Sunny Kim, MD

Dr. Sang-Rok Kim is the founder and president of Progressive Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a nationally recognized, state-of-the-art clinic specializing in non-surgical, drug-free, and natural solutions for chronic pain relief. Since its founding in 2005, PRM has become a leader in regenerative orthopedics and physical medicine, offering innovative treatments for patients seeking alternatives to surgery and long-term medication.

Dr. Kim is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) and has dedicated his career to the treatment of spine, sports, musculoskeletal, and chronic pain conditions through minimally invasive and regenerative therapies. He is also a Fellow of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and a founding member of the American Academy of Stem Cell Physicians.

A pioneer in the field of regenerative medicine, Dr. Kim has trained countless physicians across the country, lecturing nationally on cutting-edge, non-surgical treatments such as orthobiologics, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), deep tissue laser therapy, shockwave therapy, and non-surgical spinal decompression. He also specializes in diagnostic and interventional musculoskeletal ultrasound, neurodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCV), and botulinum toxin neurorehabilitation.

Education & Medical Training

Dr. Kim grew up in New Jersey and attended Cornell University in New York, where he majored in Chemistry with a concentration in International Relations. He earned his medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, followed by a fellowship in Internal Medicine at Johns Hopkins University/Sinai Hospital in Baltimore.

He completed his residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Rutgers/Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation—one of the top-ranked rehabilitation hospitals in the world—where he also served as Academic Chief Resident.

Professional Leadership & Appointments

Dr. Kim has served in multiple leadership roles, including:

• President, Progressive Rehabilitation Medicine, Cedar Rapids (2005–present)
• Medical Director, Mercy Inpatient Rehabilitation Center of Excellence
• Medical Director, St. Luke’s Human Motion Institute – Spine Care
• Specialist, Surgery Center of Cedar Rapids Chronic Tendon Pain Center of Excellence

He is licensed to practice medicine in Iowa (active) and New Jersey (inactive).

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Kim’s clinical interests and specialties include:

• Regenerative Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal Pain
• Non-Surgical Spine & Sports Injury Treatment
• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound & EMG Testing
• Neurorehabilitation & Functional Medicine
• Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs)

Professional Memberships

• Fellow, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R)
• Founding Member, American Academy of Stem Cell Physicians (AAOSCP)
• Member, Academy of Regenerative Practices
• Member, North American Spine Society (NASS)
• Member, International Federation of Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS)

Publications & Presentations

Dr. Kim has authored peer-reviewed research and presented nationally on regenerative medicine, including:

• Critical Review of Prolotherapy for Osteoarthritis & Low Back Pain – American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• The Ultimate Non-Surgical Knee Pain Solution – Published 2013
• Multiple seminars and poster presentations across major conferences, including:
  • The Orthobiologic Institute (TOBI), Las Vegas
  • Academy of Regenerative Practices
  • American Academy of Stem Cell Physicians, Miami
  • University of Iowa Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation

Dr. Kim remains passionate about transforming lives through innovative, natural healing methods that address pain at its source. His holistic, patient-centered approach continues to attract individuals from across the Midwest and the country who are searching for lasting relief without surgery or dependency on medication.