Information provided by the pain management specialists at Orthopedic Institute: James T. Brunz, MD, and K.C. Chang, MD.
Living with chronic pain can feel like an uphill battle. It impacts your ability to move, work, sleep, and enjoy daily life. Whether it’s a constant ache or a sharp pain that comes and goes, chronic pain can take a physical and emotional toll over time.
At Orthopedic Institute, we believe no one should have to live in pain without answers or support. Our team of pain management specialists is here to help—offering personalized, non-surgical care options for patients in Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Brookings and the surrounding areas. If you’re searching for trusted pain management in South Dakota, we are ready to meet you where you are and guide you toward real relief.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for longer than six weeks. It may start after an injury, surgery, or illness—or in some cases, it can develop without a clear cause. Unlike acute pain, which is the body’s natural response to injury, chronic pain tends to persist and can interfere with daily activities, mobility, sleep, and overall well-being.
What Does a Pain Management Specialist Do?
Pain management specialists are physicians trained in diagnosing and treating a wide range of chronic pain conditions. At Orthopedic Institute, our pain management team focuses on identifying the root cause of your pain and creating a customized care plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Our clinic treats many different types of pain, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Nerve-related pain (neuropathy)
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Chronic post-surgical pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Muscle and soft tissue pain
Our goal is always to improve your quality of life—by reducing your pain, restoring your movement, and helping you return to the activities you enjoy.
A Personalized, Modern Approach to Pain Management
At Orthopedic Institute, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Pain is complex, and every patient experiences it differently. That’s why we build personalized treatment plans based on your condition, health history, activity level, and lifestyle.
Here’s what sets our pain management clinics in Sioux Falls, Mitchell, and Brookings apart:
Individualized Care Plans
We take the time to listen, understand your symptoms, and work with you to develop a care plan that supports your long-term goals.
Non-Opioid, Multimodal Treatment
Our clinic focuses on non-opioid pain relief, using a combination of techniques that may include physical therapy, image-guided injections, nerve blocks, spinal procedures, and complementary therapies like acupuncture. This approach helps reduce the risk of side effects and provides more sustainable results.
Collaborative Care
Orthopedic Institute works closely with referring providers, physical therapists, and orthopedic surgeons. Whether you are managing pain before surgery or recovering from a procedure, our coordinated care ensures every step of your treatment is connected and comprehensive.
Interventional Pain Management Techniques
In many cases, interventional procedures can provide targeted relief by addressing the source of pain directly. These minimally invasive treatments are often used in combination with other therapies for better outcomes.
Common interventional options include:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Nerve blocks
- Facet joint injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Trigger point injections
- Spinal cord stimulation
We also offer specialized diagnostic tools like electromyography (EMG) to evaluate nerve function and better understand the root of your pain. In select cases, acupuncture may be used as a complementary technique to stimulate healing, improve circulation, and reduce pain.
A Comprehensive, Whole-Body Approach
Effective pain management often involves more than just one type of treatment. At Orthopedic Institute, we combine medical care with physical therapy and wellness strategies to address pain from multiple angles. We are conveniently located in Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Brookings and the surrounding areas.
Medication Management
In some cases, medications may be used temporarily as part of a larger treatment plan. Our team monitors usage closely and adjusts prescriptions based on your progress and comfort level.
Physical Therapy
We partner with rehabilitation specialists to improve your strength, flexibility, and mobility. A customized therapy plan can help reduce pain, improve posture, and prevent further injury.
Why Choose Orthopedic Institute for Pain Management?
Orthopedic Institute has been a trusted resource for orthopedic and pain care in Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas for decades. Patients across South Dakota choose our clinic for pain management because we offer:
- A dedicated and experienced team focused on orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions
- Innovative, non-surgical solutions backed by medical research
- Advanced imaging and minimally invasive procedures
- A patient-first philosophy rooted in compassion and transparency
- Easy access and flexible scheduling at our Sioux Falls clinic
If you have been searching for a pain management doctor near you or a pain management specialist near you, Orthopedic Institute is here to provide expert care with a personal touch. You can meet our team here.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You do not have to face chronic pain alone—and you do not have to settle for temporary fixes. At Orthopedic Institute, we are committed to helping you find long-term solutions that improve your life.
We serve patients from Sioux Falls and surrounding communities across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota—offering convenient access to expert care and support. If you are ready to start your pain management journey, we invite you to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.
Do not let pain define your life. Let Orthopedic Institute help you take the next step forward—comfortably, confidently, and with a plan built just for you.