Our Staff
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. Josh Sandell
Dr. Josh Sandell, DC, DACBSP, ATC, CSCS is owner and director of Spine & Sports Institute. He attended undergraduate school at University of Minnesota Duluth and holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Exercise Physiology and Human Biology. He is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic and earned his diplomate in Sports Medicine from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physician (DACBSP). 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 highly specialized soft tissue mobilization technique that is patent pending. Dr. Sandell has had the privilege to work at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO and was selected as the official USA chiropractor at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Dr. Sandell has pioneered innovative treatment methods that rapidly resolve injuries, restore function, and improve athletic performance and these methods have gained the attention from some of the foremost experts from around the world. He specializes in the chronic and complex sports injuries that have failed to resolve with traditional sports medicine methods. He currently serves as a sports medicine advisor to some of the country’s foremost sports training facilities, clinics, NFL agencies, and health care organizations. His list of patients includes over a hundred professional and Olympic athletes from around the country and the world. Dr. Sandell enjoys running, cycling, reading, and most of all, spending time in the outdoors with his son Grant.
Dr. Justin Thielke
Dr. Justin 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. Renata Evertz
Dr. Renata Evertz, DC, is a licensed chiropractor who graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University with her chiropractic degree. Prior to completing her doctorate of chiropractic, Dr. Evertz received her bachelor degree in biology with a minor in chemistry from Bemidji State University. Dr. Evertz is committed to providing specialized, individualized, and innovative treatment methodologies to her patients. Her focus is to provide relief of initial injuries as well as to focus on preventative measures to maintain the patient’s relieved state. The goal of treatment is to provide long-lasting outcomes and to resolve the patient’s symptoms. Dr. Evertz understands the importance of patient education to empower patients to take charge of their health. She has had the opportunity to work side lines for the MN Kings semi-professional soccer team and has also provided medical staff for numerous racing events. Dr. Evertz has presented many injury prevention speaking engagements to some of the large corporations in the Twin Cities and is passionate about prevention education. She is currently pursuing postgraduate studies towards becoming a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP) and is always expanding her knowledge of nutrition and rehabilitation. Dr. Evertz is excited to be a part of the SSI team and to work with her co-workers to provide leading care in sports medicine.
Dr. Kaitlin Blank
Dr. Kaitlin Blank, DC, is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic who graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University. Dr. Blank attended both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Science. Dr. Blank provides each patient with a specifically tailored treatment plan to each individual’s symptoms. With a combination of chiropractic therapy, soft tissue mobilization, functional performance and exercise rehabilitation this unique integrative approach provides each patient with a faster and safer return to the activities they love. Dr. Blank is currently in the process of becoming a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP).
Dr. Crystal Neal
Dr. Crystal Neal is a Doctor of Chiropractic who graduated from Northwestern Health Sciences University in March 2011. She attended undergraduate school at Boise State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Sciences with a minor in Psychology. Dr. Crystal is a credentialed Active Release Technique® (ART) practitioner and is trained in several other soft tissue mobilization techniques. Dr. Crystal uses many modalities and an individual approach when working with her patients. Dr. Crystal includes chiropractic techniques, functional assessment, exercise rehab, nutrition, and massage to help patients achieve ultimate health. She has a passion for nutrition and loves working with athletes, whether professional or weekend warriors. Dr. Crystal specializes in overuse injuries in athletes and understands the importance of a quick and full recovery. Whole body health is a reachable goal and she is excited to help her patients achieve and maintain that lifestyle.
