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Dr. Carlos

Villanueva

Learn about
Dr. Carlos

Physical Therapist

Sports Therapy & Recovery, Post-Surgery Rehabilitation, Mobility & Balance Training, Spine & Posture Care, and more
Dr. Carlos Villanueva - Physical Therapist in Mesa
Dr. Carlos Villanueva

Dr. Carlos Villanueva
Awards

I’m originally from Tucson, AZ, and spent most of my life there before earning my Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences and then moving to Phoenix to attend Northern Arizona University, where I earned my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. My path to this profession wasn't as straight a line as others. I wasn’t an athlete growing up and struggled heavily with my weight, knowing very little about movement or how to take care of my body. That changed when I started wrestling and weightlifting, which opened my eyes to the potential of the human body and sparked a passion for health and performance.

My interest in recovery deepened during a sports medicine class, where I became fascinated by how people overcome serious injuries to return stronger than before. This curiosity drove me to explore different areas of healthcare working as a phlebotomist, EMT, respite care provider, and even with the University of Arizona football team’s rehab staff before ultimately finding my calling in physical therapy.

What I love most about this profession is building relationships and helping people achieve their goals. I know firsthand what it’s like to feel lost when it comes to your body, and my goal is to be the resource and support I wish I had. I enjoy teaching, empowering patients, and guiding them through the process of taking control of their health.

I have a particular passion for prehabilitation and working with combat athletes, tactical professionals (military and first responders), and anyone chasing athletic goals. As someone who trains in combat sports myself, I understand the bumps, aches, and the “train through it” mentality.

Whether it’s returning to sport, improving performance, or simply moving without pain, I’m here to help people reach their potential one step, roll, or lift at a time.

What does #ExpectBetter mean to you?

To me, Expect Better is exactly what it says. Expect better for yourself, expect better from your providers, and expect better for your goals. It’s a mindset that drives both how I approach my own life and how I treat my patients.

When someone comes to me after an injury, my goal isn’t just to get them back to where they were, it’s to take them beyond that point. You got injured at 100%, so why settle for just getting back to 100%? I want to help you return at 110%, stronger, more resilient, and equipped to prevent that injury from happening again.

Expect Better means raising the standard, pushing past what’s “good enough”, and striving for what’s truly possible, so you can keep doing the things you love without limitation.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of the clinic, I like to enjoy everything life has to offer. I have a very “I can do that” personality, which has led me to explore a wide range of hobbies. I love spending quality time with my family and friends, training in combat sports, and unwinding by playing my guitar.

You’ll also find me experimenting in the kitchen, whether that’s pretending I’m a 5-star chef, baking something new, or perfecting my barista skills. I also enjoy photography and diving into whatever random DIY project I’ve decided to take on next. For me, life’s about staying curious, learning new things, and finding joy in the process.