parking and a clean facility.
Jessica Simpson
March 11, 2026
i love this place. i have been here for a few years now. i am able to participate in pelvic pt, recovery sessions, and regular physical therapy. the staff is great. i have a variety of health issues like fibro and endometriosis which they are very knowledgeable in how to approach. i like the apps they use and it is fairly prices. they also use insurance which helps me hit my deductible. i look forward to continuing to grow here and participating in their workout groups in the future.
John Fitch
March 11, 2026
One day after dry needling in my, very painful knee and heal (plantar fasciitis, an I have one word. WOW. Such a decrease in pain, I’m absolutely blown away. Thank you! Can’t wait to go back.
Kayli Householder
February 28, 2026
I’ve been working with Brady for hypermobility and Julie for pelvic floor therapy, and they have been absolutely incredible. I truly appreciate the one-on-one care, it makes such a difference to work with PTs who really know me and understand the nuances of what I’m dealing with. Over the past 7+ months, they’ve been patient, encouraging, and consistent. Hypermobility isn’t a quick fix, and they’ve helped me learn how to listen to my body, build strength safely, and push myself without overdoing it. I actually look forward to coming to PT, which says a lot! I’ve also briefly worked with Caitlin and Carlos, and they’re equally wonderful. The whole clinic has such a supportive, positive environment. And shoutout to Christine for being incredibly helpful and kind, she makes everything on the admin side so much easier. I’m very grateful for this team and can’t recommend AZPI enough!
Charmie Uher
January 18, 2026
API staff is awesome !! Carlos is a fantastic physical therapist. He provides great exercises, is very supportive, and has a great personality. I felt encouraged and well cared for and highly recommend him.
Case Winter
January 16, 2026
Great experience so far
Maya B
January 15, 2026
Christine and Julie are the absolute best! So kind and knowledgeable! Julie has helped me so much with my lower back which I injured while Cross-fitting. I no longer have any pain. Brady, Carlos, and Joey are also amazing, they have helped my boyfriend with his shoulder pain. Cannot recommend this place enough!!
Alan Boughton
January 15, 2026
Amazing! Dr. Julie, Dr. Brady and Christine are amazing, they worked with me and my schedule to get me ready for a race and they went beyond my expectations so I could perform pain free. They constantly communicate and adjust, simply the best.
Healthy Eats
January 2, 2026
Excellent experience at Arizona Performance Institute. The physical therapy and sports performance team is knowledgeable, motivating, and results-driven. Clean facility, great energy, and personalized care. Highly recommend.
Aaron Rossman
December 19, 2025
This place is amazing! I had previously been to Physical Therapy years ago, but i wanted something new that incorporated strength and fitness versus the traditional PT. When i first arrived i knew it was the right place. The therapists are amazing, very knowledgeable and such a fun energetic environment. You can truly tell that they love what they do and helping anyone who walks through the front door. I highly recommend anyone looking for Physical Therapy with a strength/fitness approach try Arizona Performance Institute. I got exactly what i was looking for and have learned so much about how to help myself.
Brian Tibbs
December 8, 2025
These guys know their stuff! I’ve gone in for several issues and their depth of skill is impressive.

Our contact information

Our location:
Ellsworth and Pecos 8607 E Pecos Rd, Suite 116 Mesa, AZ 85212

Monday - Thursday: 8 am - 6 pm
Friday: 8 am - 12 pm
Contact:
Call: 480-500-1446
Fax: 855-535-7130
Email: frontoffice@azpipt.com