Who Owns The Joint Chiropractic? Inside the Business Model That Changed Healthcare

Who owns The Joint Chiropractic? The Joint Corp., a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, owns this nationwide network of over 950 chiropractic clinics across 41 states. Founded in 1999 in Tucson, Arizona, the company has changed how Americans access chiropractic care through its no-appointment, no-insurance model.

The business has grown significantly under current leadership. The company reported more than 14.7 million patient visits in 2024 while achieving a 10% revenue increase to $51.9 million during the same period. The ownership structure includes approximately 861 franchised clinics and 90 company-owned or managed locations as of December 2024, showcasing a successful franchise-based approach.

This guide breaks down the ownership structure of The Joint Chiropractic, examines the business model that made accessible chiropractic care possible, and explores how this healthcare company generates revenue while maintaining its mission of improving quality of life through routine and affordable treatment.

Who owns The Joint Chiropractic?

The Joint Corp. serves as the parent company and legal owner of The Joint Chiropractic franchise network. This publicly traded corporation operates on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol "JYNT". The company functions as a national operator, manager, and franchisor of chiropractic clinics across the United States.

Public company status and stock symbol

The Joint Corp. changed access to chiropractic care when it introduced its retail healthcare business model. The company stands as the nation's largest operator and franchisor of chiropractic clinics through The Joint Chiropractic network.

With its headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona, the company has established itself as a key leader in the chiropractic industry, offering a private pay, non-insurance, cash-based model.

Breakdown of major shareholders

As of December 2023, The Joint Corp. had 15,006,741 Stock A shares with one vote each. This figure includes 14,758,737 free-float shares and 32,831 company-owned shares. The ownership structure includes institutional investors, company insiders, and the general public. Insiders own approximately 1.44% of the company.

The role of institutional investors

Institutional investors hold significant influence in The Joint Corp.'s ownership structure, with 127 institutional owners holding major stakes. Bandera Partners leads as the largest institutional shareholder with 26.29% ownership (3.94 million shares).

Other major institutional investors include:

• Vanguard Group: 6.84%

• BlackRock Inc.: 6.25%

• Skylands Capital: 4.6%

• Renaissance Technologies: 2.50%

• Goldman Sachs: 2.14%

Bandera Partners wields considerable influence over company decisions, demonstrated by their successful nomination of Jeff Gramm to the Board of Directors in November 2023.

The Joint Chiropractic CEO and leadership team

The Joint Corp. appointed Sanjiv Razdan as President and Chief Executive Officer in October 2024, replacing former CEO Peter Holt. Razdan brings experience from his previous role as President of Americas and India for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. He also held senior operations leadership positions with respected brands including Yum! Brands, Dine Brands, and Sweetgreen.

The executive leadership team includes Jake Singleton (Chief Financial Officer), Charles Nelles (Chief Technology Officer), Lori Abou Habib (Chief Marketing Officer), Beth Gross (Senior Vice President of Human Resources), and Dr. Steve Knauf (Vice President of Chiropractic and Compliance). This management team guides the company's strategic direction and operational activities.

The founding story and early growth

Dr. Fred Gerretzen founded The Joint Chiropractic in 1999 in Tucson, Arizona. His concept emerged from a desire to make chiropractic care more convenient, affordable, and patient-friendly.

Who founded The Joint Chiropractic?

Dr. Gerretzen established The Joint with a specific mission: to improve quality of life through routine and affordable chiropractic care. His concept challenged conventional medical practice by eliminating appointments, insurance paperwork, and high costs that created barriers for patients seeking relief from back and neck pain. This approach stemmed from his involvement in the controversial subject of maintenance care for chiropractic patients.

Initial clinic and early expansion

The first clinic demonstrated Dr. Gerretzen's patient-centered philosophy. It established the foundation for what would become a nationwide network. The Joint gradually expanded its presence while refining its unique business model during these early years.

The concept proved appealing to patients seeking convenient access to chiropractic services. The initial clinic served as a testing ground for the membership-based approach that would later become the company's signature feature.

Franchising launch and restructuring in 2010

Dr. Gerretzen recognized the potential for broader expansion and adopted a franchise model in 2003. This decision accelerated growth, though at a moderate pace. The network had established eight franchised clinics across the country by early 2010.

March 2010 marked a pivotal moment. Brothers Steve and Craig Colmar acquired the original eight franchised clinics and effectively re-founded The Joint. The Colmars, from Austin, Texas, hired master franchisor John Leonesio—founder of Massage Envy—to reshape the business.

Under this new leadership, The Joint introduced its retail healthcare business model that changed how Americans accessed chiropractic care. This restructuring marked the beginning of accelerated growth that would position The Joint as the nation's largest chiropractic franchise.

How the business model works

The Joint Chiropractic operates differently than traditional chiropractic practices. The company prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and convenience for patients seeking care.

Franchise vs corporate clinics

The Joint Chiropractic uses a dual ownership structure with the majority being franchise-operated. As of December 2024, the network comprised 975 total clinics, including 861 franchised clinics, 90 company-owned or managed clinics, and 24 managed clinics. This franchise-heavy approach has enabled rapid expansion across the country with lower capital expenditure for The Joint Corp.

Franchisees benefit from a simple business model requiring minimal space—typically around 1,200 square feet—and just three to four staff members, including licensed chiropractors. This streamlined approach keeps overhead costs low while maximizing efficiency.

Membership-based revenue model

The Joint's business model centers on its membership-based approach, similar to a gym membership. This structure provides recurring revenue for clinic owners and affordable care for patients. Monthly wellness plans offer up to four visits per month, with adult plans starting around $79 monthly.

For those who prefer flexibility, The Joint offers packages of 6, 10, or 20 visits, valid for 12 months. Single visits are also available for approximately $55, though these offer less value than membership options.

Walk-in, no-insurance approach

The Joint's elimination of insurance requirements removes administrative hurdles, paperwork, and billing complications that affect traditional practices.

Patients enjoy walk-in convenience with extended evening and weekend hours.

Clinics are strategically placed in high-traffic retail locations near supermarkets and coffee shops, making chiropractic care as accessible as grocery shopping.

Recurring revenue through wellness plans

The membership model creates steady, predictable income streams for clinic owners. Treatments are quick—often just five minutes—allowing clinics to serve high patient volumes.

The Joint's emphasis on routine wellness care rather than acute treatment encourages regular visits, fostering customer loyalty and recurring revenue. Military discounts and youth plans further expand the customer base. This approach has proven successful, with the average Joint clinic generating approximately $532,094 in annual gross sales.

How The Joint makes money

The Joint Chiropractic generates revenue through multiple streams that create

steady income from both franchise operations and corporate clinics. With more than 13 million patient visits annually, the company has built a profitable model combining recurring revenue with strategic expansion.

Franchise fees and royalties

Franchise operations form the financial foundation of The Joint's revenue model. New franchisees pay an initial franchise fee of $39,900 for their first clinic. Beyond this upfront payment, franchisees contribute ongoing royalty fees of 7% of gross sales or a minimum of $700 monthly, whichever amount is greater.

Additional revenue streams include a brand fund fee of 2% of gross sales (capped at 3%) for national marketing initiatives. Franchisees must also invest the greater of 5% of gross sales or $3,000 monthly in local advertising efforts.

Corporate clinic revenue

The Joint Corp. directly operates 125 company-owned and managed clinics as of September 2024. These corporate locations generate revenue through membership plans and pay-per-visit services. According to financial reports, The Joint's revenue reached $51.9 million in 2024, representing a 10% increase compared to 2023. System-wide sales jumped 39% to $530.3 million during the same period.

Cost structure and profitability

The streamlined business model keeps overhead costs manageable. Each location requires minimal space—typically 1,200 square feet—and just 3-4 staff members per clinic. This efficiency creates an operating profit margin of approximately 20% for owner-operators.

With median gross sales of $532,094 per clinic, estimated earnings for owner-operators average around $106,000 annually.

Recent acquisitions and growth strategy

The Joint Corp. has pursued strategic acquisitions to boost profitability and market presence. The company acquired Wisconsin regional developer territory rights for $950,000 in June 2023, encompassing 21 existing franchised clinics with potential for 31 additional locations.

Earlier, in April 2022, they purchased Northern California territory rights for $2.4 million. This acquisition included 20 operating clinics and 36 in development. These strategic moves aim to increase margin contribution within the franchise segment while accelerating growth through new clinic development.

Conclusion

The Joint Chiropractic operates under the ownership of The Joint Corp., a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ stock exchange under ticker symbol "JYNT." This ownership structure has enabled expansion across 41 states with over 950 clinics nationwide.

Dr. Fred Gerretzen's 1999 vision of accessible care, later expanded through the 2010 restructuring by the Colmar brothers, created a healthcare approach that eliminates traditional barriers. Patients now enjoy walk-in convenience, affordable pricing, and treatment without insurance complications.

The franchise-heavy strategy has proven effective. With 861 franchised clinics and 90 company-owned locations, The Joint has created a scalable system that benefits both investors and patients. The membership-based revenue model ensures steady cash flow while providing patients with cost-effective care options.

The Joint's financial performance validates this approach. Revenue grew to $51.9 million in 2024, representing a 10% increase from the previous year. System-wide sales jumped 39% to $530.3 million during this period. These figures demonstrate that accessible healthcare can also generate strong business results.

While initially controversial within traditional chiropractic circles, The Joint's no-appointment, retail-based model has resonated with Americans seeking pain relief and wellness care. With over 14.7 million patient visits in 2024 alone, the numbers support this conclusion.

The Joint Chiropractic exemplifies how rethinking healthcare delivery can yield significant results. Strategic acquisitions and new clinic openings suggest this company will remain a dominant force in chiropractic care for years to come.

FAQs

Q1. How does The Joint Chiropractic's business model differ from traditional chiropractic practices?

The Joint Chiropractic operates on a membership-based model with walk-in convenience, no appointments, and no insurance requirements. This approach offers affordable, accessible care with extended hours in retail locations, contrasting with traditional practices that often involve appointments, insurance paperwork, and higher costs.

Q2. Who currently owns The Joint Chiropractic?

The Joint Chiropractic is owned by The Joint Corp., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol "JYNT". The ownership structure includes institutional investors, company insiders, and public shareholders.

Q3. How does The Joint Chiropractic generate revenue?

The Joint generates revenue through multiple streams, including franchise fees and royalties, income from company-owned clinics, and recurring revenue from membership plans. They also benefit from strategic acquisitions and the expansion of their clinic network.

Q4. What are the typical costs associated with a Joint Chiropractic membership?

Monthly wellness plans at The Joint Chiropractic start around $79 for adults, offering up to four visits per month. They also provide packages of 6, 10, or 20 visits valid for 12 months, as well as single visit options for approximately $55.

Q5. How has The Joint Chiropractic's approach impacted the chiropractic industry?

The Joint Chiropractic has transformed the chiropractic industry by making care more accessible and affordable. Their model has led to rapid expansion across the United States, with over 950 clinics in 41 states and more than 14.7 million patient visits in 2024, demonstrating strong market acceptance and growth.