Joint pain, stiffness and inflammation are problems can be caused by a various conditions. Ultrasound scans are regularly used to examine and provide information about muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and soft tissue to help diagnose and treat conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system (MSK).
The advantage of ultrasound is that we can target the scan to the exact area of concern for highly-detailed images. Unlike other methods, an ultrasound is a dynamic scan which is especially important for scanning the musculoskeletal system, as we can move your joint while we scan to help get an accurate diagnosis.
An ultrasound scan is a common procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the organs, blood vessels, and soft tissues inside the body. It can provide accurate information about the size, shape, and structure of these different parts and help identify abnormalities.
A small device called an ultrasound probe is used, which produces high-frequency sound waves. An ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure.
The frequency of the waves means you can’t hear any sound but they reflect off different parts of the body, creating “echoes.” These echoes are received by the probe and turned into a detailed, moving image. This image is displayed on a monitor while the scan is being performed and can be saved in both video and photo form.
If you have pain in any of these areas, an ultrasound may help to diagnose any underlying issue.
Whether solving an existing problem or looking to optimise your health, we want to help.
Our service is fast, efficient and reliable. It is also more affordable than many traditional private healthcare routes.
From consultation to diagnosis to treatment, our service is a one stop clinic for self-pay healthcare.
We have a wide range of specialists which means we can always find the right person for you.
We offer free advice, to start you on your road to better health or peace of mind.
Please complete the form and the right person will contact you to discuss your next steps.
You may be asked to follow specific instructions to help improve the quality of the examination.
For example, for a scan of the pelvic area you may be advised to drink more water and not go to the toilet until after. For scans of the abdomen you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand.
Depending on the area of your body being examined, you may be asked to move or remove some clothing and wear a gown.
You will be called into the scan room, and your identity will be checked. You may be asked to move or remove some clothing and then lie down on an examination couch. The lights will be dimmed to allow the sonographer a clearer view of the screen.
A gel will be spread over the area of your body being examined, and the sonographer will place a hand-held probe onto your skin. By moving the probe, the sonographer can obtain the necessary views of your joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
You may be asked to hold your breath or change position to enable some areas to be seen more clearly. Selected images are saved as a record of the examination.
The whole examination will usually take between 10-15 minutes.
Your specialist may be able to diagnose you there and then. In the event an immediate diagnosis is not possible our qualified sonographers will prepare a full report of your results within days and can arrange for a follow-up appointment to suit you.
Our team of experts can also recommend the most appropriate treatment. Should you require a pain-relieving injection, all our specialists are able to follow up on the day of the ultrasound.
For more information, please see our ‘pain-relieving injections’ page.
We offer free advice to start you on your road to better health or peace of mind. Contact us today and we’ll call you back to discuss your next steps.
A community dedicated to your health and wellbeing. Join today for free and get direct access to health experts and exclusive invites to lifestyle and wellness workshops and events.
