Ultrasound Guided PRP Frequently Asked Questions

PRP Injections in Portland: How Sports Health Northwest Helps You Heal Faster

At Sports Health Northwest, we provide advanced sports medicine care in Oregon, helping patients of all ages recover from injuries and return to the activities they love. Dr. David Westerdahl, a highly experienced sports medicine physician, has been performing ultrasound-guided injections and regenerative therapies for over 15 years, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for tendon, joint, and soft tissue injuries.

If you’re searching for PRP injection Portland or want to know how regenerative medicine can help chronic injuries, this guide answers the most common questions our patients have about PRP therapy.

What Is PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own platelets to stimulate healing. During the procedure, a small amount of your blood is drawn, processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injected directly into the injured area using ultrasound guidance.

PRP has been shown to benefit conditions such as:

• Tennis elbow and other tendon injuries

• Knee or hip joint problems

• Chronic soft tissue injuries

By delivering a high concentration of platelets directly to the injury, PRP helps activate your body’s natural healing response, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair.

Can I Get PRP on the Same Day as My Consultation?

Most PRP procedures are scheduled separately from your initial consultation. The first visit focuses on evaluating your injury, reviewing previous treatments, and discussing whether PRP or other options are appropriate. This ensures you understand the procedure, benefits, risks, and alternatives before scheduling your injection.

How Many PRP Injections Will I Need?

For most tendon injuries, a single PRP injection is usually sufficient. Recovery depends on your body’s healing response and can take anywhere from six weeks to six months for full benefits.

For some joint conditions, such as knee or hip arthritis, Dr. Westerdahl may recommend multiple injections, based on your individual needs.

PRP and Insurance Coverage

Currently, most insurance plans classify PRP injections as experimental because they use your own blood and platelets. While the PRP procedure itself is typically not covered, your initial consultation usually is.

Cost of PRP Injections in Portland

PRP costs vary depending on the materials and equipment used. At Sports Health Northwest, our PRP injections typically cost $950, which includes:

• Blood draw

• Centrifugation

• Ultrasound-guided injection

The procedure generally takes 60–90 minutes. Physical therapy may be recommended afterward, which is usually covered by insurance.

The PRP Systems We Use

We use high-quality PRP systems capable of concentrating platelets up to 10x baseline, often achieving over one billion platelets per milliliter. This allows us to customize the PRP formulation to the injury, controlling the number of red and white blood cells for optimal healing.

The Angel System: High-Dose PRP Technology

Our clinic uses the Arthrex Angel System, one of the most advanced PRP devices on the market. Benefits include:

• Customizable platelet doses, up to 18–20x baseline

• Adjustable leukocyte (white blood cell) levels for targeted therapy

• Large blood draw capacity (up to 180ml) processed in a single 15–17 minute spin

Compared to small test-tube systems, the Angel System provides far higher total platelet delivery, ensuring the PRP injection is tailored for your specific injury and healing goals.

What to Expect After PRP

• Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin) for one week before and one month after the procedure

• Temporary soreness or increased pain at the injection site is normal

• Rest for the first week, then gradually return to activity following a personalized rehab plan

• Most patients resume normal activity within six weeks, depending on the injury

Who Is a Candidate for PRP?

PRP may be appropriate for patients with chronic tendon or joint injuries that haven’t improved with traditional treatments. However, PRP is not recommended for:

• Those undergoing cancer treatment or with certain cancers

• Individuals with active infections near the injection site

• Patients who are anemic

Dr. Westerdahl will carefully review your injury, medical history, and treatment goals to determine if PRP is right for you.

Why Choose Sports Health Northwest for PRP in Portland?

At Sports Health Northwest, we combine evidence-based sports medicine with advanced regenerative therapies to help you recover faster and safely. With Dr. Westerdahl’s 15+ years of experience in ultrasound-guided procedures and PRP therapy, you can trust that your care is precise, customized, and results-oriented.

If you’re ready to explore PRP injections in Portland or want to learn more about your treatment options, call us today at 503-747-6376 to schedule your consultation.

Author

David Westerdahl MD FAAFP RMSK Sports Medicine Physician and owner Sports Health Northwest, Inc.