Prolotherapy and PRP Injection Clinics in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul — A Local Listing
A listing of clinics in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul that offer prolotherapy or PRP injection, with background on how each treatment works and what the current evidence shows.
Prolotherapy and PRP Injection Clinics in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul — A Local Listing
Prolotherapy (프롤로 주사) and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections are two types of regenerative injections used in musculoskeletal pain management. This page lists clinics in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul that have publicly mentioned these treatments, along with background on what each injection involves.
Listing note: This listing is for informational reference. It does not constitute a recommendation or comparison of treatment quality. Suitability for a specific condition should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.
What This Index Covers
Prolotherapy (프롤로 주사 / 증식치료)
Prolotherapy involves injecting an irritant solution — typically a dextrose-based formula — into tendons, ligaments, or joint areas. The intended mechanism is to stimulate the body's healing response in the injected area.
In South Korea, prolotherapy is classified as a non-covered (비급여) procedure. A 2024 systematic review published in the Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Association examined the evidence for prolotherapy across musculoskeletal conditions and noted that research quality varies considerably depending on the specific condition being treated.
What patients typically ask: "인대 강화 주사가 뭔가요?" / "프롤로 주사가 디스크에 효과가 있나요?"
Key limitation: Evidence quality for prolotherapy differs by condition. Claims about effectiveness should be evaluated on a condition-specific basis, not as a blanket statement.
PRP Injection (PRP 주사 / 혈소판 풍부 혈장 주사)
PRP injection involves drawing a small amount of the patient's own blood, concentrating the platelet-rich plasma through centrifugation, and injecting it into the target area. The intended mechanism is to use growth factors in the platelets to support tissue repair.
For knee osteoarthritis specifically, multiple 2024–2025 systematic reviews and meta-analyses report that PRP injection is associated with improvements in pain and function scores at 3–6 months compared to placebo. One large network meta-analysis (63 RCTs, 4,170 patients) found PRP among the higher-ranked options for short-to-mid-term pain relief in knee OA.
In South Korea, PRP injection for knee osteoarthritis was approved as a new medical technology (신의료기술) by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in December 2024, applicable to patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2–3 who have not responded to prior treatment.
What patients typically ask: "PRP 주사가 무릎에 효과 있나요?" / "PRP랑 스테로이드 주사 차이가 뭐예요?"
For a detailed evidence-focused discussion of PRP injection for knee osteoarthritis, see:
PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis: Evidence Mapping and Clinical Limits
For safety-focused context, see:
PRP Injection Safety Profile in Clinical Trials
Key limitations:
- Evidence is strongest for knee osteoarthritis; evidence for other conditions is more limited
- PRP formulations vary (leukocyte-rich vs leukocyte-poor, platelet concentration, injection frequency), which affects how results from different studies compare
- The Korean approval applies to a specific patient group and does not indicate universal effectiveness
How Prolotherapy and PRP Differ
Both are injected into or near the target area and are classified as non-surgical interventions. The key differences:
| Prolotherapy | PRP | |
|---|---|---|
| Active component | Dextrose solution (or similar irritant) | Patient's own platelet-rich plasma |
| Intended mechanism | Stimulate healing response via controlled irritation | Deliver growth factors to support tissue repair |
| Insurance coverage (Korea) | 비급여 (non-covered) | 비급여 (non-covered); knee OA approved as 신의료기술 Dec 2024 |
| Evidence base | Mixed; varies by condition | Moderate for knee OA at 3–6 months; limited for other conditions |
Neither injection type is a substitute for a clinical assessment. Which option — if either — is appropriate depends on the specific condition, severity, and individual health factors.
Clinics Listed
The following clinics in Seongbuk-gu have publicly mentioned prolotherapy (프롤로 주사) or PRP injection in their listed services or equipment information. Inclusion does not indicate endorsement or treatment quality assessment.
종암동 / Jongam-dong
- 종암본정형외과의원 — Listed: 프롤로 주사
- 연세우리정형외과의원 — Listed: 프롤로 주사
- 유시원마취통증의학과의원 — Listed: 프롤로 주사
길음동 / Gireum-dong
- 강북센트럴정형외과의원 — Listed: 프롤로 주사, PRP (YCELLBIO-KIT)
동소문동 / Dongsomun-dong
- 모두탑365정형외과의원 — Listed: PRP (YCELLBIO-KIT)
- 성북본튼튼의원 — Listed: 프롤로 주사, PDRN (DNA 주사)
Treatment availability and current pricing should be confirmed directly with each clinic.
Important Note
This page summarizes publicly available treatment information and peer-reviewed research context for informational reference only. It does not evaluate treatment outcomes, medical quality, or suitability for a specific condition. The research cited reflects general evidence levels and does not constitute a recommendation for any individual patient. Causes, treatment options, and appropriate care should be assessed by a qualified medical professional. Clinic information is based on publicly available listings and should be confirmed directly with each clinic. The Local Log is an independent local data platform and is not affiliated with or commissioned by any clinic listed on this page.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between prolotherapy and PRP injection for joint pain in Seongbuk-gu?
Prolotherapy uses a dextrose-based solution injected to stimulate the body's healing response, while PRP injection uses the patient's own platelet-rich plasma to deliver growth factors to the target area. Both are classified as non-covered (비급여) procedures in Korea. Clinics in Seongbuk-gu that list these treatments include 종암본정형외과의원, 강북센트럴정형외과의원, and 모두탑365정형외과의원, among others.
Q: Is PRP injection for knee pain available at clinics in Jongam-dong or Gireum-dong?
강북센트럴정형외과의원 in Gireum-dong and 모두탑365정형외과의원 in Dongsomun-dong have publicly listed PRP injection equipment (YCELLBIO-KIT) in their clinic information. Availability, cost, and eligibility should be confirmed directly with each clinic.
Q: What does the evidence say about PRP injection for knee osteoarthritis in Korea?
Multiple 2024–2025 systematic reviews report that PRP injection is associated with improvements in knee pain and function at 3–6 months compared to placebo. In December 2024, South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare approved PRP injection for knee osteoarthritis as a new medical technology (신의료기술), applicable to patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2–3 who have not responded to prior treatment. This approval does not apply to all knee conditions or all patients.
Q: Are prolotherapy or PRP injections covered by health insurance in Korea?
Both prolotherapy and PRP injection are generally classified as 비급여 (non-covered) procedures under the Korean national health insurance system. PRP injection for knee osteoarthritis received 신의료기술 status in December 2024, but this does not automatically mean insurance coverage. Cost and coverage details should be confirmed with the clinic and your insurance provider.