Sports Medicine

Physician-led assessment and non-surgical treatment for sports injuries, exercise-related pain and safe return to activity.

Sports medicine is not only for professional athletes.

It is for anyone whose body needs to perform: runners, cyclists, golfers, racket-sport players, weightlifters, dancers, recreational athletes and people trying to remain active despite pain or injury.

At Nucellin Orthopedic Clinic in Hannam-dong, Seoul, Dr. Heejun Kim personally evaluates each patient and can conduct the consultation in English.

The goal is not simply to reduce pain.

It is to identify what was injured, understand why it became overloaded and help the patient return to activity with enough capacity to reduce the risk of the same problem returning.

On this page

1. What sports medicine is
2. The injuries we assess
3. How sports injuries are diagnosed
4. Imaging and ultrasound
5. Treatment options
6. Return to sport
7. Training load and injury prevention
8. Whether sports medicine may suit you
9. When urgent care is needed
10. Questions athletes ask

What Sports Medicine Is

Sports medicine focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of injuries related to exercise and physical activity.

It includes acute injuries such as:

• Ankle sprains
• Muscle tears
• Ligament injuries
• Tendon ruptures
• Joint dislocations
• Sports-related fractures

It also includes chronic and gradual-onset problems such as:

• Tendinopathy
• Repeated joint pain
• Stress injuries
• Exercise-related back pain
• Persistent muscle tightness
• Recurrent swelling
• Reduced performance after injury
• Pain that returns whenever training increases

Sports medicine is not simply the use of injections, physical therapy or imaging.

It is a decision-making process that asks:

• What structure is injured?
• How serious is the injury?
• Why did it occur?
• What can the athlete safely do now?
• What capacity must be restored?
• When is it safe to return to training or competition?
• What can reduce the risk of recurrence?

The treatment plan depends not only on the diagnosis but also on the athlete’s sport, position, training level, competition schedule and long-term goals.

Pain Does Not Always Identify the Injury

The location of pain does not always identify the true pain generator.

For example:

• Shoulder pain may originate from the rotator cuff, biceps tendon, joint, neck or surrounding muscles.
• Buttock pain may come from the hip, proximal hamstring, lumbar spine or deep gluteal structures.
• Pain at the outside of the knee may come from a tendon, joint, meniscus or movement pattern.
• Pain around the ankle may arise from a ligament, tendon, cartilage lesion or stress injury.
• Arm pain may reflect a tendon problem, nerve irritation or pain referred from the neck.

This is why treatment should not be selected from the pain location or MRI report alone.

The diagnosis must match the history, examination and functional pattern.

The Goal Is Not Just to Become Pain-Free

An athlete may feel less pain but still lack:

• Strength
• Speed
• Balance
• Tendon capacity
• Joint stability
• Confidence
• Sport-specific movement control
• Tolerance for repeated training

Pain reduction is one part of recovery.

The larger goal is to restore the athlete’s ability to train, compete and recover from the demands of the sport.

Sports Injuries We Assess

Muscle Injuries

Common muscle injuries include:

• Hamstring strain
• Quadriceps strain
• Calf strain
• Adductor strain
• Hip-flexor injury
• Abdominal or trunk muscle injury
• Recurrent muscle tightness after sport

Muscle injuries vary from mild overload to partial or complete tearing.

A patient who feels a sudden pop, develops rapid bruising or loses significant strength should be assessed promptly.

Rehabilitation should be individualised according to the injured muscle, injury severity and demands of the athlete’s sport rather than based only on a fixed number of rest days.

Tendon Injuries

We assess tendon-related conditions such as:

• Rotator-cuff tendinopathy
• Lateral and medial elbow tendinopathy
• Distal biceps tendon injury
• Patellar tendinopathy
• Quadriceps tendon injury
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Gluteal tendinopathy
• Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
• Posterior tibial and peroneal tendon disorders

Tendon pain often develops when repeated load exceeds the tissue’s current capacity.

Rest may temporarily reduce symptoms, but prolonged rest alone rarely restores the strength and tolerance required for sport.

Complete or significantly retracted tendon ruptures may require early surgical assessment rather than regenerative treatment or prolonged rehabilitation.

Ligament Injuries and Instability

Potential conditions include:

• Anterior cruciate ligament injury
• Medial or lateral knee-ligament sprain
• Ankle-ligament sprain
• Chronic ankle instability
• Elbow-ligament injury
• Shoulder instability
• Acromioclavicular-joint injury

Pain may improve before joint stability, balance and reaction time have fully recovered.

This is particularly important after ankle sprains. Return-to-sport decisions should assess pain, ankle impairment, athlete confidence, sensorimotor control and functional performance rather than relying only on the passage of time.

Joint and Cartilage Injuries

We may assess:

• Meniscal injury
• Labral injury
• Osteochondral lesions
• Recurrent joint swelling
• Post-traumatic joint irritation
• Early degenerative joint change
• Patellofemoral pain
• Joint locking or catching
• Pain after previous ligament or cartilage surgery

Not every structural finding requires surgery.

However, a mechanically locked joint, unstable cartilage fragment, displaced tear or major traumatic injury may require an early surgical opinion.

Bone and Stress Injuries

Sports-related bone conditions may include:

• Stress reaction
• Stress fracture
• Acute fracture
• Bone bruising
• Delayed bone healing
• Recurrent impact-related pain

Stress injuries can initially produce pain only during exercise and may not always be visible on an early X-ray.

Pain that progressively occurs earlier during exercise, continues after training or begins to affect normal walking requires assessment.

Spine and Nerve-Related Symptoms

Athletes may also develop:

• Exercise-related low back pain
• Neck pain
• Radiating arm or leg pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Peripheral nerve irritation
• Pain referred from surrounding muscles

Radiating symptoms do not automatically mean that a disc or nerve root is the only problem.

However, progressive weakness, major sensory loss, gait changes or spinal-cord symptoms require urgent neurologic assessment.

Overuse and Recurrent Pain

Not every sports problem begins with one dramatic injury.

Many develop gradually because of:

• A rapid increase in training
• Insufficient recovery
• Repeated competition
• Change in surface or equipment
• New lifting technique
• Inadequate strength
• Previous injury
• Poor tolerance for the current workload
• Training through repeated warning symptoms

The tissue may not be structurally destroyed.

It may simply be receiving more load than it can currently tolerate.

How Sports Injuries Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and hands-on examination.

Dr. Kim considers:

• How the injury occurred
• Whether there was a pop, twist or direct impact
• The location of pain and swelling
• Whether the athlete could continue playing
• Whether bruising developed
• Which movements reproduce the symptoms
• Whether strength, speed or confidence has changed
• Previous injuries or operations
• Current training volume
• Recent changes in training
• Competition and travel schedule
• The athlete’s intended level of return

The examination may include:

• Palpation
• Range-of-motion testing
• Strength testing
• Ligament-stability testing
• Tendon assessment
• Neurologic examination
• Balance and proprioception
• Walking or running assessment
• Single-leg control
• Jumping or landing mechanics
• Sport-specific movement testing

The aim is not simply to name the injury.

It is to determine:

• The injured structure
• The severity of the injury
• Whether the condition is stable
• Whether additional imaging is needed
• Whether non-surgical treatment is appropriate
• What function must be restored before return to sport

The Entire Movement Chain Matters

A painful structure does not function in isolation.

For example:

• Knee pain may be influenced by hip strength and foot control.
• Achilles pain may be influenced by calf capacity and running load.
• Elbow pain may be influenced by shoulder and grip mechanics.
• Shoulder pain may be influenced by the neck, thoracic spine and shoulder blade.
• Hamstring pain may be influenced by trunk, hip and running mechanics.

This does not mean that every injury is caused by poor movement.

It means that both the local injury and the wider movement system should be evaluated.

Imaging and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Imaging is used when it is likely to clarify the diagnosis or change treatment.

It should not replace the physical examination.

X-ray

X-rays may be recommended when there is concern about:

• Fracture
• Dislocation
• Joint alignment
• Bone injury
• Osteoarthritis
• Osteochondral abnormality
• Previous trauma
• Loss of joint space

For acute traumatic injuries, the appropriate first imaging study depends on the injured region, ability to bear weight, focal bone tenderness and suspected structure.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Ultrasound may be used to assess selected:

• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Muscles
• Bursae
• Joint fluid
• Peripheral nerves
• Soft-tissue injuries

It can also evaluate some structures dynamically while the athlete moves.

Ultrasound may help identify:

• Partial tendon injury
• Tendon thickening or degeneration
• Joint or bursal fluid
• Muscle tearing
• Ligament injury
• Nerve swelling or irritation
• Tendon movement or subluxation

Ultrasound can also guide aspiration or targeted treatment when medically appropriate.

MRI

MRI may be recommended when:

• A major ligament injury is suspected
• A significant tendon tear is suspected
• A cartilage, meniscal or labral injury is suspected
• A stress injury is possible
• Deep joint pain remains unexplained
• Mechanical catching or locking is present
• Symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment
• Surgery or another targeted procedure is being considered

MRI is not automatically required for every sports injury.

For example, many uncomplicated muscle injuries can be diagnosed clinically, while MRI becomes more useful when a proximal tendon injury, severe tear or unusual recovery pattern is suspected.

When MRI is medically appropriate, we can arrange imaging at a nearby radiology centre and review the results with you.

Nucellin Orthopedic Clinic does not have an on-site MRI scanner.

What Imaging Does Not Measure

Imaging may show the structural injury.

It does not directly measure:

• Strength
• Balance
• Speed
• Athlete confidence
• Fatigue resistance
• Ability to change direction
• Tolerance for repeated training
• Readiness to compete

A scan may improve before performance returns.

Performance may also improve while some structural abnormalities remain visible.

The image is one part of the return-to-sport decision, not the entire decision.

Treatment Options

Sports injury treatment is introduced step by step.

The plan depends on:

• Diagnosis
• Injury severity
• Stability
• Athlete age and general health
• Sport and position
• Current season or competition schedule
• Previous treatment
• Short- and long-term goals

The least invasive option that can reasonably restore function is generally considered first.

Protection and Early Injury Management

An acute injury may initially require:

• Temporary protection
• Bracing
• Compression
• Elevation
• Reduced weight bearing
• Walking support
• Gentle movement
• Assessment for fracture or major structural injury

Complete immobilisation is not necessary for every injury.

However, forcing a significantly injured structure through sport can convert a manageable injury into a more serious problem.

The level of protection should match the diagnosis.

Activity Modification

Activity modification does not always mean stopping all exercise.

It may involve changing:

• Training volume
• Running distance
• Weight used during lifting
• Number of repetitions
• Exercise speed
• Depth of movement
• Impact level
• Training surface
• Frequency of competition
• Recovery between sessions

The goal is to preserve safe activity while reducing the load that repeatedly exceeds the tissue’s capacity.

Sports Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation may include:

• Restoration of range of motion
• Progressive strengthening
• Isometric, concentric and eccentric exercise
• Balance and proprioception
• Neuromuscular control
• Running progression
• Jumping and landing training
• Change-of-direction training
• Throwing or racket progression
• Sport-specific conditioning
• Return-to-performance testing

The programme should reflect the athlete’s actual sport.

A runner, golfer, football player and weightlifter may have the same diagnosis but require different final-stage rehabilitation.

Read more about Regenerative Physical Therapy

Bracing and Support

Selected athletes may benefit from:

• Ankle braces
• Knee braces
• Wrist or forearm supports
• Taping
• Temporary walking supports
• Activity-specific protection

Bracing can reduce load or improve confidence during recovery.

It should not replace strength, balance and movement recovery when these can be restored.

Ultrasound- or Image-Guided Treatment

Selected patients may benefit from a targeted procedure when a plausible pain-generating structure has been identified.

Potential targets may include:

• Joints
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Bursae
• Peripheral nerves
• Muscles or fascial planes

Ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance may be used depending on the location and procedure.

A procedure should not be selected merely because a scan shows an abnormality.

The target should match the symptoms and physical examination.

PDRN-Based Regenerative Injection Treatment

PDRN-based treatment may be considered for selected tendon, ligament, periarticular or peripheral nerve-related conditions.

The purpose is to support symptom control and tissue recovery without relying on corticosteroid treatment.

PDRN cannot:

• Repair a complete tendon rupture
• Restore severe ligament instability
• Reattach a displaced structure
• Reverse advanced joint destruction
• Replace necessary surgery

Suitability is determined after clinical examination and imaging review.

Activated PRF Therapy

Activated platelet-rich fibrin may be considered for carefully selected athletes with:

• Chronic tendinopathy
• Selected partial tendon injuries
• Ligament-related pain
• Persistent joint irritation
• Selected cartilage-related conditions
• Symptoms that have not improved sufficiently with appropriate rehabilitation

Activated PRF is prepared from the athlete’s own blood.

At Nucellin, approximately 60 mL of blood is generally collected for each treatment site and processed according to the clinic’s mechanically activated platelet- and fibrin-based protocol.

Activated PRF cannot guarantee:

• Complete tendon regeneration
• Restoration of all lost cartilage
• Correction of major instability
• Permanent pain relief
• Prevention of reinjury
• Avoidance of surgery

It should be used as part of a recovery plan rather than as a substitute for rehabilitation.

Read more about Activated PRF Therapy

Stem Cell and Cell-Based Therapy

Autologous blood-, bone marrow- or adipose-derived cell-based treatment may be considered for carefully selected patients with chronic degenerative joint or tissue conditions.

It is not a routine treatment for every sports injury.

Potential candidates may include selected patients with:

• Symptomatic joint degeneration
• Focal cartilage-related conditions
• Chronic partial tissue injuries
• Persistent functional limitation despite appropriate non-surgical treatment
• A clearly identified treatment target

Cell-based treatment is not an appropriate substitute for necessary surgery when there is:

• A complete tendon rupture
• Major ligament instability
• A displaced fracture
• A large unstable cartilage fragment
• Progressive neurologic injury
• Infection
• A condition requiring urgent reconstruction

Cell-based treatment cannot guarantee restoration of a completely normal joint or prevention of future surgery.

Read more about Stem Cell and Cell-Based Therapy

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy may be considered for selected chronic tendon and accessible soft-tissue conditions.

Potential sports-related indications may include:

• Calcific shoulder tendinopathy
• Lateral or medial elbow tendinopathy
• Patellar tendinopathy
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Gluteal tendinopathy
• Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
• Plantar fascia-related pain
• Chronic muscular or fascial overload

Focused shockwave may be directed toward a specific tendon or calcific target.

Radial pressure-wave treatment may be used across a broader overloaded muscle chain.

Shockwave therapy does not repair an acute complete tendon rupture or restore major mechanical instability.

Read more about Shockwave Therapy

Regenerative Physical Therapy

Regenerative Physical Therapy may combine:

• Medical assessment
• Load modification
• Progressive exercise
• Movement retraining
• Manual and soft-tissue treatment
• Focused shockwave
• Radial pressure-wave treatment
• High-intensity laser therapy
• Return-to-sport planning

The purpose is to restore the capacity required for the athlete’s specific activity rather than relying on a procedure alone.

Return to Sport

Return to sport is not one moment.

It is a process.

International sports-medicine consensus describes return to sport as a continuum that can include:

1. Return to participation

The athlete is exercising or training in a modified form but is not yet ready for unrestricted sport.

1. Return to sport

The athlete has returned to the sport but may not yet be performing at the previous level.

1. Return to performance

The athlete has returned to the desired level of performance and can tolerate the required training and competition demands.

Time Alone Does Not Determine Readiness

A fixed number of weeks can provide a general framework, but time alone does not prove that the athlete is ready.

Return decisions may consider:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Range of motion
• Strength
• Endurance
• Balance
• Speed
• Jumping and landing
• Change of direction
• Sport-specific skill
• Confidence
• Fatigue response
• Response to full training

The required criteria depend on the injury and sport.

An athlete may be able to jog but not sprint.

The athlete may be able to lift once but not tolerate repeated competition.

The goal is not simply to complete one test.

It is to demonstrate sufficient capacity for the actual demands of the sport.

Return to Training Before Competition

A staged progression may involve:

• Individual exercise
• Modified training
• Non-contact training
• Full team training
• Controlled competition exposure
• Full competition

The athlete’s response during the following 24 to 48 hours can provide important information about whether the load was tolerated.

Athlete Confidence Matters

Fear of reinjury and lack of confidence can affect movement and return-to-sport decisions.

This does not mean that symptoms are psychological or imaginary.

Physical recovery and psychological readiness influence each other.

A safe return should consider both.

Training Load and Injury Prevention

Injury prevention does not mean avoiding all training stress.

Athletes need sufficient training to develop strength, skill and resilience.

The problem is often not load itself, but load that is increased too quickly, applied without adequate recovery or poorly matched to the athlete’s current capacity.

The International Olympic Committee has identified inappropriate load management as an important contributor to injury and illness risk, while also recognising that appropriate training is necessary to build athletic capacity.

Sudden Changes Matter

Potential risk periods may include:

• Rapid increase in running distance
• Sudden return after a break
• Multiple competitions close together
• New training surface
• Rapid increase in lifting volume
• Change in footwear or equipment
• Travel and poor sleep
• Training during illness
• Return before strength has recovered

There is no single percentage rule that guarantees safety for every athlete.

Load should be adjusted according to:

• Sport
• Training history
• Injury history
• Age
• Recovery
• Sleep
• Symptoms
• Performance response

Recovery Is Part of Training

Recovery includes:

• Sleep
• Nutrition
• Hydration
• Rest between demanding sessions
• Management of illness
• Appropriate variation in training
• Monitoring of persistent symptoms

Repeatedly treating the same painful tissue without changing the training pattern may provide only temporary benefit.

Previous Injury Matters

A previous injury can affect:

• Strength
• Movement
• Confidence
• Balance
• Training tolerance
• Decision-making under fatigue

A pain-free athlete is not automatically a fully recovered athlete.

Rehabilitation should address the deficits that remain after symptoms improve.

Warm-Up and Preparation

A useful warm-up should prepare the athlete for the movements and intensity that follow.

Depending on the sport, this may include:

• Gradual cardiovascular activity
• Dynamic mobility
• Progressive strength or power movements
• Acceleration and deceleration
• Change of direction
• Throwing or striking progression
• Sport-specific skill

The purpose is preparation, not fatigue.

Sports-Related Concussion

A suspected concussion should not be treated as an ordinary musculoskeletal injury.

Possible symptoms include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Memory difficulty
• Balance problems
• Visual symptoms
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Nausea
• Feeling slowed down
• Loss of consciousness

An athlete with suspected concussion should be removed from play and medically assessed.

Return to sport should follow a graduated process. The 2023 international concussion consensus advises relative rest rather than strict prolonged isolation and recommends staged progression before unrestricted return.

Emergency assessment is required when there is:

• Worsening severe headache
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizure
• Increasing confusion
• Unusual behaviour
• Progressive drowsiness
• Weakness or numbness
• Neck pain after significant trauma
• Loss of consciousness with concerning features
• Deteriorating neurologic condition

Whether Sports Medicine May Suit You

You May Benefit From Assessment If

• Pain is limiting exercise or sport
• Symptoms return whenever training increases
• You sustained an acute injury
• Swelling or bruising developed
• A joint repeatedly gives way
• Strength has not returned
• You cannot regain your previous training level
• You are uncertain whether it is safe to continue
• Previous treatment reduced pain but did not restore performance
• You need a structured return-to-sport plan
• You want a second opinion before an injection or operation

Non-Surgical Treatment May Not Be Enough If

• There is a complete tendon rupture
• There is a displaced fracture
• There is severe mechanical instability
• A joint is mechanically locked
• There is a large unstable cartilage or bone fragment
• Progressive neurologic loss is present
• Infection is suspected
• Surgery offers a more predictable result

The goal is not to avoid surgery at all costs.

It is to identify when non-surgical treatment is reasonable and when early surgery may protect long-term function.

What Happens, Step by Step

1. Consultation

Dr. Kim reviews:

• The injury mechanism
• Current symptoms
• Previous injuries
• Training history
• Competition requirements
• Existing imaging
• Medical history
• Athlete goals

2. Physical and Functional Examination

The assessment may include:

• Palpation
• Range of motion
• Strength
• Joint stability
• Balance
• Neurologic testing
• Walking or running
• Jumping and landing
• Sport-specific movement

3. Imaging When Necessary

X-rays, ultrasound or MRI are selected only when the result is likely to clarify the diagnosis or alter treatment.

4. Treatment Planning

The plan may include:

• Temporary protection
• Activity modification
• Rehabilitation
• Shockwave therapy
• Image-guided treatment
• Activated PRF
• Cell-based treatment
• Surgical referral

5. Progression

Treatment progresses from symptom control toward:

• Strength
• Movement quality
• Speed
• Power
• Endurance
• Sport-specific skill
• Full training tolerance

6. Return-to-Sport Decision

The final decision is based on the injury, function, athlete confidence and sport demands rather than time alone.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

Seek urgent medical assessment if there is:

• Obvious deformity after an injury
• Inability to bear weight
• Inability to move a joint after trauma
• A joint that is locked
• A sudden pop with major weakness or bruising
• Rapidly increasing swelling
• A cold, pale, blue or numb limb
• Loss of pulse or circulation symptoms
• A hot, red and swollen joint with fever
• Progressive numbness or weakness
• New loss of bladder or bowel control
• Neck or back injury with neurologic symptoms
• A suspected concussion with worsening symptoms
• Chest pain, fainting or severe shortness of breath during exercise

These symptoms should not wait for a routine sports-medicine appointment.

Questions Athletes Ask

Do I Need to Stop Training Completely?

Not always.

Some injuries require temporary protection, while others can be managed with modified training.

The decision depends on:

• Injury type
• Severity
• Stability
• Pain response
• Risk of progression
• Sport demands

The goal is to maintain safe capacity without repeatedly aggravating the injured tissue.

Do I Need an MRI?

Not every sports injury requires MRI.

The need depends on the injury mechanism, examination, suspected structure, existing X-rays or ultrasound and whether MRI would change treatment.

Can Ultrasound Diagnose a Sports Injury?

Ultrasound can provide useful information about selected tendons, ligaments, muscles, fluid collections and peripheral nerves.

It does not replace MRI for every deep joint, cartilage, bone or complex ligament injury.

Should I Use Ice?

Cold treatment may temporarily reduce pain after an acute injury.

It should not replace protection, appropriate movement, diagnosis or rehabilitation.

Prolonged or excessive cold exposure should be avoided, particularly when sensation or circulation is impaired.

When Can I Run Again?

Return to running depends on:

• Injury type
• Walking tolerance
• Strength
• Range of motion
• Balance
• Impact tolerance
• Response to lower-level exercise

Running should usually be reintroduced progressively rather than resumed immediately at the previous distance or speed.

When Can I Return to Competition?

Competition requires more capacity than basic exercise.

Before unrestricted return, the athlete may need to demonstrate:

• Sport-specific strength
• Speed
• Power
• Repeated effort tolerance
• Change-of-direction ability
• Confidence
• Full training tolerance

Does Pain Mean I Am Causing Damage?

Not always.

Pain can increase because of sensitivity or temporary overload without new structural injury.

However, sudden severe pain, swelling, weakness, instability or loss of function requires reassessment.

Can I Continue Playing Through Pain?

That depends on the diagnosis.

Playing through mild, stable symptoms may be possible in some conditions with appropriate modification.

Continuing through a fracture, unstable ligament injury, significant tendon tear or progressive neurologic problem may worsen the condition.

Can Shockwave Therapy Help Athletes?

Shockwave therapy may help selected chronic tendon and soft-tissue conditions.

It is not appropriate for every sports injury and cannot repair a complete rupture or unstable joint.

Can Activated PRF Speed Up Recovery?

Activated PRF may be considered for selected chronic tendon, ligament or joint-related conditions.

It cannot guarantee faster recovery, complete regeneration or prevention of reinjury.

The effect depends on the diagnosis, tissue condition, target and rehabilitation plan.

Are Stem Cells Appropriate for Sports Injuries?

Cell-based treatment is not routine for most acute sports injuries.

It may be considered in carefully selected chronic degenerative or partial tissue conditions.

Complete ruptures, major instability and displaced injuries may require surgery instead.

Can I Fly After Treatment?

The answer depends on:

• Injury type
• Treatment performed
• Mobility
• Pain
• Swelling
• Risk of blood clots
• Length of the flight

Travel plans should be discussed before treatment.

International Athletes and Patients

International patients can consult directly with Dr. Kim in English.

You may send or bring:

• X-rays
• MRI images
• Ultrasound images
• Medical reports
• Previous treatment records
• Current medication information
• Training or competition schedule

Imaging is reviewed together with the injury mechanism, symptoms and physical examination rather than interpreted in isolation.

Same-day consultation, ultrasound assessment and selected treatments may be possible when medically appropriate.

For athletes with limited time in Seoul, the plan may focus on:

• Establishing the diagnosis
• Determining whether training is safe
• Providing treatment when appropriate
• Creating a practical rehabilitation programme
• Advising on travel and competition
• Remote follow-up when clinically appropriate

Bone marrow- and adipose-derived procedures require separate planning.

A written estimate is provided before treatment.

Information about insurance and payment is available on the Insurance & Payment page.

To arrange an evaluation, please contact the clinic.

Start with an accurate diagnosis, then build the capacity to return.