What is Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?

Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other soft tissues in real-time. Diagnostic ultrasound can be utilised by your physiotherapist as part of your initial assessment and follow up appointments.

  • Real-time dynamic imaging during movement
  • No radiation exposure - completely safe
  • Immediate results and diagnosis
  • High resolution images of soft tissues
  • Can guide treatment procedures
  • Cost-effective alternative to MRI

What Can We Diagnose?

Tendon Problems

  • Tendinopathy and tendinosis
  • Tendon tears and ruptures
  • Calcific tendinopathy
  • Tendon sheath inflammation

Muscle Injuries

  • Muscle strains and tears
  • Muscle contusions
  • Compartment syndrome

Joint Problems

  • Joint effusions
  • Synovitis
  • Cartilage damage
  • Joint instability

Other Conditions

  • Bursitis
  • Nerve entrapments
  • Cysts and masses
  • Foreign bodies

Common Scanning Areas

Shoulder

Rotator cuff assessment, biceps tendon, AC joint, and subacromial space evaluation.

Elbow

Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, ulnar nerve assessment, and triceps tendon evaluation.

Hip & Groin

Hip flexor injuries, adductor strains, FAI assessment, and trochanteric bursitis.

Knee

Patellar tendon, quadriceps, ITB assessment, and meniscal evaluation.

Ankle & Foot

Achilles tendon, plantar fascia, ankle ligaments, and posterior tibial tendon.

Advantages Over Other Imaging

Vs MRI

  • Immediate results
  • Dynamic assessment
  • More cost-effective
  • Better for guided procedures

Vs X-ray

  • Shows soft tissues clearly
  • No radiation exposure
  • Real-time imaging
  • Can assess function