Embark on a transformative journey with our three-step system:

1. Ease Pain

Immediately achieve a more manageable pain level through the use of manual therapy and other tools including dry needling, soft tissue mobilization, spinal manipulation, cupping, and more.

2. Address the Root Cause

The hunt for the answer ends here. Our Doctors of Physical Therapy use their expertise to perform a comprehensive assessment to get to the root cause of your pain in order to identify the best and most appropriate treatments for you.

3. Build Resilience

Leave not just restored but better than before, exceeding your previous baseline. Our goal is for you to leave PT better than you were before your injury. Not only to prevent future injuries, but to elevate your performance in your sport or desired activities.

How we help

Let’s be honest—physical therapy isn’t always something people look forward to (except, of course, the physical therapists)! But we get it. We understand the physical challenges you're facing, and our team is here to help you not only relieve pain but also restore and enhance your quality of life.

We believe in treating the root cause of your dysfunction, not just masking the symptoms. Our hands-on, personalized approach is designed to meet your unique needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes. If you're searching for exceptional physical therapy care in the East Valley, you've come to the right place!

What sets us apart?

  • AZPI was founded by dedicated professionals focused on providing superior and individualized care
  • AZPI offers a spacious gym to foster continuous movement, ensuring a dynamic therapeutic experience
  • We offer one-on-one treatment with your therapist for the majority of your visit, without the use of techs or aides, meaning no more being passed around to several people during the entirety of your appointment
  • Cutting-edge technology, top-tier physical therapists, and a custom mobile app for at-home exercises and seamless communication
  • We accept most major insurances and also offer competitive cash pay rates for increased accessibility
  • We're a family-owned business, proudly woven into the heart of our community

Who do we treat?

At Arizona Performance Institute, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional care for individuals of all ages and abilities. Whether you're an athlete striving for peak performance, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to move and feel better, our team is here to support you. From kids to seniors and beginners to advanced athletes, we customize every treatment plan to meet your unique needs and goals. Everyone deserves quality care, and we’re dedicated to helping you reach your full potential.

What to expect

As a new patient, you will receive an in depth evaluation with a Doctor of Physical Therapy which will include functional movement assessments, strength testing, range of motion testing, and much more! You and your therapist will discuss your concerns and create a plan that will help you improve your pain and allow you to move better. At AZPI, we understand that every person has different goals and we strive to create a plan that will get you back to living your best life.

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

Dr. Brady Michelsen

Our Recovery sessions include:

  • Assisted Stretching: Elevate your flexibility and performance with our Assisted Stretching sessions. Unlike solo stretching or traditional massages, our expert-guided approach offers precision, customization, and enhanced range of motion. Target specific areas, build a mind-body connection, and accelerate recovery with our premium assisted stretching – a superior choice for athletes and active individuals.
  • Cupping: Uncover the secrets of this powerhouse practice, and don’t worry – it’s not as intimidating as it looks! Popular among active adults and athletes for a good reason, cupping supercharges your recovery by boosting blood and lymphatic circulation, promoting faster recovery, enhancing tissue mobility, and effectively reducing acute pain.
  • Dry Needling: Experience the precision of dry needling, a modern alternative to acupuncture. Unlike acupuncture, it targets muscular trigger points, tendons, ligaments, and nerves with thin filiform needles, promoting faster tissue healing, reducing pain, and improving mobility. Prioritize your neuromuscular well-being with this distinct approach.
  • Scraping: Experience the intricate benefits of this technique, skillfully promoting myofascial release. Through controlled pressure, scraping stimulates the release of fascial restrictions, leading to improved muscle flexibility, tension relief, and an accelerated overall recovery.

For personalized one-on-one services, including assisted stretching, cupping, dry needling, and recovery sessions, request an appointment.

Sport specific Physical Therapy

Pre/post operative rehabilitation (joint replacement surgery, ACL reconstruction, Rotator Cuff repair, etc.)

Acute injuries

Chronic pain

Sports Recovery

Pregnancy/postpartum rehabilitation

Pelvic floor dysfunction

Mobility/Range of Motion deficits

Balance training

Gait training

Spine Rehabilitation

Posture

Deconditioning

And more!

Meet our team of Physical Therapists

Dr. Brady Michelsen

Clinical Director

Dr. Julie Cortina

Physical Therapist

Joey Graham

Physical Therapist Assistant

Dr. Carlos Villanueva

Physical Therapist

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take my insurance?

Where are you located?

When are you open?

How do I schedule an appointment?

Do I need insurance?

Do I need a doctor’s referral or prescription?

What should I do before my first appointment?

What should I wear or bring to my appointment?

What our patients have to say:

Maylin Griffiths
July 19, 2025
AZPI is the best place for physical therapy in the valley. I was able to get in the next day with Brady, who immediately figured out what was wrong and started treatment. The facility is always clean, the staff are so friendly and welcoming. I love that they have personalized small group classes and a wellness area. This place has it all.
Kayli H
July 17, 2025
Just had my first appointment with Brady and I'm beyond excited!! I've been trying to find a PT that will help me navigate exercise with autoimmune joint pain as well as a neck injury. I was excited to learn that Dr Michelsen understands the balance needed with autoimmune flare ups and listening to your own body. Super excited to work with him!! Christine has also been incredibly helpful with answering scheduling and billing questions! Already loving their team!
meryl winicov
July 3, 2025
I cannot recommend AZPI enough for physical therapy. They have exceeded my expectations in every way. I have felt heard, supported, and challenged throughout the entire process.
Nicoll Johnson
May 17, 2025
I had a fantastic experience with this physical therapy office! The entire staff was incredibly kind, professional, and genuinely caring. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported. Everyone I worked with was not only knowledgeable but also patient and attentive to my specific needs. They were flexible and accommodating with my schedule, which made it so much easier to stay consistent with my treatment. I truly felt like I was in great hands every step of the way. Highly recommend!
Kandace Schultz
April 28, 2025
Azpi! is truly amazing! They offer a wide range of options to address your concerns, making them a go-to solution for anyone dealing with mobility issues, particularly after my knee trauma. Their expertise and tailored approaches have significantly improved my mobility, allowing me to get back to the activities I love. I highly recommend Azpi! for all your sports injury or mobility needs!
Sandra Sechrist
April 5, 2025
Thoroughly impressed with the knowledge and care I received.
Jeff Moran
February 21, 2025
Sam, Julie and Will are amazing!!!! I own CrossFit Incite right around the corner from AZPI and we have a ton of our athletes go to them to get worked on. Myself included. AZPI understands how to work on athletes and how to keep you moving. Can't recommend this place enough!! If you have never been there, do yourself a favor and try it out.
Raini LeBaron
November 15, 2023
I have loved my experience at AZPI. Definitely an environment geared towards athletes and the PTs are super knowledgeable. If you need pelvic floor PT Julie is your girl, she’s helped me so much!
Robert Sprague
February 9, 2025
All API staff members are professional, kind, and exceed expectations. I’m recovering from my second surgery and wouldn’t go anywhere else!
Jennifer Fogle
February 6, 2025
Everyone on staff is beyond helpful. The PTs are extremely knowledgeable and instill a sense of confidence about your healing journey. They are willing to work as hard as you are at getting the results you need and up to date with the current research on interventions. There isn’t a bad PT on staff and they are great partners for whatever results you need.
Melissa Leon
February 7, 2025
Dry needle is my new favorite thing, and Julie 😉
See what our patients have to say...

100+ 5 Star reviews on Google Maps

Sarah Palmer
September 3, 2025
The atmosphere in this place is so energetic and caring. The team that works here is absolutely amazing, caring, and so friendly. I’ve been seeing Dr. Julie Cortina for pelvic floor issues and nerve issues down my right leg. So far since I’ve been seeing her for a month for twice a week I have now gotten the feeling back in my right leg and a good plan set in stone for my care to strengthen up my legs, core and pelvic. Also dry needling is such a life saver too especially with the nerve issues. That is what caused me to quickly get my feeling back in my right leg. She’s very thorough in her work and has been doing this for quite some time. She’s so knowledgeable about the pelvic floor and nerve issues. For anyone who has endometriosis I highly recommend to seeing her. She’s helped me get my life back to being able to do normal daily activities, more strength, and less nerve pain. Also this place has such a good energetic atmosphere that I’m planning on signing up for their group workouts at some point since those look like a lot of fun! Again highly recommend this place to anyone for physical therapy to having a energetic group workout!!
Lindsey Layton
August 22, 2025
They were so helpful! During my first visit they did a thorough evaluation and asked all the necessary questions. They were able to pinpoint the issue causing my pain and teach me exercises to help. I left that first appointment already feeling so much better. I feel incredibly grateful for their help managing and correcting my back pain!
Lynn Gofron
August 16, 2025
From the moment I walked in, the experience was excellent. Christine at the front desk was incrediably welcoming and helpful, answering all of my questions with patience and professionalism. Julie, my therapist, is exceptionally knowledgeable and compassionate. She took the time to thoroughtly explain everything, including what to expect throughout my treatment, and I was truly impressed by her expertise in the field. Julie provided me with targeted exercises and practical tips to help manage and improve my prolapsed bladder. Her care and dedication are truly remarkable -- I couldn't ask for a better therapist !
alejandra Salazar
July 23, 2025
AZPI is a great facility when it comes to PT needs . The staff feels like family.
Maylin Griffiths
July 19, 2025
AZPI is the best place for physical therapy in the valley. I was able to get in the next day with Brady, who immediately figured out what was wrong and started treatment. The facility is always clean, the staff are so friendly and welcoming. I love that they have personalized small group classes and a wellness area. This place has it all.
Kayli H
July 17, 2025
Just had my first appointment with Brady and I'm beyond excited!! I've been trying to find a PT that will help me navigate exercise with autoimmune joint pain as well as a neck injury. I was excited to learn that Dr Michelsen understands the balance needed with autoimmune flare ups and listening to your own body. Super excited to work with him!! Christine has also been incredibly helpful with answering scheduling and billing questions! Already loving their team!
matt wunder
July 3, 2025
Brady and Joey are great to work with. The facility is very clean and comfortable to come to for my therapy!!
meryl winicov
July 3, 2025
I cannot recommend AZPI enough for physical therapy. They have exceeded my expectations in every way. I have felt heard, supported, and challenged throughout the entire process.
Ashton
June 25, 2025
W PT🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
Gabby Watson
June 12, 2025
There great.
Heather Johnson
May 30, 2025
I highly recommend them! They answered all of my questions, I did not feel like I was being rushed out the door. I was also very pleased with the knowledge and experience they have dealing with pelvic floor issues. Thanks so much!
Amanda Valdez
May 18, 2025
Julie is amazing.
Nicoll Johnson
May 17, 2025
I had a fantastic experience with this physical therapy office! The entire staff was incredibly kind, professional, and genuinely caring. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported. Everyone I worked with was not only knowledgeable but also patient and attentive to my specific needs. They were flexible and accommodating with my schedule, which made it so much easier to stay consistent with my treatment. I truly felt like I was in great hands every step of the way. Highly recommend!
Anita Czajkowski
April 30, 2025
Julie is great!! Very knowledgable and personable! I look forward to my next appointment with her. Highly recommend!
Kandace Schultz
April 28, 2025
Azpi! is truly amazing! They offer a wide range of options to address your concerns, making them a go-to solution for anyone dealing with mobility issues, particularly after my knee trauma. Their expertise and tailored approaches have significantly improved my mobility, allowing me to get back to the activities I love. I highly recommend Azpi! for all your sports injury or mobility needs!
Sandra Sechrist
April 5, 2025
Thoroughly impressed with the knowledge and care I received.
Jeff Moran
February 21, 2025
Sam, Julie and Will are amazing!!!! I own CrossFit Incite right around the corner from AZPI and we have a ton of our athletes go to them to get worked on. Myself included. AZPI understands how to work on athletes and how to keep you moving. Can't recommend this place enough!! If you have never been there, do yourself a favor and try it out.
Robert Sprague
February 9, 2025
All API staff members are professional, kind, and exceed expectations. I’m recovering from my second surgery and wouldn’t go anywhere else!
Melissa Leon
February 7, 2025
Dry needle is my new favorite thing, and Julie 😉
Jennifer Fogle
February 6, 2025
Everyone on staff is beyond helpful. The PTs are extremely knowledgeable and instill a sense of confidence about your healing journey. They are willing to work as hard as you are at getting the results you need and up to date with the current research on interventions. There isn’t a bad PT on staff and they are great partners for whatever results you need.