Expert Sports Physical Therapy in Maple Valley, WA
Whether you’re a competitive athlete, weekend warrior, or parent of a student-athlete, Penultimate Step Sports Rehab delivers science-backed, strength-driven rehabilitation that goes beyond pain relief. We’re rated 5 stars across 116 Google reviews—and we’re ready to help you move better, recover stronger, and stay in the game.

Sitting Out Isn’t the Answer—We Know It
Too many athletes and active adults are told to rest, wait, and hope it gets better. But pain that lingers, injuries that linger, and cookie-cutter rehab that doesn’t hold—those aren’t just frustrating. They’re holding you back from the life you’ve built around movement.
Generic Rehab That Doesn’t Hold
You’ve done the band exercises and the passive stretches—and the pain came right back. Traditional PT often treats symptoms, not the root cause, leaving you stuck in a cycle of re-injury.
Missing Out on What Drives You
Every game missed, every run skipped, every day you can’t perform at work or in the gym is a cost. Living with unresolved injury quietly takes away the activities that define you.
No Clear Path Back to Full Strength
Without a performance-focused plan, “recovered” often just means pain-free—not strong, not resilient, not ready to compete. That gap between healed and high-performing is where athletes get re-injured.
Why Maple Valley Athletes Choose Us for PT
Founded by a Team USA Taekwondo competitor who experienced the gap between standard rehab and true performance recovery firsthand, Penultimate Step Sports Rehab was built for athletes who refuse to settle. We combine hands-on manual therapy, advanced movement assessment, and progressive strength training into individualized plans designed to get you back—and keep you there.
• One-on-one, personalized care—no aides, no cookie-cutter programs, no shortcuts
• Performance-first approach that builds strength and resilience, not just pain relief
• Custom exercise app with video instructions and reminders to keep you consistent between sessions

Real Results From Real Patients

“I did PT for 5 months with Dr. Drew & Josh and now I’m back to work—even stronger than before I got injured. They pushed me, motivated me, and little by little my mobility improved, my pain went away, and I got stronger. BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY EVER!”
— Irish R., Maple Valley
Your Comeback Starts With a Clear Plan—Here’s How
Step 1: Get Assessed
We start with a thorough movement and strength assessment to identify the root cause of your pain or limitation—not just the symptom. No guesswork, no one-size-fits-all assumptions.
Step 2: Follow Your Plan
You receive a personalized, progressive treatment plan built around your body, your sport, and your goals. In-clinic sessions are backed by a custom app with video exercises and reminders.
Step 3: Return Stronger
We don’t just get you pain-free—we clear you for full return-to-sport performance with the strength and movement quality to stay there. Your comeback is built to last.
Sports Physical Therapy for Injuries That Sideline You
From rotator cuff tears and ACL injuries to chronic low back pain and plantar fasciitis, our team treats the full spectrum of musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions in Maple Valley. If you’re searching for sports physical therapy near me that actually addresses the root cause, you’ve found it. We also specialize in vertigo/BPPV, pelvic health, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
• Upper & lower extremity injuries: rotator cuff, shoulder impingement, ACL, runner’s knee, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and more
• Spine and neck conditions: low back pain, sciatica, mid and upper back pain, and cervical pain from sports or desk work
• Specialized care: BPPV/vertigo, pelvic health conditions, and return-to-sport rehab after surgery

5-Star Rated by Maple Valley Athletes & Families
116 Google Reviews · 5.0 Average Rating · Real Results

” I came in for a shoulder injury that almost needed surgery. I found penultimate step sports rehab & it was HARD WORK. They pushed me, motivated me & some days I wanted to cry on my way home. 5 months later & I am back at work. BEST PHYSICAL THERAPY EVER!”
-Irish R.
“We addressed the root cause, discussed what was actually happening to my body when I threw out my back, and developed a plan to prevent it from recurring. I’ve since had no issues, am back at the gym, and have become much stronger, thanks to their plan.”
-Justin C.
“Drew at Penultimate supported me with stretching techniques and dry needling therapy to help me bounce back and feel good. He was able to help with my recovery just hours after my race. Would highly recommend working with Penultimate to achieve your goals.”
–Amanda B.
Meet the Team Behind Your Recovery at Penultimate Step Sports Rehab
Expert clinicians. Athlete-centered care. Real results.

Drew Thompson, DPT
Founder & Lead Therapist
Founder & Lead Therapist. Sports rehabilitation expert and former Team USA Taekwondo athlete. After suffering his own back injury while competing internationally, Drew built Penultimate Step to deliver the cutting-edge, performance-focused care he wished he’d had.
Expert Care Our team combines clinical expertise with real-world athletic experience to deliver results-driven back pain physical therapy near me in Maple Valley.
Personalized Approach Every treatment plan is customized to your unique injury, goals, and lifestyle—no generic protocols or one-size-fits-all solutions.
Proven Results With 103+ five-star reviews, our patients consistently achieve faster recovery, lasting relief, and stronger movement patterns.
Find Us in Maple Valley — We’re Easy to Reach
Conveniently located near Maple Valley Town Square and just minutes from Covington, Renton, Auburn, and Kent.
Just 1 minute from Maple Valley city center via Witte Rd SE. We’re conveniently located near Maple Valley Town Square and Covington Esplanade, just 0.4 miles from the heart of Maple Valley. From downtown, head toward SE 231st St, turn left onto SE 231st St, then turn left onto 224th Pl SE—you’ll find us ready to help you recover stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first visit to our sports physical therapy clinic in Maple Valley.
Do I need a referral to start physical therapy?
In most cases, no. Washington State allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you can schedule your first appointment without a physician referral. We’ll work with your provider if needed.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans including Premera, Regence, Tricare, Kaiser, Cigna, BCBS, L&I, and First Choice Health. For self-pay rates and specific coverage questions, call us at (253) 409-8004 or email [email protected].
What are your hours?
We’re open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. We are closed Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. We recommend calling ahead or booking online to secure your preferred time.
What makes Penultimate Step Sports Rehab different from other PT clinics?
We specialize in sports and performance rehabilitation—not just pain management. Every plan is one-on-one, personalized to your body and goals, and designed to build lasting strength and resilience. Our founder, Dr. Drew Thompson, DPT, is a former Team USA Taekwondo competitor who understands high-performance recovery firsthand.
How long will my recovery take?
Every patient is different. After your initial assessment, Dr. Drew will give you a realistic timeline based on your injury, goals, and commitment to your home exercise program. Many patients see meaningful progress within weeks—not months.
Do you treat youth and student-athletes?
Absolutely. We have extensive experience working with middle school and high school athletes recovering from sports injuries, fractures, and post-surgical rehab. We work around busy school and activity schedules.
