Photo of Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C., is Vice President of Chiropractic and Compliance at The Joint Chiropractic, where he leads clinical standards, compliance strategy, and programs that support consistent, high-quality care across the network. He is also a Doctor of Chiropractic and former in-clinic provider with The Joint, bringing a deep, real-world perspective from years of caring for patients into every enterprise-level initiative he guides.

Education: Northwestern Health Sciences University

More About The Doctor

Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C., is Vice President of Chiropractic and Compliance at The Joint Chiropractic, bringing a rare blend of hands-on clinical experience and strategic healthcare leadership to one of the largest chiropractic care organizations in the country. He is known as a dynamic, people-first executive with a team-centered mindset and a proven ability to drive complex programs from concept to implementation by aligning diverse stakeholders around clear, actionable solutions. His leadership style prioritizes trust, transparency, and forward momentum, especially in moments that require clarity across competing priorities.

Dr. Knauf’s career is grounded in direct patient care. Born and raised in Wisconsin, he later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he attended Northwestern Health Sciences University and earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2010. Shortly after graduating, he relocated to the greater Phoenix area and joined The Joint Chiropractic in 2011. He served as an in-clinic Doctor of Chiropractic in Tempe, Arizona from 2011 to 2015, caring for thousands of patients across a wide range of ages and musculoskeletal concerns. That practitioner foundation continues to shape his approach today, keeping enterprise-level decisions anchored in what matters most at the clinic level: patient safety, clinical quality, and a consistent experience that earns trust.

As his impact expanded, Dr. Knauf advanced into leadership roles where he could scale what works. He has led multi-unit operations, provided field support, and helped improve performance across clinics through practical, aligned execution. One of his most notable achievements includes overseeing fourteen franchise locations and providing consistent field leadership support that helped transform the district into the first profitable region in the company’s corporate portfolio. He is also recognized for building workforce development strategies that strengthen clinical capability across a large network. He designed and launched scalable training programs spanning new employee onboarding, franchisee education, clinical internships, continuing education, and advanced role-specific training, creating a foundation for sustainable growth and stronger support for doctors in the field.

In his current role as Vice President of Chiropractic and Compliance, Dr. Knauf focuses on strengthening the systems behind great care. He helps shape clinical standards, guides compliance priorities, and supports business transformations designed to improve outcomes, efficiency, and organizational resilience. He brings strong experience in multi-unit environments, balancing strategic vision with operational execution so teams stay aligned, informed, and equipped to deliver on shared goals. Colleagues trust him for his ability to navigate differing perspectives, cultivate strategic partnerships, and lead through complexity with calm confidence.

Dr. Knauf is also deeply engaged in the chiropractic profession beyond The Joint. He is a member of the American Chiropractic Association, where he served multiple terms on the subcommittee for Quality Assurance and Accountability, and he is a member of the International Chiropractors Association. He also served on the Arizona Board of Chiropractic Examiners from 2017 to 2023, contributing to the oversight that helps protect patients and uphold the integrity of chiropractic practice in Arizona.

Outside of work, Dr. Knauf enjoys spending time with his family. You will often find them hiking, camping, biking, or relaxing together with video games.