Private Shoulder & Upper Arm Ultrasound Scan
Investigating shoulder pain, rotator cuff injuries, tendon inflammation and upper arm muscle problems.
OUR SERVICE
Are you experiencing shoulder or upper arm pain?
Shoulder pain can make everyday activities such as lifting your arm, getting dressed, reaching overhead or sleeping comfortably difficult.
Whether your symptoms developed following an injury, during exercise or gradually over time, a shoulder ultrasound scan can help identify abnormalities affecting the tendons, muscles and other soft tissues surrounding your shoulder.
At Serenity Ultrasound, we offer private shoulder and upper arm ultrasound examinations to investigate the possible cause of your symptoms and provide useful diagnostic information for your ongoing care.
What can a shoulder and upper arm ultrasound detect?
Our ultrasound examination can assess a range of conditions, including:
- Rotator cuff injuries – partial or full-thickness tears affecting the tendons that help stabilise and move your shoulder.
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy – changes in the shoulder tendons that may be associated with pain and reduced movement.
- Shoulder bursitis – inflammation or fluid within the bursa, a small cushioning sac between the tendons and surrounding structures.
- Calcific tendinopathy – calcium deposits within the shoulder tendons.
- Biceps tendon abnormalities – inflammation, tearing or displacement of the long head of the biceps tendon.
- Upper arm muscle injuries – muscle tears, haematomas and other localised soft tissue abnormalities.
- Shoulder joint fluid – fluid collections within accessible parts of the shoulder joint.
Your sonographer may also assess the movement of certain tendons during the examination to investigate suspected dynamic abnormalities.
When should you consider a shoulder ultrasound?
A shoulder or upper arm ultrasound may be appropriate if you are experiencing:
- Persistent shoulder pain or discomfort.
- Pain when lifting your arm or reaching overhead.
- Shoulder weakness or reduced movement.
- Pain following a sports injury or fall.
- Localised swelling or tenderness in the upper arm.
- Pain around the biceps tendon.
- Symptoms that have not improved with initial treatment.
What happens during your scan?
You will usually be seated while your sonographer applies ultrasound gel to your shoulder and upper arm.
A small handheld ultrasound probe will be moved gently across the area to examine the tendons, muscles and surrounding structures.
You may be asked to move your arm into different positions to allow a more detailed assessment.
The examination is generally comfortable, although some movements or pressure over an already painful area may cause temporary discomfort.
What happens after your scan?
Your sonographer will explain the findings and provide a written ultrasound report, which you can share with your GP, physiotherapist or specialist to help guide further management.
Ultrasound does not fully assess all structures within the shoulder, including the deeper joint structures and labrum. Depending on your symptoms and findings, further assessment or MRI may be recommended.
Book your private shoulder and upper arm ultrasound scan at Serenity Ultrasound in Kingswinford.
OUR PROCESS
Your MSK Ultrasound Appointment at Serenity Ultrasound
1. Your consultation
Your sonographer will ask about your symptoms, medical history and the area of concern to help determine the most appropriate ultrasound assessment.
2. Your ultrasound examination
A small amount of ultrasound gel will be applied to your skin, and a handheld probe will be moved gently over the area being examined. You may be asked to change position or move the affected joint during the scan.
3. Understanding your results
Your sonographer will discuss the examination findings with you and explain whether any abnormalities have been identified.
4. Your report and next steps
You will receive a written ultrasound report detailing the findings. Where appropriate, your sonographer will advise you to seek further assessment or discuss the results with your GP or treating specialist.