About Us
Voted Best of
the Valley 2024
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

Meet Christine Carlson - Chief of First Impressions at AZPI

Christine Carlson

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

Dr. Julie Cortina

Physical Therapist
Sam Cortina - Owner & Founder of AZPI Mesa

Sam Cortina

Owner
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
See what our patients have to say...

100+ 5 Star reviews on Google Maps

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.
Maggie Ray
February 3, 2025
Hands down best PT place I’ve ever been, they helped me get back to playing sports after my surgery in far less time than I thought it would be. I felt like they truly cared and were invested in each and every patients recovery. I would recommend this place/the therapists to anyone!!
Aaron Acuna
January 25, 2025
AZPI has been great. I was referred to AZPI by my Orthopedic Dr for post rotator cuff surgery PT. I had my initial appointment with Dr. Bri my second visit with Dr. Brady. They were both caring, friendly and knowledgeable! The facility is very clean and well organized. I feel like they have my best interest in mind. Everyone I've interacted with has been polite and professional.
Alyssa Miramon
January 22, 2025
AZPI has the best small group training classes. Coach Will is awesome! I’ve also had physical therapy and all the PT‘s are top-notch!!
Kim Tolman
January 22, 2025
5 stars to Arizona performance Institute. I cannot say enough for one there very professional Christine At the front desk, always meets you with smile. I unfortunately, through the years I have broke my shoulder and then had injured my back so I’m not a stranger to Physical Therapy places In the valley.and in no way do any of them even compare to this place. I cannot say enough about Julie my physical therapist. She is so knowledgeable and compassionate and she just has the wonderful gift of motivating you when you’re not at your best. Whatever you have injured with me a broken knee Facilities are outstanding and phenomenal they hold fitness classes also have personal training. When I’m finished with my physical therapy, I would love to train with one of the trainers here. Again, five stars you have to come see their facility.
Deborah Ries (REALTORDEB)
January 10, 2025
Excellent one on one care. Great atmosphere and experienced physical therapist. I went to a different pt for 6 weeks no results. 2 week with Arizona performance and i am so much better. Highly recommend. Everyone there is amazing especially Brie.
Brandon Schmidt
January 6, 2025
I was so happy to get one-on-one attention. API was out of network with my particular insurance, and I HAPPILY paid inexpensive cash fees to get expert care from them anyway! I had a severe injury, and I didn't like how my last PT used several intern staff to treat me instead of the actual PT himself. At API I received fantastic attention.
Jeremy Lofgreen
December 30, 2024
I cannot recommend AZPI enough! They have truly transformed my life and helped me overcome debilitating knee and hip pain that once felt insurmountable.Two years ago, I was recovering from knee surgery and facing severe arthritis that left me doubting if I could continue my military career. It felt like my body was giving up on me, and the prospect of stepping away from the career I love was heartbreaking and mentally overwhelming.Fast forward two years, and thanks to the incredible team at AZPI, I’ve made an incredible recovery—not just from my knee surgery but also a follow-up hip surgery. Despite significant cartilage damage in both knees and one hip, I’m now moving better than I have since 2019. I feel stronger, healthier, and more capable than I ever thought possible during those tough times.Each member of the AZPI team brings unique expertise and dedication, working together to make a life-changing impact on my health and quality of life. Their personalized care and unwavering support have been instrumental in restoring not only my physical capabilities but also my confidence and happiness.Thank you, AZPI, for giving me my life back and allowing me to continue serving in the military. You are truly the best at what you do, and I am forever grateful!
Breena Keesler
December 15, 2024
Always personable, knowledgeable, and make you want to be at Physical Therapy
Jessica Radobenko
December 15, 2024
Julie and Brady were amazing therapists to work with. The facility is beautiful. Thank you for making the road to my meniscus surgery short and sweet.
Valerie Asplund
December 15, 2024
Therapist was insightful and has help me get to the next level of healing
Darryl Sander
December 15, 2024
Had bad sciatica on right leg. Went to chiropractor, only made it worse. Have had two treatments at Arizona Performance and seeing better results. Good place to go.

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