Dr. Craig Smith, PT, DPT
Co-Founder of Smith Performance Center and Physical Therapist
When co-founding Smith Performance Center in Tucson, Arizona, alongside Dr. Sarah Smith, Craig was driven by a vision: to create an environment where both patients and practitioners could thrive. He believed that a structured, collaborative team approach would deliver better results than a single clinician working under the pressures of time constraints and documentation.
“I heard time and again that quality time with a physical therapist did not matter.
But I disagreed.
I knew that giving practitioners the time to think and work within a highly motivated team would lead to better results—outperforming the stressed, overworked clinician trying to rush through documentation at the end of the day.“
Craig earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University (NAU), graduating with distinction and being named the Distinguished Graduate in the Department of Physical Therapy and Athletic Training. Prior to that, he earned his degree in Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where he was awarded the Outstanding Major of the Year in Exercise Science. His academic and professional excellence were further recognized when he received the Excellence in Achievement Award from NAU’s Alumni Association.
His research in biomechanics, rehabilitation, and sports performance has been presented at leading national conferences, including the American Society of Biomechanics National Conference, the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, and the APTA Combined Sections Meeting. His peer-reviewed publications appear in journals such as the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, the Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT), and the Journal of Athletic Training. His research with Dr. Warren and Dr. Chimera was recognized among the Best Clinical Case/Research Submissions at the 60th ACSM Annual Meeting.
Clinical Expertise: Knee, Foot, and Complex Rehab Cases
While Craig has extensive experience treating spinal conditions, his clinical focus is on lower extremity injuries, particularly the knee and foot. He specializes in running and walking gait analysis, helping patients recover from:
Craig is especially drawn to complex cases—helping patients who have struggled with recurrent injuries or unclear diagnoses find a clear path forward.
“I’m fortunate to work with colleagues who improve our process every day. Together, we’re able to help people regain the movement and health they deserve.“
Beyond the Clinic: Podcast & Education
In addition to his clinical work at Smith Performance Center, Craig co-hosts the Past Your Prime Podcast with professional volleyball player Alex Keicher. The podcast explores how athletes, weekend warriors, and active individuals can navigate training, injury recovery, and performance as they age—without falling for quick fixes or outdated rehab advice.
With a mix of science-backed insights, real-world experience, and candid discussions, Craig and Alex break down what actually works to keep people strong, mobile, and pain-free for life.
