WE’RE MOVING!

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Welcome to the Future of Orthopedic Care: Orthopedic Institute Building a New State-of-the-Art Facility in Tea, South Dakota

We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our brand-new, cutting-edge orthopedic clinic in Tea, South Dakota in early 2025! As our Sioux Falls main clinic begins this move, this exciting development marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing extraordinary orthopedic care to our community and beyond.

Why the Move?

Our relocation to this 80,000-square-foot facility isn’t just about expanding our footprint—it is about enhancing your care experience. This new space has been meticulously designed to accommodate the growing needs of our patients, with a focus on delivering superior, comprehensive care. 

We have outgrown our current Sioux Falls main clinic, and this new facility allows us to offer more services under one roof, making it easier and more convenient for you to receive the care you need.

We are thrilled about our new location, especially with how easy it will be for everyone to access.

“Our belief that accessing health care should be easy and convenient was the driving conviction that led us to select this particular property for our future office,” Dr. David Jones Jr., board president and an orthopedic hand surgeon, said in a statement. 

What You Should Know

Timeline: We want to reassure all our patients that our clinic will continue to operate at our current Sioux Falls clinic until early 2025. Your appointments, treatments, and all other services will proceed as normal during this time! As always, our team is here to support your orthopedic needs every step of the way. We will keep you informed with updates on our move as the date approaches.

Directions: Our new facility is located at 2120 E. Live Stronger Street in Tea, South Dakota 57064. To come visit us, use I-29 South and take Exit 73 toward Tea. Take the slight right onto the ramp to Tea.  Merge onto 271st street. Turn right onto Bakker Landing Avenue. Continue on Bakker Landing Avenue until you come to the Tea water tower!

Questions: Give us a call at 1-888-331-5890 and our team will be ready to answer any questions you may have about our move!

What’s New?

At Orthopedic Institute, we are dedicated to advancing orthopedic care through innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technology. Our new facility reflects this commitment, with several exciting additions:

  1. Expanded Clinical Space: With more room to work, our medical professionals can see more patients, reduce wait times, and offer a broader range of services. This means more personalized care and a more comfortable experience for you. With the expansion of space, we are able to offer pain management injections and minor hand procedures (carpal tunnel, trigger finger release, finger cyst and mass removal, nail bed laceration repair, etc.) on site.
  2. State-of-the-Art Therapy and Rehabilitation Services: Our new facility houses an expanded therapy and rehabilitation center, equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced professionals. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or working to prevent injury, our team is here to support your journey to recovery with the best tools and techniques available.
  3. Advanced Imaging and Procedure Capabilities: The new clinic features cutting-edge imaging technology and advanced procedural rooms, allowing us to perform a wider array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on-site. This means faster diagnoses, more precise treatments, and improved outcomes for our patients.

A Commitment to Excellence

The decision to invest in this new facility underscores our dedication to providing the highest standard of care. We believe that every patient deserves the best possible treatment, delivered in a compassionate and efficient manner. Our team of orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and support staff are all committed to ensuring that you receive the most effective, evidence-based care available.

Join Us in Tea, South Dakota

We will keep you in the know regarding our build progress and we are excited for you to see for yourself how we’re revolutionizing orthopedic care. Whether you are a current patient or considering us for your orthopedic needs, we are confident that our new facility and the world class care you’ve come to expect from Orthopedic Institute will exceed your expectations.

Thank you for trusting Orthopedic Institute with your care. We look forward to continuing to serve you in our new home in Tea, South Dakota, where we are not just raising the bar—we are setting a new standard in orthopedic care. We’re moving better, together. 

Grand Opening Celebration

To celebrate this momentous occasion, we will be hosting a grand opening event! Stay tuned for more details on this special day, where you can tour the facility, meet our team, and learn more about the new services we are offering. We cannot wait to welcome you to our new home!

From Injury Recovery to Getting Back in the Game

Supporting Athletes: From Injury Recovery to Getting Back in the Game

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As a sports medicine physician dedicated to the health and well-being of athletes, I have seen firsthand the powerful impact that sports can have. Engaging in sports is not just about physical fitness—it is about building mental toughness, teamwork, and discipline. Whether you are tearing up the soccer field, running marathons, or heading out on the football field, the positive impact is undeniable.

But with the thrill of sports comes the risk of injuries. Sprains, fractures, tendonitis, and concussions are common setbacks that can take athletes out of the game. That is where Orthopedic Institute comes in. We are committed to providing top-tier care and support to help athletes bounce back.

At Orthopedic Institute, we take a personalized approach to sports injury rehab. Our team of seasoned sports medicine specialists, physical therapists, and rehab experts collaborate to craft custom treatment plans. From physical therapy to advanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures, our mission is to get you back on your feet quickly and effectively.

We know that recovery is not just physical—it is mental, too. Our clinic offers a supportive environment where athletes get not only the best medical care but also the encouragement and guidance to stay motivated throughout their rehab journey.

Our ultimate goal is to help athletes reclaim their strength, mobility, and confidence so they can get back in the game. We celebrate every recovery milestone and ensure athletes are armed with the knowledge to prevent future injuries.

As a sports medicine physician, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing my patients return to the game. It reinforces the importance of our work and the resilience of athletes. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a pro, know that Orthopedic Institute has your back—from injury recovery to getting back in the game.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a sports-related injury, do not hesitate to reach out. Let’s work together to make sure you keep enjoying the benefits of sports. And we can keep moving forward—together.

Dr. Hermanson Signature

–Evan N. Hermanson, MD

summer update from gregory alvine

Summer is a Great Time – Make the Most of it Safely

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Everyone loves summer. It’s an opportunity to get outside more, enjoy the activities we love and spend time with friends and family. With that increase in activity, we often see an increase in orthopedic related injuries, too.

Sprains, overuse, sport-related injuries from sports like pickleball, and even simple accidents can peak as we all strive to make the most of the season. These can range from tennis elbow or other repetitive activities like pulling weeds or hammering nails.

Summer chores can also trigger orthopedic injuries since they can be unusual motions that our bodies aren’t always used to. We commonly see shoulder and rotator issues from activities like digging, pulling a rake, or lifting heavy objects.

We love seeing you packing in your favorite activities into these warm days, but in addition to proper nutrition and hydration we try to remind you to warm up before a strenuous activity, use correct technique, and maintain exercise year-round.

And when these summer injuries do happen, it’s important to address them and not assume they are insignificant. Sometimes they are minor. But other times, they can have a lasting negative impact on your health and activity.

As specialists in orthopedics, we’re here for those times. We are readily available to treat you at Orthopedic Institute and our Orthopedic Institute Walk-In Clinics.

Above all, we wish you a great – and safe – summer.

gregory alvine signature

Gregory F. Alvine, MD

 

Better Movement Means More Independence

Better Movement Means More Independence for Veterans

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As we celebrate our independence during the summer months, Orthopedic Institute also recognizes that better movement is key to more independence.

Independence can take many forms: the ability to do simple home chores with fewer restrictions; picking up a grandchild without pain; and engaging in simple life activities.

When orthopedic issues persist, all of these independent joys of life can be compromised. This can be especially true in our Veteran population.

Veterans commonly face a whole host of conditions including pain in their knees, back, shoulders, wrists, feet, ankles, hips, or elbows. Veterans also face the challenges of limited mobility and often more serious issues like nerve damage or degenerative diseases like arthritis.

Orthopedic Institute is privileged to help all our patients move better and experience their best chance at a full life. This is especially true of our Veterans, who have often paid a high physical and emotional price for their service.

If you’re facing any of these challenges, the Orthopedic Institute is here to support you by connecting you with our team of specialists.

Together we can find the best path for all those who served – and all those we serve.

Scheduling an appointment is easy. Click, call, or text us. Or self-schedule your visit.

  • To call, click 605-331-5890 and talk with our scheduling team.
  • To text, click 605-331-5890 and text APPT to us, and our chatbot will help get you started.
  • To self-schedule online, click here.
Orthopedic Institute physical therapist demonstrates Monster Walks and Monster squats to activate glutes and hips.

How to Perform Monster Walks & Squats to Warm-Up Your Glutes & Hips

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Monster Walks and Monster Squats are commonly used exercises to help activate the lateral hips and glutes. They can also be used as a rehabilitation strengthening exercise. When performed correctly, these exercises may help prevent injury and muscle strain by promoting strength and stability.

A resistance band is needed to perform the Monster Walk and Squat. Use a resistance band that is not too tight or too loose, and keep constant tension in the resistance band throughout each exercise.

Learn more about resistance bands HERE.

Click HERE for a step-by-step instructional video on Monster Walks & Monster Squats or watch below.

Monster Walks – Lateral & Staggered

Orthopedic Institute physical therapist demonstrates how to perform a monster walk using a resistance band.

Lateral Monster Walks (Moving Side to Side):

  • Starting Position:

    For lateral monster walks, stand shoulder-width apart. Keep your head, shoulders, and chest forward, and actively engage the glutes and your core. Keep a slight bend in your knees throughout the exercise.

  • Performing the Exercise: Take a wide step laterally (to the side) with your right leg or lead leg, followed by your left leg or trail leg. Continue stepping laterally for 10 steps and repeat on the other leg in the opposite direction. Do not over stride – over striding may cause injury.

Staggered Monster Walks (Moving Forward & Backward):

  • Starting position: Stand tall with the resistance band around your ankles. Place your feet shoulder-width apart with your right foot or lead leg a half step in front of your left foot or trail leg. Your toes should be forward and your knees straight during the entirety of the exercise. Keep a slight bend in your knees throughout the exercise.
  • Performing the exercise: Take small steps forward beginning with your right foot or lead leg followed by your left leg or trail leg. Step forward for 10 steps and backwards for 10 steps. Repeat on the other leg. Do not over stride – over striding may cause injury.

Remember that you should be feeling this exercise on the outside of your hips and glutes. For maximum results, perform the exercise slowly with full-body control to promote knee, hip, and ankle stability.

Learn more about Monster Walks HERE.

Monster Squats – Lateral & StaggeredOrthopedic Institute physical therapist demonstrates how to perform a monster squat with a resistance band.

Monster squats are another great addition to your workout routine as they activate your glutes prior to compound exercises and provide stability and strength throughout your workout.

Lateral Monster Squats (Side to Side):

  • Starting position: Begin in a partial squat position with your feet flat to the ground and shoulder-width apart. Maintain the squat position, engage your core, and keep a neutral spine.
  • Performing the exercise: Maintain a squat position throughout the exercise. Take a wide step laterally with your right leg or lead foot followed by your left leg or trail leg. Continue stepping laterally for 10 steps and repeat on the other leg in the opposite direction. Do not over stride – over striding may cause injury.

Staggered Monster Squats (Forward & Backward):

  • Starting position: Begin in a partial squat position with your feet flat to the ground and shoulder-width apart. Take a small step with your right foot or lead foot a half step in front of your left foot or trail foot. Your toes should be forward and your knees straight during the entirety of the exercise.
  • Performing the exercise: Maintain a partial squat throughout. Take small steps forward beginning with your right foot or lead leg followed by your left leg or trail leg. Step forward for 10 steps and backwards for 10 steps. Repeat on the other leg. Do not over stride – over striding may cause injury.

Monster Walks and Squats can be a great addition to your warm up when preparing for leg day, cardio, or any other form of physical activity. Proper glute and hip activation can help prevent injury and muscle strain by promoting strength, stability, and function.

To learn about other muscle activation exercises for other body parts, click HERE.

Experiencing Joint, Muscle, or Bone Pain or Injury?

Are you experiencing pain in your bones, joints, or muscles? Make an appointment with Orthopedic Institute. Our orthopedic specialists will evaluate your problem and create a personalized care plan for your pain or injury.

Call 605.331.5890 or click HERE to make an appointment.

 

Top 5 Orthopedic Tips for Your Workout Routine

Top 5 Orthopedic Tips for Your Workout Routine

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From pulled muscles and ankle sprains to knee, hip and shoulder pain—it’s no secret that when we work out we put ourselves at greater risk for strains, sprains and more. We asked the experts (our highly-trained Orthopedic Institute physicians) for their top tips on staying healthy while staying active.

Check out these top 5 orthopedic tips for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

1. Warm up and cool down

Whether you’re part of a competitive team or a “weekend warrior,” warming up your body prepares your cardiovascular system for activity and increases blood flow to your muscles. Cooling down after your workout allows for gradual recovery of both your heart rate and blood pressure. Both are important parts of exercising injury-free. Proper warm-ups and stretches specific to your sport can also help prevent painful pulled muscles.

2. Invest in the right equipment

No matter the sport or the amount of activity, investing in the proper shoes and equipment can help prevent injury along the way—especially when it comes to arch and heel support. Not sure what you need? Consider talking to a physical therapist, or athletic trainer. You might even benefit from inserts in your athletic shoes, which can absorb energy and help correct alignment. Our pedorthist can help with all your insert needs. Do a lot of running? Check out our post on how to find the perfect running shoe.

3. Use proper technique

From golfing, hiking and weight lifting to tennis, running, swimming and everything in between—every athletic activity involves technique. If you’re not actively working with coaches as part of your training, take time to learn the correct techniques associated with your sport or workout routine. For example, learning how to do the lunge correctly can protect your knees.

4. Switch up your routine

Not only does this beat workout boredom and keep you excited about athletic activity, it is essential for avoiding overuse injuries. By mixing up your activities, you give those overused muscles, joints and ligaments a chance to rest and recover before putting them into action again. Some great ways to give your joints a rest include elliptical machines, swimming, biking or yoga. Looking for new ideas? Check out these five unique ways to exercise outdoors this spring.

5. Don’t overdo it

You’ve heard the phrase, “listen to our body.” It’s one of the best things you can do to avoid a sports-related injury. When you begin a new sport or workout routine you’ve never tried before, begin slowly and steadily to avoid pulling or straining muscles. Even if you have been training hard, never let your competitive urges push you to strain or compromise your technique in an attempt to do more. Injury can often be the result.

5 Benefits of an Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic

5 Benefits of an Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic

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Injuries and illnesses don’t always occur during business hours – but heading to the ER can be expensive and time-consuming. That’s why walk-in clinics are so great! Where else can you get high-quality care, with less wait, without an appointment? That being said, not all walk-in clinics offer the same types of care.

If you suspect a muscle, bone or joint injury, here are five benefits of an orthopedic walk-in clinic.

1. Specialized expertise

Primary care walk-in clinics are staffed with general practitioners for good reason. They see everything from colds and flu to chest pain and eye infections. An orthopedic walk-in clinic, on the other hand, specializes in bone, muscle and joint injuries. A medical specialist, with extensive training in orthopedics, will look over your injury and carefully evaluate the situation.

2. Coordinated follow-up care

Whether you’ve broken a bone, torn a rotator cuff, hurt your back or one of any number of orthopedic injuries, odds are your primary care physician will refer you to an orthopedic specialist for follow-up care. From initial diagnosis to ongoing care, starting the process at an orthopedic urgent care clinic is like cutting out the middle man. No need for unnecessary appointments.

3. Less expensive than the ER

Emergency rooms are for critical and life-threatening situations. If your orthopedic injury can’t wait, but it’s not life-threatening, save yourself the expense (and the long wait times) of an ER. Just like hospitals, an orthopedic walk-in clinic has the ability perform X-rays, MRIs, and other procedures. And because most are an extension of an orthopedic practice, the cost savings over an ER visit are substantial.

4. “What if” sports injuries

Any athlete, or parent of a student athlete, knows the drill… something hurts, but it’s (probably) not broken. The coach says, “tough it out.” A friend says, “ice it.” These types of “what if” sports injury situations occur everyday—and more often than not, athletes try to play through pain. But what if they end up injuring themselves worse? Good news! An orthopedic walk-in clinic can help diagnose the issue in a timely manner so they can start their recovery right away.

5. Hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles, shoulders, necks and backs

If you’re thinking “that’s just a list of body parts that could be giving me pain on any given day,” you’re right. Orthopedic walk-in clinics specialize in bone, muscle and joint care. When you experience a sudden injury or pain that can’t wait, skip the primary care clinic or ER and go straight to the experts.

Orthopedic Institute is proud to offer two OI Now walk-in clinics in Sioux Falls and Yankton. We’re here for you and your family, no appointments or referrals necessary unless required by your insurance.

4 Key Benefits of Going to an Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic

4 Key Benefits of Going to an Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic

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Whether it’s scheduling, varying degrees of urgency or fear of price tags, dealing with orthopedic emergencies or non-emergencies can be tricky. Thankfully, orthopedic walk-in clinics provide an option for those acute injuries and pain and they don’t require an appointment.

Here are four key benefits of an orthopedic walk-in clinic, a feature that Orthopedic Institute (OI) happens to offer.

Avoid Unnecessary ER Visits

Not every injury is alike. That’s why some minor, non-emergency injuries that require treatment but may not be urgent enough to foot the bill for an emergency room visit can be dealt with thanks to orthopedic walk-in clinics. Say you experienced a knee sprain or fracture during an evening sporting event—you may be more inclined to take this condition to an orthopedic walk-in clinic than to a potentially pricey emergency wing of a hospital.

Be Seen After Hours

Speaking of time of day, one of the biggest benefits of orthopedic walk-in clinics for daytime workers is the ability to be seen after hours for spur-of-the-moment issues such as flare-up pain, dislocation, fracture or muscle spasm that is causing loss of sleep. Timing may vary from clinic to clinic, but these walk-in-style situations will typically offer hours both after 5 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends for added availability. For example, OI’s own walk-in clinic in Sioux Falls provides weekday hours from 3 to 7 p.m., and Saturday hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  In Yankton, we see patients Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Reduce Costs

It can be expensive to see a doctor in an immediate situation. Luckily, walk-in orthopedic clinics often provide flexible hours for more immediate care in cases of injury or sudden pain. Better yet, specialty clinics such as OI have the equipment available for treating these types of injuries—which isn’t always true of a general walk-in clinic. These general clinics may be able to diagnose and offer minimal services and pain relief but will often times require a referral to follow up with a different clinic or physician.

A walk-in clinic at a specialized healthcare provider such as an orthopedic clinic can offer you highly personalized care that a general urgent-care clinic may not be able to provide—not immediately, at least. OI’s walk-in clinic puts you in front of an orthopedic health professional from the get-go to meet your specific needs.

See the Right Healthcare Providers

One of the key benefits of an orthopedic walk-in clinic is that, if you need to be referred to a specialist, such as a hand, foot and ankle, or back specialist, a walk-in clinic healthcare professional can supply you the connection you need to be seen by the appropriate people, often in a timelier manner than you may expect. OI’s team consists of a variety of caregivers, from physical and occupational therapists to interventional pain management services to orthopedic surgeons, so you have comprehensive orthopedic care at your disposal.

Ready to Be Seen?

Click here for details on how to be seen at OI’s walk-in clinics, OI Now.

10 Questions with Dr. Eric S. Watson

10 Questions with Dr. Eric S. Watson

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We’re digging into the impressive roster of physicians we have here at Orthopedic Institute (OI), letting you get to know some of the team members that make us proud.

Today’s showcased team member is Dr. Eric S. Watson, one of our physicians. Dr. Watson graduated from California State University—Fullerton before attending medical school at Creighton University. He joined the OI team in 2004 and has spent his time offering specialized care in foot, ankle, knee and general orthopedics.

Let’s take a look at why Dr. Watson loves serving his patients and how he approaches work in the orthopedic medicine field.

1. How did you decide to become a physician?

I like to say that, when I was five years old, I broke my femur, was in traction and a body cast and, after that, had always wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon—except that’s not really true. (The femur breaking part is, but my interest in orthopedics started much later.)

I always liked science and always did well in sciences in high school. I went to college and started pre-med—I liked the courses and the science behind it, but I didn’t really know everything that being a doctor entailed. I took a course to be an EMT, and I worked as a tech in the ER—that was really my first patient experience. I really enjoyed it. I liked taking care of the patients. I liked what I was seeing—the medical side of it. When I decided I wanted to go to medical school, I liked orthopedics best. I applied for residency, and here I am.

2. What led you to join the OI team?

I had been working in Kansas City, and my wife was finished with her residency. My family lives south of Las Vegas, and that really was not a place we wanted to raise our family, so we thought maybe we would look up Sioux Falls. Before we moved here, we happened to be visiting when Orthopedic Institute had built its new building. We were with my wife’s family, and they took us by it—they kept dropping hints that we should live here. It was a no-brainer once I interviewed at OI. There is just much more opportunity—you have your own life, your own say.

3. What’s your favorite part of your job?

Obviously, I like the technical piece. I like surgery. I love putting fractures back together. It is also always fun to get to know people. You see them, they come in and they are kind of at their worst. They are having a bad day when they have to meet me, usually. Then they heal and get well. What is really fun for me isn’t the last time I see them in the office, but when I run into them on the street. I see them walking, not limping, and it makes you feel good. I like it when I see people out in the community that I have taken care of.

4. What are the strengths of the OI physician team?

We don’t have any holes—we have got everything covered. We cover every piece of orthopedics. We have joint reconstruction plus revision. We have a tumor guy and a pediatric guy—hand, foot and ankle. There is just nothing we are lacking. I think people would be amazed at what we do here and the things we accomplish. There is almost no need to go elsewhere. I think that is the strength—we have the areas covered, and they are covered by very strong surgeons.

5. What’s the best part of working with patients?

It is really fun to see them come back and resume their life—that is one of the biggest things in orthopedics. It’s concrete. It’s not like having a chronic illness. If someone had a fracture, and you put it back together, they heal. So many people have these injuries and they struggle, but they do well in spite of it. It is awesome. That is what I get the most out of—seeing people excel.

6. If you could tell each patient one thing before they came in to see you, what would it be?

What I would want people to know is that my decision-making is always going to be based on what I would do for myself or my own family.  That does not mean that everyone’s care is going to be the same—it depends on what the overall situation is. I try to look at it from the perspective of what I would want, what I would want for my mom, cousin or kids. That’s how I try to make my decisions.

7. What would you consider your career highlight?

I don’t know—I am not sure if I have had it yet. There is not one patient or one thing that makes a highlight. All of the individuals go into the tapestry, so hopefully your highlight is your career—not one thing in your career. Hopefully it is consistently good care over an extended amount of time. To me, that would be the highlight. That you would consistently do well by your patients.  There are always certain cases that make you feel good, but that’s not the end all, be all. The goal is to do well for everyone you take care of.

8. How do you spend your time when you’re not at OI?

Usually shuttling kids to athletic things. I feel like a chauffeur when I am not here. I’m a soccer and hockey dad. I also like to fish. (I don’t get to fish very often, but I enjoy fishing.) I really enjoy watching my kids play sports and music, too. My oldest enjoys music, so we go to his recitals and performances. To see someone play an instrument, because I have none of that skill, is impressive enough. But then, to have practiced something, get up in front of your peers and people you don’t even know and perform is… Wow!

9. What’s your go-to movie snack?

Junior Mints! I am a bit of a Junior Mints snob. If they are old and kind of chewy, then I am not that big of a fan. But if they are new and fresh and the chocolate is almost like crispy then… good stuff. By the way, I don’t take them in the operating room—no Kramers. (Excuse the Seinfeld reference.)

10. How would you spend your ideal birthday?

A birthday is just a day—it’s nice when people wish you well, but I guess I don’t have a perfect birthday plan. Since I have a wife and four kids, I would rather be doing what the family wants to do. We make a big deal about our kids’ birthdays—we like to make it all about them! I think going through medical school and residency that holidays or special days seem to be de-valued, because sometimes you are on-call for your birthday or Christmas. We still get together for whatever we’re celebrating, but the “day” itself does not always mean that much—and I know my wife is kind of the same way, working in the ER. (They are never closed either.)