Ultrasound-Guided PRP Injections at Northwest Medical Clinic
Northwest Medical Clinic now offers ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, injections for selected patients seeking symptomatic relief from joint, tendon, and musculoskeletal pain.
PRP is not a cure and does not treat the underlying cause of arthritis, tendon injury, or other medical conditions. For some patients, PRP may help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and support better day-to-day function.
What Is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma, commonly called PRP, is prepared from a small sample of your own blood. The blood sample is processed to concentrate the platelet-rich portion, which is then injected into a targeted area.
Platelets contain growth factors and signaling proteins involved in the body’s natural healing response. In musculoskeletal care, PRP is sometimes used for selected joint, tendon, or soft tissue conditions when the goal is symptom relief and improved function.
PRP results vary from person to person. A consultation is required to determine whether PRP is appropriate for your specific symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals.
What PRP May Help With
PRP may be considered for selected patients with symptoms related to:
- Joint pain
- Osteoarthritis-related pain
- Tendon pain or tendon irritation
- Soft tissue or musculoskeletal pain
- Reduced range of motion related to pain
- Functional limitations related to pain
PRP is generally considered when the goal is to reduce symptoms and improve function. It should not be viewed as a guaranteed treatment, cure, or replacement for appropriate medical evaluation.
Common reasons patients may ask about PRP include knee pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, and osteoarthritis-related joint pain. During your appointment, your symptoms and medical history will be reviewed to determine whether PRP is appropriate for your specific situation.
Ultrasound-Guided Injections
PRP injections at Northwest Medical Clinic are performed using ultrasound guidance.
Ultrasound guidance allows visualization of the targeted area during the procedure to place the injection more precisely than a landmark-guided injection alone. This may be especially helpful when treating deeper joints, tendons, or other musculoskeletal structures.
Who Performs the Procedure?
PRP injections are performed by an MD who has undergone additional PRP-specific education and training.
Before receiving PRP, patients must first complete a consultation to review symptoms, medical history, prior treatments, medications, and whether PRP is an appropriate option.
What to Expect
A typical PRP visit may include:
- Review of your symptoms and treatment goals
- Review of relevant medical history and medications
- Blood draw
- Preparation of the platelet-rich plasma sample
- Ultrasound-guided injection into the targeted area
- Post-procedure instructions and follow-up planning
Some soreness after the injection can occur. Recovery instructions vary depending on the injection site and your individual medical situation.
You will receive individualized instructions after the procedure, including activity guidance, medication considerations, and follow-up recommendations based on the injection site and your medical history.
PRP Is a Cash-Pay Service
PRP is typically considered a cash-pay service and may not be covered by insurance.
Patients should contact the clinic for the most current pricing and to confirm whether PRP is appropriate for their situation.
Important Limitations
PRP is not appropriate for everyone.
PRP is not a cure for arthritis, tendon injury, or chronic pain. It does not guarantee pain relief, cartilage regrowth, reversal of arthritis, or avoidance of surgery. The goal is symptomatic improvement, such as reduced pain, improved range of motion, or improved function in selected patients.
Some patients may need other treatments instead, including physical therapy, medications, imaging, specialist referral, steroid injections, surgery evaluation, or other care depending on the diagnosis.
Certain medical conditions, medications, or active health issues may affect whether PRP is appropriate; your history will be reviewed before making a recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRP a cure?
No. PRP is not a cure. It is used for selected patients with the goal of symptomatic relief, such as reducing pain, improving range of motion, and improving function.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
PRP is often not covered by insurance and is typically offered as a cash-pay service. Please contact the clinic to confirm current pricing.
Do I need a consultation first?
Yes. A consultation is required before PRP to determine whether it is appropriate for your symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, and treatment goals.
Are the injections ultrasound-guided?
Yes. PRP injections at Northwest Medical Clinic are performed using ultrasound guidance.
How long does PRP take to work?
Response varies. Some patients may notice improvement over several weeks, while others may have limited or no improvement. Dr. Choe will discuss expected timelines based on your condition and treatment area.
Schedule a PRP Consultation
To learn whether PRP may be appropriate for your symptoms, schedule a consultation with Northwest Medical Clinic using the appointment options on this page.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. PRP may not be appropriate for every patient or condition. Individual results vary. A consultation with a qualified medical professional is required before determining whether PRP is appropriate.