Diagnostic ultrasound in MSK practice involves the real-time imaging of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, and other soft tissue structures using high-frequency sound waves. It’s non-invasive and doesn’t use radiation. Diagnostic ultrasound is used to:
Identify soft tissue injuries (e.g. tendon tears, muscle strains, ligament sprains)
Detect inflammation (e.g. tendinitis, bursitis)
Guide treatment (e.g. rehab planning, guided injections)
Monitor healing during rehabilitation
Assess joint effusions, cysts, or calcifications
Visualise dynamic movements to assess functional impairments (e.g. subluxation during motion)
Ultrasound scans are a great diagnostic and investigative tool because they offer immediate results with real-time imaging meaning tissues can be visualised during movement or loading allowing for functional and dynamic assessments. Areas commonly assessed:
Shoulder – rotator cuff, biceps tendon, subacromial bursa
Elbow – common extensor/flexor tendons, ulnar nerve
Wrist & Hand – tendons, carpal tunnel structures
Hip – tendons, bursae, joint effusion
Knee – patellar tendon, MCL/LCL, meniscal cysts
Ankle & Foot – Achilles tendon, plantar fascia, peroneal tendons
Please note we do not offer diagnostic ultrasound scans for the spine.
All of our ultrasound scans are performed by Trystan, who is an extended scope Physiotherapist with specialised training in MSK ultrasound and joint injections. Our diagnostic ultrasound appointments provide real-time imaging and immediate interpretation, enabling our Physios to make a swift and informed decision about diagnosis and treatment planning.
Trystan also uses ultrasound to guide joint injections this technique increases precision, safety, and effectiveness, especially when targeting small or deep structures.
Diagnostic Ultrasound Scan – £100
Corticosteroid Injection Ultrasound guided – £250
Hyaluronic Acid Injection Ultrasound guided – £300