Our Doctors
At Spine and Sports Institute, we pride ourselves on the high level of specialized training and continuing education of each physician. We strive to incorporate the latest sports medicine research into treatment in order to best serve the needs of our patients.
Dr. Sandell
Dr. Sandell, DC, DACBSP, ATC, CSCS is owner and director of Spine & Sports Institute. He is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic who graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2001. He attended undergraduate school at University of Minnesota Duluth and holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Physiology and Human Biology. Dr. Sandell earned his diplomate in Sports Medicine from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP) and now currently serves as a chair member for the ACBSP. In addition, Dr. Sandell is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He was a credentialed Active Release Technique® (ART) practitioner and is trained in several other soft tissue mobilization techniques, including the development of a specialized soft tissue mobilization technique that is patent pending. Dr. Sandell was invited to work at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. This is a prestigious opportunity to treat many of the Olympic athletes and is only granted to a select number of chiropractors in the United States. After successful completion of this residency program and working at World Championship events around the world, Dr. Sandell has been selected as an official USA chiropractor at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. With his vast experience and knowledge in sports medicine, Dr. Sandell understands the need for a rapid return to competition and has had the opportunity to treat many professional athletes, Olympians, and patients from around the United States and the world.
Dr. Westbrock
Dr. Westbrock, DC, DACBSP, EMT, CSCS is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic who graduated with honors from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2006. She attended University of Minnesota Duluth as a student-athlete and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with an emphasis in Chemistry. Dr. Westbrock has her Diplomate from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP), is a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and is an Active Release Technique® (ART) practitioner. Currently, she is the Medical Director for the Wayzata Girl's Rugby Club and is the team physician for the Dakota County Technical College Men's and Women's soccer teams. Dr. Westbrock has had the honor of working in an official capacity with Macalester College Athletics and the Minnesota Lightning. Due to Dr. Westbrock's extensive education in sports injuries and physical rehabilitation, she allows for a safer and faster return to competition for athletes of all levels.
Dr. Thielke
Dr. Thielke, DC, CSCS is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), who graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2005. He attended undergraduate school at Dakota State University in Madison, SD and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology for Info Systems. Dr. Thielke utilizes a functional approach as to how the spine and the extremities are truly integrated when an injury occurs with extensive knowledge of soft tissue and repetitive strain injuries. He strongly believes in an integrated approach to health care that combines the effectiveness of several disciplines to provide a more rounded approach to health care. He has a diverse clinical approach by combining chiropractic, exercise rehabilitation, soft tissue mobilization, and functional performance enhancement. Dr. Thielke educates his patients on how to stay healthy, active, and to avoid injuries. He strives to deliver immediate and lasting relief from pain and enhanced quality of life.
Dr. Holmes
Dr. Holmes, DC, DACBSP, EMT, CSCS is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic who graduated with honors from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2007. He attended the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Dr. Holmes is a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and holds his Diplomate in Sports Medicine from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP). Additionally, Dr. Holmes provides medical sideline support for the Mid-America Semi-Professional Football League and the Dakota County Technical College Soccer team.
Read about our doctors' credentials.