Prolotherapy in Seomyeon, Busan

What is prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy (프롤로 주사, 증식치료) has been used for decades to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain. The idea is that a mildly irritating solution causes a brief local inflammatory response, which may stimulate the body to strengthen and repair weakened ligaments and tendons. The most common solution is dextrose at a higher concentration than in the blood, often mixed with local anesthetic. It is widely offered at pain clinics in Korea, frequently with ultrasound guidance.

Who is it for?

Chronic pain from overstretched or weakened ligaments
Persistent tendinopathy, such as tennis elbow or rotator cuff problems
Knee osteoarthritis pain
Some chronic low back and sacroiliac joint pain

It is usually considered after exercise therapy and simpler treatments have not been enough. It is not appropriate for acute injuries, infections or when a structural problem clearly needs surgery.

What happens at the clinic

Assessment: history, exam and ultrasound to identify the painful structure.
Planning: the number and sites of injections are decided.
Injection: under sterile conditions and ultrasound guidance, the solution is injected at ligament or tendon attachments or into the joint.
After the injection: a brief rest, then home with advice on activity and pain relief.
Repeat sessions: usually every 2–4 weeks, reviewing progress each time.

Treatment outlook

Some randomised trials suggest dextrose prolotherapy can reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis and certain tendon problems compared with control injections or exercise alone, while other studies show smaller or no benefit. Results vary between individuals. Prolotherapy is generally combined with strengthening exercises. If there is no meaningful improvement after a few sessions, it is reasonable to stop and reconsider.

Risks and side effects

Expect pain, stiffness and swelling at injection sites for a few days, sometimes more than with other injections. Bruising and temporary flare-ups are common. Infection and nerve irritation are rare with good technique. Clinics may advise avoiding anti-inflammatory painkillers briefly, as they may dampen the intended response.

Choosing a clinic for prolotherapy in Seomyeon

Ask what solution and concentration is used, and why.
Confirm injections are ultrasound-guided to the right structures.
Ask how many sessions they typically recommend and the criteria for stopping.
Request a clear price per session and whether any part is insurance-covered.
Ensure an exercise plan accompanies the injections.

Visitor tip

Because sessions are spaced weeks apart, prolotherapy suits residents better than short trips. Seomyeon, the Line 1 and Line 2 transfer station, is convenient for repeat visits.

Does prolotherapy really work?

Evidence is mixed. Some trials show pain improvement for knee osteoarthritis and certain tendon conditions, while others show limited benefit. It may help selected patients, especially alongside exercise.

Is prolotherapy painful?

Injections can be uncomfortable, and soreness for a few days afterward is common. Local anesthetic is usually mixed into the solution to reduce discomfort during the procedure.

How many prolotherapy sessions are needed?

Commonly 3–6 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart, depending on the condition and response. Ask your doctor when they will judge whether it is working.

Is prolotherapy covered by insurance in Korea?

Prolotherapy is generally non-covered by National Health Insurance and paid per session. Prices vary, so request a full estimate for the planned course.

Prolotherapy vs PRP: what is the difference?

Prolotherapy uses an irritant solution such as dextrose, while PRP uses a concentrate of your own platelets. Both aim to stimulate healing; evidence and cost differ by condition.

Seomyeon.Clinic