AUTO ACCIDENT & INJURY CARE

Car Accident & Whiplash Care in St. Louis Park, MN

After a crash, you deserve an exam that makes sense of what changed, a clear plan, and records that tell the whole story.

Minnesota Monthly Best Chiropractor 2020–2026 · We bill your auto insurer directly · Serving Minneapolis and the west metro

Hurt at work instead? Work injury and workers’ comp care →

Veteran with a VA Community Care referral? Dr. Heather is a fellow Veteran and an Optum Community Care provider. Here’s how it works →

SOMETHING CHANGED

Sore, Stiff or Just Not Right After a Car Accident?

Many people feel okay at the scene. Then the next morning, or a few days later, something shows up. A neck that won’t turn. Headaches that weren’t there before. A back that tightens when you sit.

Low-speed and rear-end crashes can still cause real injuries, even when your car barely shows it.

Pain tells us something. It doesn’t tell us everything. An exam shows what changed, what didn’t, and what makes sense next.

Common after a collision

  • Neck pain and stiffness, including whiplash
  • Headaches that started after the crash
  • Mid- or low-back pain
  • Shoulder or chest-wall pain from the seatbelt
  • Jaw pain after impact (more on jaw and TMJ pain)
  • Trouble sleeping or concentrating because you hurt

Go to an emergency room or call 911 first if you have numbness, weakness, a severe or worsening headache, confusion, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Not sure if it’s worth getting checked? That’s exactly what the first visit is for.

MINNESOTA NO-FAULT

Who Pays for Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident in Minnesota?

Minnesota is a no-fault state. If you’re hurt in a crash, your own auto policy pays your injury-related benefits first, even if the other driver caused the accident.

01

Your Own Policy Pays First

Your no-fault (PIP) coverage applies no matter who was at fault. Opening an injury claim doesn’t automatically raise your rates. If you’re unsure, ask your insurer about their surcharge rules.

02

Up to $20,000 for Medical Care

Minnesota no-fault includes at least $20,000 for reasonable, necessary injury-related medical care, plus separate benefits for things like lost wages.

03

We Bill Your Insurer Directly

Bring your claim number and your adjuster’s name and phone number. We verify your benefits and bill your auto insurer directly, so you can focus on feeling better.

Coverage depends on your policy. No-fault covers injuries, not vehicle damage. This is general information, not legal advice.

Read our step-by-step guide: What to Do After a Car Accident in Minnesota → Printable PDF

Neck pain or headaches after the crash? Whiplash care → Low back pain after the crash? Back pain care → Stiff neck that won’t turn? Neck pain care → New headaches since the crash? Headache care → Foggy, dizzy or not yourself? Concussion care →

Have your claim number handy? Booking takes a few minutes.

Dr. Heather Flatgard documenting exam findings for an auto injury patient

THE RECORD MATTERS

Thorough Documentation for Your Auto Injury Claim

After an accident, your care and your claim are connected. Clear, accurate records protect both. We document what we find carefully, from the first visit to the last.

  • Measurable baselines. Range of motion, orthopedic and neurological testing, and functional questionnaires at your first exam.
  • Visit notes tied to findings. Each treatment connects to what we found and why.
  • Scheduled re-exams. Progress is measured, not guessed, and the plan changes when you do.
  • Imaging and referrals when warranted. A trusted network for imaging, orthopedics, physical therapy and other specialists.
  • Records within 48 business hours. Records requests and narrative reports are completed within 48 business hours of payment.

Accurate, not inflated. Your records should say exactly what we find.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What Happens After a Car Accident at Excelsior & Grand

Every plan starts with understanding. The tool comes after the finding.

01

Assessment

We talk through the crash and how you’ve felt since, then examine how you move and test the joints, muscles and nerves involved.

02

A Clear Explanation

We compare your history with your exam findings to reach an accurate diagnosis, then walk you through your plan at your follow-up visit.

03

Targeted Treatment

Care is chosen for what we find, from adjustments to soft-tissue work, laser, rehab exercise or massage. Not everyone needs everything.

04

Reassessment

We re-measure along the way and adjust the plan. When you’ve reached your goals, we tell you.

Tools we use when the findings support them: chiropractic adjustments, Active Release Techniques®, Graston®, Class 4 laser, rehab exercise and massage.

The plan should change when you do.

PATIENT STORIES

What Patients Say About Their Care

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Pam L profile picture
Pam L
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As a senior I understand all too well the physical and emotional stress that I put on my body every day Heather and the team are working very hard to put me "back together" again. Their knowledge and caring is evident whenever I walk thru the door! I'm on my way to feeling better than I have in a long time! Thank you team!!
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Amber H
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Dr. Heather is the best! She is so thorough and truly cares about how I’m feeling at my chiropractic appointments. Excelsior and Grand is a whole level above other chiropractic offices in the level of service, care, and options.
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Elisia M
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Dr. Heather is amazing! Takes the time to listen to your concerns and figures out a treatment plan to help! MICAELA Is also great! You are always welcome with open arms & always welcomed with smiling faces! The office is bright & always extremely clean! They offering texting as well for quick and easy convince!
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Diana C
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I will call myself a "regular" patient at Dr. Heather Flatgard's clinic, because I have been a patient since she opened her clinic in St Louis Park. She has helped me work through my condition known as "COB" aka crappy-old-back. Her depth of experience in chiropractic care has kept me moving, exercising, traveling and the functionality to complete 2 sprint triathlons. If you want to feel welcomed and stay in-condition, I recommend that you make an appointment with Dr. Heather.
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David S
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The whole office is great! We have been receiving services from Dr. Heather for 3 years and have always been kept in great shape. We have gotten massages, as well and Emily is an excellent masseuse! So glad we found them!
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Hollee T
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Dr.Heather and her team are the best of the best in Chiropractics! They take the time to get to know their patients and make each visit special. My migraines are practically gone after seeing Dr.Heather. Thank you for the exceptional care!
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Kay O
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Dr. Flatgard has been my chiropractor for several years now. Despite my more advanced age 😊, she respects that I'm an athlete and treats me as one. Her knowledge is vast and she's incredibly helpful and caring. I highly recommend Excelsior & Grand Chiropractic to anyone and everyone.
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Emily V profile picture
Emily V
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Dr. Heather Flatgard and Mikayla are awesome. My adjustments are effective and gentle, I feel super welcome and comfortable every time I come in. I’ve seen Dr. Flatgard for a couple of years now and she’s helped me through pregnancy and postpartum, she’s also very knowledgeable about when it’s time to make referrals for PT or imaging. Mikayla is organized, friendly, and really helpful. They’re a fantastic team and I feel better with every adjustment. Can’t recommend enough!
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Andrea A profile picture
Andrea A
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Dr. Heather has been so helpful taking me through my neck and nerve pain recovery. The whole experience from setting up appointments, to getting in and out has been friendly, helpful and efficient.

Minnesota Monthly Best Chiropractor, seven years running (2020–2026) · Read more reviews on Google →

FOR ATTORNEYS & CASE MANAGERS

A Personal Injury Chiropractor Who Communicates Clearly

When you refer a client to Excelsior & Grand in St. Louis Park, you can expect a thorough initial exam, objective findings, consistent visit notes, scheduled re-exams and professional communication throughout the case.

  • Records and narrative reports within 48 business hours of payment
  • Direct billing to no-fault carriers
  • Clear clinical rationale for each phase of care
  • Coordination with imaging, orthopedics, physical therapy and other specialists when needed
  • Phone (952) 920-9247 · Fax (952) 922-3480

Referring a client? Call (952) 920-9247 and we’ll take it from there. How we work with attorneys →

Excelsior & Grand Chiropractic clinic exterior in St. Louis Park, MN

QUESTIONS

Car Accident Injury Questions

Still unsure about something? Call (952) 920-9247. We’re happy to help you figure out where to start.

Should I see a chiropractor if I feel fine after a car accident?

Some symptoms, like neck stiffness and headaches, show up a day or more later. An exam records what changed and what didn’t. If we don’t find anything that needs care, we’ll tell you.

How soon after a car accident should I be seen?

As soon as you’re able, ideally within the first few days. An early exam gives a clear baseline for your care and your claim. If you have emergency symptoms, go to the ER first.

Why do I use my own insurance if the other driver was at fault?

Minnesota is a no-fault state. Your own no-fault (PIP) coverage pays your injury-related benefits first, and the insurance companies sort out reimbursement later.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can schedule directly.

Do I need an attorney?

Not always. An attorney can help when fault is disputed, benefits are delayed or denied, you feel pressured to settle or stop care, or you were hurt by an at-fault driver. If you’d like names, we can share personal injury attorneys we trust. If you already have one, we’ll coordinate with them.

What should I bring to my first visit?

Your auto insurance claim number, your adjuster’s name and phone number, your insurance card and a photo ID. Bring any ER, urgent care or imaging records if you have them.

I was a passenger. Whose insurance covers me?

Your own. Passengers claim no-fault benefits through their own auto policy, or a policy covering a relative they live with. If you don’t have one, the policy on the vehicle you were riding in generally provides your no-fault benefits. If coverage is unclear, call us, and consider talking with a personal injury attorney.

I was a pedestrian or cyclist. Am I covered?

Usually, yes. You’d claim through your own or a household auto policy first. If you have none, the policy on the vehicle involved generally applies.

How long will treatment take?

It depends on what we find and how you respond. We set goals when we review your findings, re-measure along the way, and tell you when you’ve reached them.

Do you treat work injuries?

Yes. We accept workers’ compensation. Bring your employer’s information and your claim number if you have one. See our work injury page →

RECOVER

Get Clear on What Changed, and What Comes Next.

Schedule a visit at Excelsior & Grand in St. Louis Park, MN. Have your claim number ready, and we’ll handle the billing from there.

Questions first? Call (952) 920-9247.