Over the past 10 years, musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound has become increasingly common in sports and orthopedic medicine, especially for guiding injections during PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and prolotherapy sessions. The providers at FoRM Health in Portland, OR, regularly use ultrasound to enhance treatments and improve patients’ experiences.
How Does Ultrasound Technology Work?
Ultrasound imaging works in much the same way as the sonar used by bats, using sound waves that pass through your tissues and bounce back at different rates. The echoes created during this process are converted into images. A computer analyzes the echoes and converts them into real-time images displayed on a monitor.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound applies this technology specifically to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and soft tissues of the body. Unlike general diagnostic ultrasound, MSK ultrasound evaluates injuries, guides injections, and assesses movement in real time, making it a powerful tool in orthopedic and sports medicine care.
Benefits of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
Ultrasound is an extremely safe imaging technique that allows your practitioner to visualize areas of injury and pain in real time. As a result, injuries to these tissues can be readily identified in the office.
Ultrasound also allows your doctor to visualize needles as they are guided to the specific target for treatment. This not only increases the effectiveness of regenerative injections such as PRP and prolotherapy but also greatly reduces the risk of placing needles into joints or near areas rich in nerves and blood vessels.
FAQ
In general, yes, particularly with PRP. When treating joints, damaged tendons, and certain sites close to major nerves or arteries, ultrasound is essential for accuracy and safety. Some procedures, particularly those involving prolotherapy, require injecting multiple ligaments that are relatively accessible by palpation (touch) to a well-trained physician. In many of these cases, ultrasound is not required.
While our office is located in SE Portland, Oregon, many of our patients travel from the greater Portland area, including Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, and Oregon City, for in-office visits and procedures. We also offer virtual office visits, which allow us to provide care to anyone seeking care in Oregon, except for procedures, which must be performed in-office.
Why Choose FoRM Health for Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Portland, OR?
At FoRM Health, dedicated orthopedic and sports medicine specialists perform musculoskeletal ultrasound with extensive hands-on experience in regenerative and injection-based care. Dr. Ryan Minarik, ND, and our team use ultrasound not just as a diagnostic tool, but as an integral part of every treatment, ensuring precision, safety, and better outcomes. Located in Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood, we serve patients from across the greater Portland metro area. Our integrative approach combines ultrasound with a comprehensive understanding of your overall health, so you receive care that is both targeted and holistic.
Schedule with FoRM’s Ultrasound Specialist in Portland, OR
Ready to experience precision-guided care? Call FoRM Health at (503) 232-5653 to schedule your musculoskeletal ultrasound appointment with
Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right treatment for your needs.
