Specialty

재활의학과 are run by rehabilitation physicians who treat pain and loss of function after injury, surgery or long-term posture problems. Clinics in Apgujeong and Sinsa often have a team of physical therapists and treatment rooms for 도수치료 (manual therapy), exercise therapy and shockwave.

The doctor examines you first, then prescribes a plan such as manual therapy sessions of 20 to 50 minutes. Many patients come for 1 to 2 sessions a week over several weeks, but visitors can book single sessions. Treatment for forward head posture, neck pain and lower back pain is common.

NHIS covers the doctor's consultation and basic physical therapy such as heat and electrical stimulation. Manual therapy and shockwave are non-covered (비급여), and their prices vary a lot between clinics; HIRA publishes the range on its non-covered price service. Visitors pay full price.

What to expect

Wear loose clothes. Some clinics provide treatment garments.
Expect a short doctor consultation and possibly an X-ray before therapy starts.
Sessions are booked by duration, usually 20, 30 or 50 minutes.
Therapists may speak basic English. Pain scales and body diagrams help.
Payment is per session. Packages of 5 or 10 sessions may be offered.

Tips for international patients

Ask how many minutes of hands-on therapy are included. Some sessions include time on machines.
Ask for a home exercise sheet so you can continue after you leave Seoul.
Do not book a strong deep-tissue session right before a long flight.

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

Rehabilitation & Manual Therapy treatments

Manual Therapy (Dosu Chiryo): One-on-one hands-on treatment by a physical therapist for neck, back and joint pain. Medical sessions have a fixed KRW 43,850 price since July 2026.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Acoustic pulses aimed at chronic tendon pain such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and calcific shoulder. Usually 3 to 5 weekly sessions of about 10 minutes.

Rehabilitation & Manual Therapy clinics near Apgujeong

Dasom Pain Clinic (다솜마취통증의학과의원)
Rehabilitation, 6 min walk from Sinsa Station
Seyeon Pain Clinic (세연마취통증의학과의원)
Rehabilitation, 1 min walk from Sinsa Station

Rehabilitation & Manual Therapy in Korea: questions

How long is a manual therapy session in Korea?

Usually 20 to 50 minutes with a physical therapist, after a doctor's consultation that may be short.

Why does manual therapy cost more than standard physical therapy?

Manual therapy is non-covered, so clinics set their own price. Standard physical therapy is covered and priced by NHIS.

Can a rehab clinic treat my posture from long flights and desk work?

Yes. Neck and shoulder pain from forward head posture is one of the most common reasons people visit.

Do I need an X-ray before manual therapy?

Not always. The doctor decides based on your symptoms and any recent trauma.

How soon should I feel a change?

Some people feel looser after 1 session. For chronic pain, clinics typically plan 4 to 8 sessions.

Can I do manual therapy and shockwave on the same day?

Yes, many clinics combine them. Shockwave is usually 5 to 10 minutes and is done before or after the hands-on session.

Questions before you visit?

Specialty · 재활의학과

Rehabilitation and Manual Therapy in Apgujeong

At a glance