“I believe in listening to patients and making them feel comfortable. For me, the most gratifying part of the work is finding the problem and fixing it so patients can return to their usual activities.”

Specialties

Team

At Summit, each physician works alongside a team of professionals to care for you, our patient. Read more about our team approach to care.

Karen’s Summit Story: Erik Ekstrom, M.D.

The Intracept Procedure is a minimally invasive, nonsurgical way to treat low back pain. Hear directly from Karen, a patient who came to Summit after over 20 years of back pain, met Dr. Ekstrom and had a life-changing experience.

Dr. Ekstrom has been featured in several Ask the Expert videos on the topics of neck, back, and spine health. Also, Dr. Ekstrom was featured on the Bob and Brad show, a YouTube channel featuring two well-respected physical therapists with over 3.5 million subscribers.

Dr. Erik Ekstrom’s Approach to Care

“I believe in listening to patients and making them feel comfortable. For me, the most gratifying part of the work is finding the problem and fixing it so patients can return to their usual activities.”

Erik Ekstrom is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation expert, specializing in back, neck, and spine care. Dr. Ekstrom is a frequent recipient of the Top Doctor designation in Mpls./St.Paul Magazine.

Medical School
University of Minnesota Medical School — Minneapolis, MN

Undergraduate & Graduate Studies

  • Master of Science in Exercise Physiology
    St. Cloud State University — St. Cloud, MN
  • Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
    Mankato State University — Mankato, MN

Residency
University of Minnesota Medical School — Minneapolis, MN

  • Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
  • Registered Dietitian
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)

  • American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Spine Injection Society
  • Physiatric Association of Spine, Sport and Occupational Rehabilitation

  • Board of Directors, Courage Kenny Foundation
  • Chair, Interventional Pain Peer Review Committee
  • Voted a “Top Doctor” in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine: 2016-2022

Patient Education

Spine Animated Conditions and Treatments Library

Spine Injections Animated Library

Publications

Local and national presentations and articles on Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

Jennifer S.

Dr. Ekstrom was thorough with his explanations and conveyed warmth and empathy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the coordination and help.

Comment from patient satisfaction survey:

Dr. Ekstrom gave me a trigger point injection that took away the pain in my neck – a spot that hasn’t been pain-free in at least eight years.

Survey Feedback

I trust Dr. Ekstrom and John. I recommend my friends, family, and clients I work with to see them both!!

comment from patient satisfaction survey

My only complaint is wished I had came to you first! I lived with this pain for 2 years. I was at the end of my rope! Couldn’t take it anymore! Thank you so much.

Comment from Joanne J.

I have been dealing with extreme leg pain for 10-15 years, sent to every specialist and diagnosed will wacky strange diseases, told I would be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life very soon. I saw Dr. Ekstrom and my life has changed, after extensive MRI’s and explanations, 4 injections and I feel 20 years younger. I am able to walk straight, pain free and can now look forward to the rest of my active life. THANK YOU for helping me. I would HIGHLY recommend Dr. Ekstrom and SUMMIT Orthopedics!!!

Articles and Videos from Erik J. Ekstrom, M.D.