Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Gunderson joined the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in 2024. Prior to becoming faculty at CSP Dr. Gunderson completed orthopedic physical therapy residency at University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in Madison WI, and fellowship-training in orthopedic manual physical therapy at Regis University in Denver, CO. He is board certified in orthopedic physical therapy and a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. He has over 15 years of experience as a physical therapist with expertise in chronic pain rehabilitation, manual therapy, ACL reconstruction rehabilitation, and psychologically-informed care. Dr. Gunderson also serves as the program director for TRIA’s orthopedic physical therapy residency in Bloomington, MN.
Currently, Dr. Gunderson’s research focuses on the application of the biopsychosocial model in ACL rehabilitation, as well as the role of manual therapy in musculoskeletal care. Some examples of recent dissemination:
- Palmsten A, Gunderson TC, Neimuth L, Yungtum W, Chmielewski TL. Higher Knee-Related Confidence and Younger Age Contribute to Risk Appraisal after ACL Reconstruction. APTP Combined Sections Meeting, Houston, TX Feb 2025.
- Cooper C, Gunderson TC, Courtney CA. The Cervical Otologic Connection; Was DD Palmer on to Something? A Case Report. AAOMPT Annual Conference, Orlando, FL Oct 2024.
- Chmielewski TL, Meierbachtol A, Aberman R, Gunderson TC, Sikorski J, Cummer K. Go to the Back Before Moving Forward: Addressing Psychological Responses in ACL Reconstruction. J Sport Health Sci. 2024; Sep;13(5):666-669.
- Gunderson TC, Sikorski J, Aberman R, Chmielewski TL. What’s the Risk – Understanding Risk Appraisal after ACL Reconstruction. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, Boston, MA, Feb 2024.
- Gunderson TC, Benecuik JM, Bialosky JE, Russel H, Chmielewski TL. Physical Therapist Readiness to Manage Fear of Re-Injury after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. APTA Combined Sections Meeting, San Diego, CA Feb 2023.
- Research Support:
Physical Therapists’ Readiness for Change in the Management of Fear of Re-Injury after ACL Reconstruction
Role: Principal Investigator
Agency: Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy – New Investigator Grant
Award: $30,000
Funding Period: 2020-2022
This was a survey investigation of 450 physical therapists. The objective of this study was to determine the readiness and deficits of physical therapists for using a psychologically-informed practice to manage fear of re-injury after ACL reconstruction.
Professional Experience
- Program Director, TRIA – Orthopedic Physical Therapy Residency
- Adjunct Faculty, Bellin College, Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy Program
Relevant Websites
Academic Pedigree
- B.A., Psychology, Gustavus Adolphus College
- D.P.T. Regis University