Musculoskeletal - Shoulder & Upper Arm

Shoulder pathology is the third most common musculoskeletal disorder after back and neck pain.

Ultrasound of the shoulder (also referred to as the rotator cuff) is an excellent imaging modality for assessment of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and the associated soft connective tissues.

If you are experiencing pain, restricted movement of the joint or pain following an injury, musculoskeletal ultrasound is able to evaluate these structures with a comparable accuracy to a MRI scan.

Ultrasound has the added benefit of being a dynamic examination so that the shoulder and its mechanics can be evaluated during real-time movement.

As many as 20% of the population will suffer a shoulder problem at some stage in their life, with shoulder disorders accounting for 5% of all GP consultations and symptoms lasting six months or more.

In patients older than 40 years, the main causes of shoulder pain are adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), impingement and / or tendon pathology.

Ultrasound is a well-established diagnostic tool in the assessment of tendon tears as well as several other shoulder conditions to include arthritic and degenerative changes.

Often, shoulder pathology can result in referred pain to the lower arm and is not always localised to the upper shoulder.

However, if your pain is localised to the elbow, wrist or hand, then we have further scan options that can assess these areas too. Please check our ”Elbow , Wrist & Hand MSK Scans”

Yes. All our sonographers are fully trained and qualified to perform ultrasound scans and many of them also work in the NHS locally. Scans with Ultrasound Direct will always be performed by a qualified professional whose primary interest is your health. All our sonographers take care to follow the latest safety guidelines and are registered with the HCPC. We’re also registered with the independent regulator the Care Quality Commission to ensure the highest standards possible.

In the event of unexpected findings: we will offer clear advice on the next steps available to you and will offer to contact the local hospital on your behalf.

Should you receive bad news in your scan you are welcome to take time in private in our clinics to process the news and gather your thoughts before leaving: we never want you to feel rushed.