About
Dr. Sam Van Gorder, PT, DPT
She/her/hers
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
- Fellow, Orthopedic Manual Therapist
- Blood Flow Restriction Certified
- RockTape Blades, Pods, Floss Certified
- RockTape FMT Movement Specialist
- Dry Needling Certified
TL;DR
Dr. Sam is a physical therapist, former collegiate athlete, and outdoor enthusiast who combines advanced manual therapy with a patient-centered approach to help people stay active, longer and stronger.
Dr. Sam returns to North Carolina after six years of practicing in Seattle, WA. She earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) at Duke University and her BS in Exercise Science at Cal Lutheran University, where she also competed as a collegiate soccer player.
Her own journey includes two soccer-related ACL tears—the left in college and the right in 2024. Each recovery was vastly different, giving her firsthand insight into how unique the rehab process can be from one injury to the next. These contrasting experiences shaped her empathetic, individualized approach to helping patients navigate both setbacks and performance goals.
While in Seattle, Dr. Sam completed a fellowship in manual therapy, expanding her expertise in advanced hands-on techniques. She values the power of touch but believes true progress comes from empowering each client to discover the movements and strategies that work best for them. She also emphasizes that physical therapy isn’t just about resolving pain — it’s about preventing future injuries and building long-term resilience.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Sam enjoys being outdoors, whether hiking and paddleboarding with her wife or snowboarding with friends. She also loves baking and experimenting with new recipes. And if you bring your dog to say hello, she’ll be the first to ask for a pet (she doesn’t have one yet).
Integrating many treatment approaches, Dr. Sam works with you to find the best individualized strategies that will help you successfully reach your peak. From breathwork to hands-on work, from balance training to Olympic-style lifts – and everything in between – your plan will reflect you and your goals.
A session may include:
- Hands-on manual techniques
- Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training
- Dry Needling
- Cupping
- Corrective exercises
- Biomechanics assessment
- Fellow, Manual Therapy, Ola Grimsby Institute, 2019
- Resident, Manual Therapy, Ola Grimsby Institute, 2018
- Doctor of Physical Therapy, Duke University, 2016
- Bachelor of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, California Lutheran University, 2012
What People Are Saying
“Dr. Sam is hands down the best physical therapist I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen quite a few over the years). She is extremely knowledgeable and figures out the root of your problem quickly. From there she has a great plan to get you back to peak performance. Cannot recommend her enough!”
Carolina G-L