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patientTestimonial

After 15 years and a dozen doctors, I finally found a doctor that clearly understands my condition.

Jim Barklind

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 was discouraged and depressed; I felt that I would never again have a “normal life.” My hip and low back pain had progressed steadily for 8+ years until I required help for everyday things. A few months ago, I went to see Dr. Holly Westbrock. Her approach was intelligent, considerate, and thorough; treatments were far from “the same old thing” I’d gotten everywhere else. Symptoms diminished noticeably after the first visit. Today, I am able to workout several days per week and am considering dance lessons. I wish I had found Dr. Westbrock years ago for this has been the best gift I could ever ask for.

Pam Everett

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

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 recently hyperextended my back while playing rugby and needed some work done on the muscles and tendons around my spine and lower back. The Spine and Sports Institute and Dr. Westbrock were able to help me heal from that injury in amazing time with the proper exercises and treatment. I was able to return to rugby very quickly. Dr. Westbrock has since helped me greatly with my performance after the injury. Thanks again to Spine and Sports Institute.

Richard Shepherdson, Professional Rugby Player

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

I was treated for plantar fascitis at Spine and Sports Institute. Dr. Holly Westbrock not only was able to relieve the pain I had in my right foot from the fascitis, but also relieved the tingling and numbness I had as a result of surgery. I can exercise again without pain!

Shelley Miller

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

A good friend told me about how pleased he was with the care he'd been receiving at Spine and Sports Institute, so when my daughter was injured during one of her sporting events I knew this was where we needed to go. From the very first conversation with Dr. Holly Westbrock, the care and treatment has been exceptional. Not only is she helping my daughter recover, she is also educating her about her body in hopes of preventing future injuries. Thank you!

Lori Hackett, Soccer Mom

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