Our shoulder and upper arm ultrasound scans evaluate the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bursae in the shoulder and upper arm region, helping to diagnose and guide treatment for various conditions.
Individuals experiencing shoulder or upper arm pain, stiffness, weakness, or limited range of motion may benefit from a shoulder and upper arm ultrasound scan. This includes athletes, manual labourers, and those with overuse injuries like rotator cuff tendinitis or biceps tendinopathy. The scan is also recommended for those with suspected soft tissue injuries such as rotator cuff tears, labral tears, or ligament sprains, as well as those with a history of shoulder or upper arm trauma or surgery. Shoulder and upper arm ultrasound scans can help identify the cause of symptoms and guide appropriate treatment.
During a shoulder and upper arm ultrasound scan, you'll sit or lie on an examination table with the affected area exposed. A clear, water-based gel will be applied to your skin, and a handheld device called a transducer will be moved over the shoulder and upper arm region to capture detailed images of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bursae. The radiologist may ask you to perform simple movements or apply gentle pressure to assess the structures under dynamic conditions. The procedure is painless and usually takes 20-30 minutes, depending on the extent of the examination.
No special preparation is needed for a shoulder and upper arm ultrasound scan. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your shoulder and upper arm, such as a sleeveless top or a shirt with short sleeves. Remove any jewellery or accessories that may interfere with the transducer. Inform your radiologist of any relevant medical history, current medications, or allergies, as this may impact the interpretation of the results. If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure, don't hesitate to discuss them with your radiologist before the scan.
If you experience persistent shoulder or upper arm pain, stiffness, weakness, or limited range of motion, schedule your shoulder and upper arm ultrasound scan as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage and promote faster recovery. Your GP or orthopaedic specialist will guide you on the appropriate timing based on your individual circumstances and the severity of your symptoms. If you have suffered an acute injury or have recently undergone shoulder or upper arm surgery, your specialist may recommend a scan to assess the extent of the damage or monitor the healing process.
We provide a comprehensive range of services, from private GP consultations and specialised men's and women's health care to advanced ultrasound scans and proactive health screenings, all within a reassuring and state-of-the-art environment.
You have a question? We have an answer.
Yes, a knee ultrasound scan can detect signs of arthritis, such as joint effusion (excess fluid), synovial thickening, or changes in the cartilage and bone surfaces. Ultrasound is particularly useful in assessing the soft tissue components of the knee joint and can complement other imaging techniques like X-rays or MRI scans in the diagnosis and monitoring of knee arthritis.
It is generally recommended to avoid strenuous exercise or activities that may aggravate your shoulder or upper arm symptoms before the scan. This is because exercise-induced inflammation or pain may affect the accuracy of the imaging. If you have any concerns about your activity level before the scan, discuss them with your radiologist or GP to ensure the best possible results.
No, a shoulder and upper arm ultrasound scan is generally painless. You may feel slight pressure from the transducer as it moves over your skin, but this should not cause any significant discomfort. If you experience pain during the procedure, inform your radiologist, as this may indicate an underlying condition that requires further investigation.
At Spital Clinic, a private Shoulder and Upper Arm Ultrasound Scan with our expert sonographers costs £150. We are open 7 days a week and can offer morning, day and evening appointments. If you are using private health insurance, please call the clinic to provide your authorisation number. To book, please click here.
An ultrasound scan, also known as sonography, is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is a safe and painless procedure that does not use ionising radiation. Ultrasound scans are commonly used to monitor pregnancy, diagnose conditions, and guide medical procedures. The images are created in real-time, allowing healthcare professionals to view the structure and movement of internal organs and tissues.
During an ultrasound scan, a small device called a transducer is placed on the skin over the area to be examined. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that travel through the body and bounce back when they encounter different tissues. The transducer then receives these reflected waves and converts them into electrical signals, which are processed by a computer to create images of the internal structures. The images can be displayed on a monitor or printed for further analysis.
Yes, ultrasound scans are generally considered safe for both the patient and the unborn baby (in the case of pregnancy scans). Unlike X-rays or CT scans, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation, which can potentially harm living tissues. There are no known side effects or risks associated with ultrasound scans when performed by qualified healthcare professionals. However, it is essential to ensure that the scan is medically necessary and performed by a trained specialist.
There are several types of ultrasound scans, each designed for specific purposes:
Abdominal ultrasound: Used to examine organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidneys.
Pelvic ultrasound: Used to assess the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic structures in women, or the prostate gland in men.
Pregnancy ultrasound: Used to monitor fetal development, confirm the due date, and detect potential complications.
Breast ultrasound: Used to evaluate breast lumps or abnormalities detected during a mammogram or physical exam.
Vascular ultrasound: Used to assess blood flow in arteries and veins and detect blockages or clots.
According to verified reviews from platforms such as Doctify, TrustPilot and Google - 99% patients have a positive experience at Spital Clinic.
"Great experience. Frustratingly we had 3 NIPTs come back with no result so had to do 3 blood redraws but thanks to LPC’s persistence we finally got a result on the 4th draw. After the 3rd no result they also kindly offered us a free anomaly scan."
"I had a surprisingly positive experience. The most friendly and helpful staff, clean and beautiful premises. The visit was smooth and quick but never felt rushed and I was able to ask all the questions I had. Thanks so much!"
"The service was exceptional from the moment we booked to the moment we left the building post our appointment. The lovely colleagues at the main desk were great and approachable. They made the whole process very comforting."
"I really recommend this clinic, everything was smooth and perfect. All staff are helpful and our sonographer Miss Shaz is an expert on her job, she is very kind and explained everything that we asked. I am glad to choose LPC."
Our medical centre is at 36 Spital Square, E1 6DY, City of London.
