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 provide diagnostic ultrasound scans of the spine.
All of our ultrasound scans are carried out by Trystan, an Extended Scope Physiotherapist with specialist training in musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound and ultrasound-guided joint injections.
Ultrasound plays a key role in supporting our physiotherapy services, helping us to accurately diagnose injuries, guide treatment, and rule out any serious or underlying conditions. We offer several appointment options depending on your needs:
Diagnostic Ultrasound Scan – £100
Ideal if you’re looking for a quick and accurate diagnosis
Physiotherapy & Diagnostic Ultrasound Scan- £150
Includes a detailed assessment, expert clinical advice, and a personalised treatment plan alongside your scan
Trystan also performs ultrasound-guided injections, a highly precise technique that improves the accuracy, safety, and effectiveness of the treatment, especially when targeting small or deep structures. These injections help to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint function.
We offer steroid (corticosteroid) and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections to treat a variety of MSK conditions affecting joints, tendons, bursae, and other soft tissues. Common treatment areas include the knee, hip, and shoulder.
Corticosteroid Injection Ultrasound-guided – £250
Hyaluronic Acid Injection Ultrasound-guided – £300