What should you know about Philips point-of-care ultrasound?

An ultrasound probe sends sound waves into the body and displays moving images on a screen. In musculoskeletal care, it can help examine tendons, muscles, fluid collections, and selected joint structures while the clinician compares sides or watches movement. It can also help locate a target during an injection. The image depends on the operator, the body area, and what lies beneath it; ultrasound does not replace every form of imaging.

You may need to expose the area being examined and change position while gel is placed on the skin. Tell the clinician about open wounds, skin sensitivity, anticoagulant medicines, or a planned injection. Ask what the scan can and cannot show in your case. For more detail, see [Point-of-Care Ultrasound](/technology/point-of-care-ultrasound/) and [PRP Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/prp-injection/) when platelet-rich plasma has been discussed.

Ultrasound itself does not explain every cause of pain. Seek prompt care for a suddenly swollen limb, severe injury, loss of strength or sensation, a cold or discoloured extremity, or fever with a hot and painful area. After an injection, report increasing redness, drainage, fever, breathing difficulty, or rapidly worsening pain.

Ask what structure is being assessed, whether another scan is needed, and how the result changes your treatment. If ultrasound is guiding an injection, ask what medicine is used, what aftercare is expected, and which symptoms should trigger a call.