Rotator cuff tear Treatment in Samsung Global Orthopedic Clinic (SGOC)
About the clinic
Rotator cuff tear care at Samsung Global Orthopedic Clinic (SGOC) in Daegu, South Korea includes imaging, rehabilitation, injections, and surgery. Dr. Kwang Seok Jo has over 10 years of experience, with 1,000+ shoulder procedures and 3,000+ orthopedic surgeries. Diagnosis, surgery, and rehabilitation take place in one building.
MRI and other diagnostic options
Tests help assess the tendon tear and related shoulder problems. A written second opinion on imaging is available within 5 business days.
- MRI: Imaging to assess the rotator cuff.
- X-ray: Includes weight-bearing views.
- Diagnostic ultrasound: Used to examine the shoulder and guide injections.
- CT: Provides additional imaging of the shoulder.
- Bone densitometry (BMD): Measures bone density.
- Physical examination: Helps assess shoulder function.
- Imaging review: A written second opinion is available.
Treatment options: repair, SCR, and rehabilitation
Non-surgical care is considered first for partial and selected full-thickness tears. Surgery may be considered when a repairable tear causes functional problems after structured rehabilitation.
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: Reattaches the torn tendon through small incisions. The surgeon can also treat related shoulder lesions. PRP-based biologic augmentation is offered as a variant.
- Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR): Uses a graft for selected irreparable tears with upward tendon migration. Dr. Jo trained in SCR with Teruhisa Mihata, MD, at Osaka University Hospital.
- Subscapularis repair: Repairs a torn tendon at the front of the rotator cuff, sometimes alongside other cuff repairs.
- Biceps tenodesis or SLAP repair: Treats related biceps anchor or upper labral problems, including in overhead athletes.
- Ultrasound-guided injection: Delivers a targeted corticosteroid or therapeutic injection for painful tendinopathy or partial tears. The clinic uses Konica Minolta diagnostic ultrasound.
- Shockwave therapy: Focused or radial treatment for shoulder calcific tendinitis and tendon healing uses Master Plus MP50 or Shockwave F1 equipment.
- Structured rehabilitation and physical therapy: Uses phase-based loading, manual therapy, scapular control, and return-to-sport testing. Checkpoints follow an MGH-based protocol with HSS and Mayo training materials at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks.
- Manual therapy: Joint mobilization and soft-tissue release can address stiffness or ongoing pain during rehabilitation.
Overhead athletes are tested for strength symmetry and function at 3, 5, and 8 months. Patients can request a consultation through Bookimed.
Highlights
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Treatments prices in the clinic
| treatment | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | Price on request | |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy | Price on request | |
| Knee Arthroscopy | Price on request | |
| Shoulder replacement | Price on request | |
| Rotator cuff repair surgery | Price on request | |
| Arthroscopic meniscus repair | Price on request | |
| Conservative treatment of scoliosis | Price on request | |
| ACL reconstruction surgery | Price on request | |
| Ankle Arthroscopy | Price on request | |
| Arthroscopic surgery | Price on request | |
| Conservative treatment for habitual dislocation of the shoulder | Price on request | |
| Arthroscopy | Price on request | |
| Knee replacement | Price on request | |
| Total Knee Replacement (Arthroplasty) | Price on request |
How are we doing?
Samsung Global Orthopedic Clinic (SGOC): more details about the clinic
- Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN)
- Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS, New York)
- Massachusetts General Hospital (Harvard Medical School)
- Osaka National Hospital and TSOC in Japan
Surgeons participate in international case discussions and present research at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
### Specialized Orthopedic CareSGOC's flagship specialty is shoulder-centered sports medicine. The team treats rotator cuff disorders, shoulder instability, and frozen shoulder. Surgeons use arthroscopic and reconstructive techniques like SLAP repair, biceps tenodesis, and superior capsular reconstruction. Treatment decisions match imaging results to the patient's movement and strength.The foot and ankle center is the clinic's second core specialty. Conditions treated include:- Achilles tendon injuries and ruptures
- Forefoot deformities like hallux valgus and hallux rigidus
- Ankle instability and chronic pain
- Sports-related foot injuries
One surgeon performs the operation and leads all follow-up care.
### Integrated Rehabilitation ServicesThe Rehabilitation Center follows protocols from Massachusetts General Hospital and the Hospital for Special Surgery. Therapists and surgeons meet weekly to review patient progress and return-to-sport criteria. Programs combine manual therapy and shockwave treatment in a phased recovery plan.Specialists perform objective testing before clearing patients for sport or heavy work. If strength or mobility targets aren't met, the recovery timeline adjusts accordingly.### Diagnostic and Intra-operative TechnologySGOC uses advanced imaging and surgical support systems. The facility has CT, MRI, ultrasound, and chest X-ray capabilities. Key equipment includes:- ZEN-2090 TURBO – Intra-operative fluoroscopy for real-time surgical imaging
- OsteoSys DEXXUM T – Bone densitometry for assessing bone mineral density
- RONFIC Miniplus and XIM – Radiofrequency systems for pain management and nerve blocks
- Master Plus MP50 and Shockwave F1 – Radial and focused shockwave systems for musculoskeletal therapy
These systems support surgical planning and nonoperative treatments like radiofrequency pain management.
### International Patient ServicesThe clinic treats patients from over 40 countries. English-speaking coordinators guide patients from first consultation through final follow-up.International services include:- Written second opinions – Imaging reviews with a response within five business days
- Interpreter support – Available for Arabic, Japanese, and Chinese speakers
- English documentation – Consultations, consent forms, and rehabilitation plans in English
- Coordinated surgical stays – Planning for typical 10–14 day recovery periods
Patients can share medical records and imaging via WhatsApp or email for review before travel.
Additional services
Patient reviews
Jessica Im
stooba lemdon
김피코
대한민국
Nicholas Grambas
five loaves
sibong sua
한우주
Campingcafe Hola
4-6 & 13F, 422 Myeongdeok-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu, South Korea
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How it works:
- We find a medical coordinator familiar with the matter
- You get a personal offer with a step-by-step guide and the cost estimate
- We arrange your travel including appointment scheduling and flights booking
- You arrive at the hospital, we support you 24/7



