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Gunderman Chiropractic & Wellness
After 30 years, Gunderman Chiropractic still standing tall
By Melissa James York County Contributor
As a middle school principal in upstate New York, Dr. Samuel Gunderman Jr. knew his job took some backbone. But a chance meeting would veer him into a career with even more of it.
He was talking with the father of a suspended student, when the man suggested Dr. Gunderman shift professions to become a chiropractor like him. In need of a change, Dr. Gunderman decided to follow the advice. Today, Gunderman Chiropractic & Wellness LLC is preparing to celebrate three decades of business in York County.
After earning his Doctor of Chiropractic from Life University, Dr. Gunderman, who grew up on a dairy farm in New York, opened practices in Georgia and in Florida. In the 1990s, he made his way to Virginia.
“I did a little research, and York County had everything I wanted in a place to live,” Dr. Gunderman said. “The culture, the scenery, a good mix of people. The people in this county are very friendly, and I like them a lot.”
Gunderman Chiropractic & Wellness first opened in 1996 on George Washington Memorial Highway. In March 2001, the business relocated to its current space across the street, where Dr. Gunderman practices with his son, Dr. Samuel J. Gunderman III, along with a third chiropractor, Dr. Brenton L. Burchett. Dr. Gunderman’s daughter, Bonnie, also works for the family business as office manager and insurance specialist.
Like his father, Dr. Gunderman’s son had started his career in a different field—working for a research center at Georgia Tech—before he decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps. He was inspired by the impact his dad made in patients’ lives.
“He said ‘Dad, I want to become a chiropractor like you,’ and I said, “Let’s go,’” the elder Dr. Gunderman recalled.
His son relishes caring for patients alongside Dr. Gunderman on a daily basis.
“I enjoy working with him a lot,” his son said. “We get along great. I also enjoy our patients. We have a variety of people who come to see us—with a lot of great stories.”
“Dr. Gunderman and his family have become such a familiar and trusted part of our community over the past 30 years,” said Kristi Olsen-Hayes, director of York County’s Economic & Tourism Development. “Now with the second generation stepping in, it’s clear this practice is built to last.
They’ve created something special. Not just a business, but a family legacy rooted right here in York County. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone with them.”
Gunderman Chiropractic & Wellness specializes in the treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions, focusing on back, neck and hip pain; headaches; injuries related to sports; and other ailments.
“We work on everything from head to toe, the whole body, since everything works together,” Dr. Gunderman said. This is what sets us apart from other chiropractors in the area.
The practice uses a holistic approach to treatment and incorporates many methods, including laser and massage therapies, adjustments of the spine and extremities, and a newer technology the business has started using: SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technologies, or SoftWave TRT. The technique involves applying acoustic or shockwave energy to an affected area, and it’s suitable for patients with chronic pain.
“The SoftWave machine has been a fantastic tool for treating pain,” Dr. Gunderman said. “We’re always staying a step ahead with the latest methods in order to stay competitive.”
His favorite aspect of the job, he said, has been helping patients from all walks of life.
“I love that this is a people-oriented business where we really get to know our patients,” he said. “We are friendly and caring, and make people feel like they’re part of our family and not just a number.”
Dr. Gunderman also holds a certificate in the Pierce-Stillwagon technique (a biomechanical analysis of spine kinematics). Through the years, he’s even treated patients of the four-legged variety—he is trained in animal adjusting.
“Growing up on a dairy farm, I was always around animals,” he said. “I typically treat 15 cats or dogs in a week. I’ve also done a lot of work with horses. I have fun doing it and I am good at it. I find it relaxing. I say as long as it is not a snake slithering along, I’ll adjust any animal.”
Dr. Gunderman has a penchant for woodworking and handiwork, along with golfing, whenever he finds the time. Being good with his hands came in, well, handy, a few years ago when someone accidentally drove a vehicle through their front office. Luckily, no one was injured. Dr. Gunderman and his staff did repairs themselves and reopened for business the next day.
“That was definitely a memory that stands out in our 30 years here,” Dr. Gunderman said. “We were back to work early the next morning.”
He and his wife, Marie, share three children: Sam, Bonnie and Dan, who lives in Georgia. The couple’s three grandchildren—Katie, AJand Annalise—are active swimmers, so the Gundermans attend a lot of swim meets. Gunderman Chiropractic & Wellness are strong supporters of Williamsburg Aquatic Club, where the grandkids are members.
“I try to stay as active as I can with my grandkids,” Dr. Gunderman said.
He hopes to stay involved in Gunderman Chiropractic & Wellness for as long as possible before he hands over the reins to his son.
“I really like helping people, and I just want to continue to grow our business and our reputation,” Dr. Gunderman said.