Testimonials
Before coming to Spine and Sports Institute, I had been suffering from severe pain in my achilles tendons for several months. I had gone to several doctors, including those specializing in sports medicine and physical therapists. I had reached the point of retiring from professional boxing based on the continued pain in my legs. I had never been to a chiropractor before, and had never considered that one could help, being that my problem was my legs, not my back. In just a few minutes, Dr. Sandell was able to determine the problem, and explain and show me how he was going to help. After 6 visits the pain was gone, I had complete mobility, and rededicated myself to training. I continue to be extremely thankful for the assistance he gave me, and have a newfound respect for the therapy Dr. Sandell is able to provide.
Ben Lane, Professional Boxer
I have been going to Spine & Sports Institute for over four years now. The chiropractors there are the most comprehensive sports medicine specialists I have ever been to. They get quick and effective results and don't require you to come in for weeks or months for treatment like other chiropractors sometimes do. I would highly recommend any of the DC's there. I have been treated by them all at some point over the years. I send my family and friends here as well anytime they have any type of injury or pain. They treat so much more than just athletes and the spine! Treatment at Spine & Sports Institute is well worth the trip to Maple Grove from the cities if you want fast results from a professional and caring staff!
Lindsay Long, L.Ac.
Before coming to Spine and Sports Institute my lower back was in rough shape. I could hardly walk, and any sports or exercise were out of the question. As a runner, my back pain really hindered me from being able to run and do the physical activities that I enjoyed. The pain was so severe that it would awaken me several times during the night, and sitting up in bed was a task. I had tried two other chiropractors with no success. After seeing Dr. Blank for just one visit, my lifestyle has changed dramatically! I received treatment for my disc injury with total success afterwards. I can finally exercise and participate in sports. My outlook on life has completely changed because I can finally do the activities that I enjoy without excruciating pain. I HIGHLY recommend Spine and Sports Institute. I will never go anywhere else!
The care and education I received at Spine and Sports Institute and from Dr. Thielke was fabulous. Not only was I treated with compassion and care, but also upon completion of my treatment, I was given rehabilitation exercises so I could continue to improve in the comfort of my own home.
Linda Dohse
As a new runner, I found myself dealing with multiple injuries from over-training. Dr. Renata has literally been my life-saver this past year. Her knowledge, support and dedication to my healing and training has been one of the main reasons I have been able to reach all my race goals and have become a much stronger and more well-rounded athlete because of it. Not only does she provide the healing that I need, but also the knowledge to help me better understand my injuries, and the tools to avoid them in the future. I owe Dr. Renata and the entire staff at Spine & Sports a great deal of gratitude. They keep me running!
Courtenay Guttormson
Being trained as a physician in internal medicine, I was naturally skeptical of chiropractors. However, I was immediately impressed by Dr. Sandell’s excellent and thorough assessment of my physical complaint, an assessment that was far more in depth than that of any other provider. He then developed a step-wise approach to first alleviate the severe muscle spasm I was experiencing, strengthen my back using “correct” exercises, and using massage techniques to remodel the fibrotic muscular changes in my back. The process has not been easy, but I am amazed that 2 months later, I have a pain free back. I can exercise freely and rigorously without pain.
Dr. Sandra Fielder, MD
I wanted to die from the excruciating back pain. I couldn't walk, drive, or sleep without intense upper back spasms and pain shooting through my spine. I had been seeking chiropractic treatment through a different chiropractor/clinic and I couldn't take it anymore. This was the third time this condition had hit me, and I didn't even know for sure what my diagnosis was! I searched my Medica web site and God gave me Dr. Kaitlin Blank at the Spine and Sports Institute in Maple Grove. After my initial two-hour treatment I knew I had found a new "home". I wasn't just another patient; someone finally cared about me. Thank you for giving me my life back, Dr. Kaitlin! I am in awe of how fast I healed. Your fan,
Tammy Seeger
Upon injuring my leg, I originally visited my general practitioner and he suggested either working with a physical therapist or chiropractor. After 8 visits to a chiropractor, my leg not only did not improve, but also seemed to be getting worse. By word of mouth I heard about Dr. Justin Thielke and made an appointment. After the first treatment, I was amazed at the decrease in pain. After an additional five visits my leg is almost pain free and much more limber. I am impressed with the thorough analysis of the injury by Dr. Thielke and the alternative approaches used to address the various muscles impacted.
Kirk Corson
As a competitive Ironman athlete I put in a lot of hours training. With that training comes overuse injuries and, unfortunately for me, an over-training injury. In the fall of 2002, I was referred to Spine and Sports Institute because I was not getting the help from other areas of the medical field to completely recover from an IT band problem. Within 30 minutes of my first visit I knew I had found the doctor that would finally help me. Dr. Sandell was able to give me an explanation of why my IT band was so tight and inflamed as will as explain what the treatment would be. With my treatments and rehab exercises I was finally back to competing and competing well. I have been injury free for the past 2 1/2 years. I still see Dr. Sandell and his staff for maintenance to continue towards my dreams.
Michelle Carlson, Ironman Triathlete
Dr. Westbrock has given me a new lease on life! Five years earlier having broken my ankle/leg in 3 places, I thought my life was destined to be one of pain and limitations. Well, not anymore! Dr. Westbrock worked wonders in a very short time. I no longer live with constant pain and was even able to go rock climbing this summer! I am truly thankful to have found such a wonderful group of people who truly care and go above and beyond to try to fix the cause of the problem. Thank you!
Shelley Danielson
Dr. Sandell was the 1st doctor that actually took the time to figure out where my pain was coming from. He did not just treat the symptoms, but really took the time to get to the real cause of the pain. Since I have been going to Spine and Sports Institute I have run every race pain free and have met or exceeded my race goals! I have recommended my family and friends to Spine and Sports Institute and they have had great results as well.
Amy Prescott, Elite Runner Status
Why did I choose Dr. Sandell? Because he knows his stuff! I was extremely impressed when I brought him my “tennis elbow” and he told me he could fix it in 3-4 treatments! I was expecting him to tell me he was going to have to treat me for several months. I was so stunned when it took only 3 appointments that I asked him to fix my knee, both shoulders, back, and neck. During this time I was a personal trainer and was referring my clients to Dr. Sandell. Now I own Fitness Together (a personal training franchise) and I only recommend the very best to my clients, so I still send them to Spine and Sports Institute.
Scott Allen, ACSM, ISSA, AIS, Owner Fitness Together
I went to Spine and Sports Institute because I had developed overuse injuries in my shoulders from training for Nordic skiing. Also, my hips were out of alignment from a track injury. These injuries were preventing me from competing to the best of my ability. This was my senior year of high school so I had set some very high goals for the Nordic ski season, and I knew I was going to need help with my physical limitations. Thanks to the treatment and personal care I received at Spine and Sports Institute, I was able to overcome these injuries in time to have a successful season. Dr. Sandell and his staff assisted me in attaining my goals of competing at a higher level that I ever had before and returning to the State ski meet. Thanks Dr. Sandell and staff!
Jenny Beckman, Collegiate Athlete
Throughout my years in competitive racing at various levels of ability, I have encountered several setbacks and injuries. These situations are not unusual and can occur in anyone, whether they are involved in athletics or not. Throughout my personal appointments and referrals I have made to Spine and Sports Institute, I have experienced nothing less than the best. This is a high-level treatment office, which focuses on fast recovery and the best result for the people.
Michael Williams, Collegiate Athlete
After 15 years and a dozen doctors I finally found a doctor that clearly understands my condition. Dr. Sandell and his associates are very knowledgeable and know how to treat me. When I come in and my spirits are low their positive attitudes help to raise my hope that soon I’ll be completely cured.
Jim Barklind
Hey Doc, I just wanted to say thank you for the awesome work you have done. If it hadn't been for you there wouldn't have been a season 13 for me. If there was no season 13, there would have been no Super Bowl ring that I was able to win with the Baltimore Ravens. You truly saved my career with the work that you did on my ankle and my wife and I are truly grateful for that my friend! You're awesome Doc! I'll be seeing you soon for some more work!
Bobbie Williams, 2013 Super Bowl Champion
Doc Josh, I am so blessed to have you in my life pal! I am sore today but very happy that I have my shoulder back!Thank you so much Doc! That was the best trip I have ever taken! Hope to see you soon!
Dick Crane, Bodybuilder
Dr. Josh, words cannot express the impact that you've had on my career. In rehab, activity commonly get miscontrued with productivity but ostensibly not with you. You've not only physically reconstructed a knee that every physician and physical therapist gave up on, but you have put me in a position to be able to continue my career. Thanks for thinking and working outside of the normal redundant procedures and understanding and knowing that every individual is different by catering to my needs. Thanks so much, I am forever indebted!
Rod Hood, Professional Football Player
