Shoulder ultrasound is consistently used in the assessment of the shoulder joint. It is a quick, painless ultrasound scan examination and readily available. It is also a dynamic examination unlikely MRI and therefore the muscles, tendon, the rotator cuff and soft tissue can be evaluated in real-time and under movement.
The cost of this ultrasound scan is only £164.
The purpose of this shoulder ultrasound scan is to provide an ultrasonic assessment of the major musculoskeletal structures in the shoulder and assess the rotator cuff. They include:
No preparation is necessary for this shoulder ultrasound scan.
Before the scan, our sonographer will explain the examination procedure. You will be asked to sit on a chair and expose your shoulder. A small amount of gel will be placed on your shoulder and the probe will be moved in different directions. You may also be asked to move joints or limbs during the scanning so that the sonographer can look at the affected area while it is in motion.
During and after the examination, our sonographer will explain the findings and an ultrasound report will be issued to take away with you.
The shoulder ultrasound scan offers little or no diagnostic information for internal structures such as the glenohumeral ligaments. Ultrasound scanning is complementary with other modalities, including plain X-ray, CT, MRI and arthroscopy.
If your shoulder pain doesn’t improve with simple medications, other treatments such as ultrasound-guided msk are available. Your doctor will be able to give more specific advice.
Most shoulder problems will benefit from physiotherapy. A physiotherapist will assess your condition and put together a tailored treatment programme.
The aim of physiotherapy is to improve symptoms and restore function. The approach will depend on whether you have a short-term (acute) problem or a long-standing (chronic) condition.
Steroid injections into the joint can help shoulder problems. The steroid is usually given along with a local anaesthetic, and you should find your shoulder pain improves quite quickly.
The injections reduce inflammation and allow you to move your shoulder more comfortably, though you shouldn’t use your shoulder for anything too strenuous the first two days after injection. The pain relief should allow you to do your physiotherapy exercises more easily.
Most shoulder problems improve without the need for surgery. But some conditions can be helped by surgery.
If an operation is needed it can often be performed using keyhole techniques, which require a smaller incision and often reduce the recovery time needed.