Shoulder
A shoulder ultrasound scan is one of the most accurate and accessible ways to diagnose the cause of shoulder pain. It provides a real-time, high-resolution look at the soft tissues around the shoulder, allowing clear identification of tendon, muscle, bursa, and joint problems that aren’t visible on X-ray.
Ultrasound is particularly useful for patients with:
Rotator cuff pain
Shoulder impingement
Tendinopathy or tendon tears
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Subacromial bursitis
Long head of biceps tendon instability or tenosynovitis
AC joint pain and swelling
Post-injury weakness or restricted movement
What a Shoulder Ultrasound Can Show
A comprehensive shoulder ultrasound assesses:
Rotator cuff tendons – supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor
Long head of biceps tendon – inflammation, tears, or subluxation
Subacromial–subdeltoid bursa – swelling and impingement
AC joint – arthritis, inflammation, or ligament changes
Dynamic movement – watching tendons move in real time to identify impingement or instability
Fluid, calcification, or inflammatory changes
Tears – partial or full-thickness tendon tears
Post-operative changes if you have had previous surgery
Ultrasound gives immediate answers, helping confirm the diagnosis quickly and guide the right treatment plan.
Who This Scan Helps
This scan is ideal if you are experiencing:
Pain lifting your arm or reaching overhead
Night pain when lying on the shoulder
Weakness, stiffness, or clicking
A sudden injury during sport or manual work
Ongoing pain despite physiotherapy
Difficulty returning to work, gym, or daily activities
Immediate Results + Treatment Options
You will receive:
A verbal explanation of the findings during the scan
A full report and images
A discussion of treatment options, which may include:
Targeted physiotherapy
Exercise rehabilitation
Ultrasound-guided steroid injection
Shockwave therapy (if appropriate)
Referral for MRI or specialist review when needed