Shoulder Center in Gangnam, Seoul Care in English
From a stiff, aching shoulder to a torn rotator cuff or a joint that keeps slipping out, our orthopedic surgeons diagnose the cause and start with the least invasive treatment that can work.
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital, at 731 Eonju-ro in Gangnam-gu near Hakdong Station (Line 7, Exit 10), has a Joint Center whose orthopedic surgeons treat shoulder pain, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, dislocation and arthritis. Care starts with an exam and imaging, then physical therapy or image-guided injections, with arthroscopy or shoulder replacement when needed. English-speaking coordinators help you book via WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796.
Shoulder problems we treat
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in your body, which also makes it easy to injure or wear out. Most problems fall into a few groups. If you are not sure what is wrong, start with our shoulder pain overview.
Rotator cuff disease
Tendinitis, partial tears and full tears of the tendons that lift and rotate your arm, from wear or injury.
Frozen shoulder
A thickened, tight joint capsule that slowly stiffens the shoulder. It often improves with time and therapy.
Impingement and bursitis
Pinching and irritation of the tendons and bursa under the bony roof of the shoulder, especially with overhead reaching.
Instability and dislocation
A shoulder that has dislocated, or keeps slipping, often with a torn labrum. Common in younger, active people.
Shoulder arthritis
Worn cartilage in the ball-and-socket joint, causing deep pain, grinding and loss of motion over time.
Fractures and sports injuries
Broken collarbone or upper arm, AC joint sprains and overhead sports injuries, assessed and fixed when needed.
Shoulder conditions and procedures
Read about your condition before your visit. Each guide explains symptoms, tests, treatment options and recovery in plain English.
Shoulder pain
Common causes, warning signs, tests and non-surgical treatment for a painful shoulder.
Read more →Rotator cuff tear
Partial and full tears, when therapy is enough, and arthroscopic repair.
Read more →Shoulder instability and reconstruction
Recurrent dislocation, labral tears, arthroscopic Bankart repair and the Latarjet procedure.
Read more →Shoulder replacement
Anatomic and reverse total shoulder replacement for arthritis and massive cuff tears.
Read more →How we treat shoulder problems
Most shoulder conditions get better without surgery. We move up the ladder only when the simpler steps have not given you enough relief, or when the injury clearly needs repair.
Exam and imaging
Your surgeon examines strength and motion, then orders X-rays, ultrasound or MRI as needed to find the cause.
Activity changes and medication
Short-term rest from painful movements, ice or heat, and anti-inflammatory medicine when it is safe for you.
Physical therapy
Dedicated therapists restore motion and strengthen the rotator cuff and shoulder-blade muscles. This is the core of most recoveries.
Image-guided injections
Ultrasound or fluoroscopy-guided injections can calm inflammation so you can do your rehab. Bone marrow (BMAC) injection is an option for some arthritis.
Arthroscopic surgery
Keyhole surgery to repair torn tendons or labrum, remove bone spurs or release a stiff capsule when non-surgical care fails.
Shoulder replacement
For advanced arthritis or a massive, irreparable cuff tear, an anatomic or reverse replacement can relieve pain and restore function.
What rotator cuff repair does
Rotator cuff repair is one of the most common shoulder operations. Through small arthroscopic incisions, the surgeon reattaches torn tendon to the bone so it can heal.
Simplified medical illustration for education only, not a patient image. Results vary by condition and individual; your specialist will explain what to expect for your case.
Which shoulder problem fits your symptoms?
Symptoms overlap, so this is only a rough guide. An exam and imaging are needed to confirm the cause. Pain that runs from the neck down the arm with tingling may come from the spine; see our neck pain page.
| Main symptom | Common causes | Where to read more |
|---|---|---|
| Pain lifting the arm, night pain, weakness | Rotator cuff tendinitis or tear, impingement | Rotator cuff tear |
| Gradual stiffness in all directions | Frozen shoulder, arthritis | Shoulder pain |
| Shoulder slips out or feels loose | Instability, labral tear, bone loss | Shoulder reconstruction |
| Deep ache, grinding, loss of motion in older adults | Osteoarthritis, cuff tear arthropathy | Shoulder replacement |
If your arm is suddenly deformed after a fall, or you cannot move it at all, seek urgent care.
Your Specialists
Care at this clinic is provided by Nanoori Joint Center orthopedic surgeons. Tap a doctor to see their full profile.
Dr. Seong Cheol Moon
Rotator cuff, dislocation and shoulder arthroscopy
Dr. Young Wan Go
Rotator cuff, frozen shoulder and replacement
Dr. Jae Chang Lim
Shoulder arthroscopy and bone marrow injection
Dr. Hyun Seok Seo
Shoulder arthroscopy and sports medicine
Common Questions
Do I need surgery for my shoulder pain?
Usually not. Many shoulder problems, including tendinitis, impingement, frozen shoulder and some partial rotator cuff tears, improve with physical therapy, activity changes and sometimes an injection. Surgery is considered when a tear is large or acute, the shoulder keeps dislocating, or months of good non-surgical care have not helped.
Can I see a shoulder specialist in English?
Yes. Our international patient coordinators speak English and can help you book, attend the visit and understand your results and treatment plan. Message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796 or email ihc_info@mfnanoori.co.kr.
Does Nanoori accept Korean health insurance for foreigners?
We accept Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) for enrolled foreign residents. If you have international health insurance, we can provide the billing documents your insurer usually asks for, but coverage and direct billing depend on your policy, so check with your insurer first.
What should I bring to my first shoulder appointment?
Bring your passport or alien registration card, a list of your medicines, and any previous X-rays, MRI scans or reports, ideally on a disc or USB with the written report. Notes on when the pain started and what makes it worse are very helpful.
I am visiting Seoul. Can I have shoulder surgery and fly home?
Sometimes, but plan carefully. After shoulder surgery you usually wear a sling for several weeks and need follow-up visits and early rehab. Talk with your surgeon about the right timing for travel and how to continue therapy at home.
How do I get to Gangnam Nanoori Hospital?
We are at 731 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The nearest subway stop is Hakdong Station on Line 7; use Exit 10. See our contact page for details.
Talk to a shoulder specialist in English
Send us your symptoms or scans on WhatsApp and a coordinator will help you book a visit.
Related Care
Last updated October 2026. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Contact us · Gangnam Nanoori Hospital home
