Ai Mukai, MD

Dr. Ai Mukai is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician (or Physiatrist) with Texas Orthopedics. Dr. Mukai earned her bachelor degree in Psychology from Barnard College at Columbia University in New York and her medical degree at Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA. She completed her Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at Northwestern University’s Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (rated number one in the country by US News & World Report). While at Northwestern, she earned numerous academic and leadership awards. Following residency, she completed a fellowship in Pain Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her fellowship focused on advanced training in non-surgical spine care and interventional pain procedures, including implantable devices. This resulted in a board certification in Pain Medicine.

Dr. Mukai focuses on non-surgical musculoskeletal and spine care using conservative modalities such as physical therapy and image-guided injections. She also performs electrodiagnostic studies to diagnose nerve and muscle conditions that can cause pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling. In addition, her interests include Orthobiologics including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy.

In 2019 Dr. Mukai was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Clinician Award from the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This recognitions is awarded annually to three physicians who have achieved distinction on the basis of their scholarly level of teaching and their outstanding performance in Physiatric patient care.

Dr. Ai Mukai among 2019 Award Winners

She presents at state and national conferences and has authored several book chapters and articles. Dr. Mukai has served as one of twelve voting members of the Board of Governors for the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R). She is also an affiliate faculty member for the University of Texas Dell Medical School’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency program and has resident physicians rotating with her throughout the year. Dr. Mukai served on the editorial board for Spine Universe until they merged with HealthCentral. She currently serves as a co-editor of The Physiatrist newsletter, a monthly publication of the AAPM&R.

Dr. Mukai has been named by her peers to the Texas Monthly Super Doctors Rising Stars list, followed by the Texas Monthly Super Doctors list from 2013 through 2024. She’s also been recognized by local physicians as an Austin Monthly Top Doctor from 2015 through 2025. In addition, she has been named one of “America’s Top Physicians” starting in 2012, a Vitals.com compassionate doctor recognition and patient’s choice award. Finally, Dr. Mukai has been listed in Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare since 2006.

In addition, Dr. Mukai has once again been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2025! Castle Connolly Top Doctors represent the top 7% of all U.S. practicing physicians. Castle Connolly Top Doctors are peer-nominated, and thoroughly vetted by our physician-led research team. These doctors are best-in-class healthcare providers, embodying excellence in clinical care as well as interpersonal skills.

In her free time, Dr. Mukai enjoys spending time with her family, mentoring and pursuing research, as well as sketching and cooking.

Click here to view Dr. Mukai’s patient product and resource recommendations on the Opt Ortho website.

Click here to read Dr. Ai Mukai’s Supplement & Nutrition Recommendations on the Opt Ortho website.

Click here to read Dr. Mukai’s interview published for Spine Universe titled “Herniated Disc Lower Back Treatment Options” – October 2022

Click here to read Dr. Mukai’s interview published on Healthline titled “Psychotherapy May Help You Find Relief from Chronic Back Pain” – November 2022

Dr. Mukai sees patients at the Central Austin, and South Austin offices of Texas Orthopedics. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mukai, please call (512) 485-0514 or schedule an appointment online.

How a Texas Orthopedics EMG test can help patients find a solution for nerve issues

Texans who experience unexplained numbness, tingling, or weakness in their arms or legs may have a condition affecting their nerves. Trevor Scott, co-host of We Are Austin, stopped by Texas Orthopedics to meet with Dr. Ai Mukai to discuss EMG testing which can diagnose symptoms that will ultimately result in solutions and treatments for patients. Click here to watch Dr. Mukai’s interview.