When asked about the biggest issues patients face in their rehab journey, Dr. Sarah Smith, PT, DPT, believes the problems start from the very beginning.

“Patients often get referred to providers that offer extreme procedures without a complete diagnosis or full consideration of all the factors contributing to their pain.”

This insight shapes her patient-first approach at Smith Performance Center, where she is both the co-owner and a leading physical therapist.

Dr. Smith specializes in musculoskeletal injuries, with a particular focus on spine-related conditions such as whiplash, cervical dysfunction, headaches, and mid-to-low back pain. While she has successfully treated a wide range of injuries—from the hand and wrist to the feet and knees—her passion lies in helping patients with chronic head, neck, and back pain. Her process delves deeply into both the structural causes of pain and often-overlooked hidden triggers that contribute to recurrence, frustration, and hopelessness, especially in long-term sufferers.

She explains, “While imaging can be helpful, there are numerous tools for diagnosis and treatment that can be used,” emphasizing her commitment to a thorough and holistic approach. Dr. Smith’s philosophy goes beyond relying solely on imaging or extreme interventions; instead, she advocates for a comprehensive diagnostic process that addresses the root causes of pain.

Her influence on the diagnostic approach at Smith Performance Center has been profound, especially in developing methods to equip patients with the skills and tools to manage their symptoms independently.

As Dr. Smith notes, “This is where patients with long-term pain are often abandoned—left without the strategies they need to continue their health journey.” Her dedication ensures that this gap is filled with thoughtful, patient-centered care.

Dr. Smith earned her clinical doctorate in physical therapy from Northern Arizona University, and her approach to care is multifaceted, blending manual therapy, movement analysis, and therapeutic exercise. She is deeply committed to long-term patient success, developing treatment plans that not only alleviate current symptoms but also provide a foundation for maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. She co-founded Smith Performance Center with her husband to create a place that serves both patients and provides a nurturing environment for providers to thrive.

Her focus on long-term care extends beyond rehabilitation, as she is passionate about creating exercise programs that promote sustained health and optimize quality of life. Dr. Smith’s goal is to help her patients regain confidence in their bodies, empowering them to live pain-free and active lives.