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Pain & rehab · 무릎 PRP 주사

PRP Joint Injection for Knee Arthritis in Gangnam

Your own platelet-rich plasma injected into the knee. Approved in Korea as new medical technology for mid-stage osteoarthritis. Usually 1 to 3 shots.

Quick facts
  • Korean name: 무릎 PRP 주사
  • Procedure time: 30 to 45 minutes including blood draw and preparation
  • Anesthesia: Local anesthetic at the injection site, if any
  • Sessions: 1 to 3 injections, often a few weeks apart
  • Downtime: 1 to 2 days with reduced activity
  • Results: Effects usually build over 4 to 12 weeks
  • Lasts: Studies report relief lasting about 6 to 12 months in responders

What is PRP Joint Injection (Knee)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from your own blood and injected into a joint or tendon. In late 2024 Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare recognized PRP injection for mid-stage knee osteoarthritis as new medical technology, for patients who have not improved with at least a year of conservative care.

Gangnam orthopedic clinics also use PRP for tendon problems such as tennis elbow, although evidence there is mixed.

How it works

About 15 to 60 ml of blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The concentrated plasma is injected into the knee joint, usually with ultrasound guidance. Platelets release growth factors that may reduce inflammation and pain. It does not regrow worn cartilage.

Who it suits

  • Mid-stage knee osteoarthritis with pain despite painkillers, exercise or hyaluronic acid injections
  • People who want to delay steroid injections
  • Chronic tendinopathy that has not responded to exercise (off-label use)

Who should skip it or wait

  • End-stage arthritis with bone-on-bone change (joint replacement is more effective)
  • Active infection, blood cancers or low platelet counts
  • Those on strong anti-platelet drugs that cannot be paused

Side effects and risks

  • Post-injection flare of pain and swelling for 1 to 3 days
  • Joint infection (rare)
  • No benefit in some patients
  • Bruising at the blood draw site

Aftercare

  • Avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen for about 1 week if advised
  • Rest the knee for 24 to 48 hours, then walk normally
  • Ice for swelling
  • Continue strengthening exercises after the first week

Planning around your trip

Bring recent X-rays or an MRI report so the doctor can grade your arthritis before deciding on PRP.

Orthopedics clinics near Apgujeong

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

PRP Joint Injection (Knee) price

Prices for this treatment depend on the doctor's assessment, so clinics quote after consultation. Message us and we collect quotes from clinics near Apgujeong Station.

PRP Joint Injection (Knee) questions

Is PRP officially approved for knees in Korea?

Yes, as of December 2024 for mid-stage knee osteoarthritis in patients who have tried at least a year of conservative treatment. Use outside those criteria is decided by the doctor.

Will PRP regrow my knee cartilage?

No. PRP may ease pain and improve function, but imaging studies have not shown meaningful cartilage regrowth.

PRP or hyaluronic acid injection, which is better?

Some trials show PRP gives longer relief than hyaluronic acid in mild to moderate arthritis, but results vary and PRP costs more.

How many PRP shots do I need?

Clinics use 1 to 3 injections. The approval notice mentions that some patients may need repeated sessions depending on their condition.

Can I go hiking in Seoul after a knee injection?

Wait about a week. The first 48 hours should be low activity, and steep hikes put more load on the knee than flat walking.

Is this the same as stem cell knee injection?

No. PRP uses plasma from your blood. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate injections are a separate technology with their own approval criteria.

Plan your visit

Get a quote before you fly

Send the treatment, your dates and any past procedures. We reply in English with options, prices and clinic locations near Apgujeong Station.