Shoulder Ultrasound Scan
Shoulder pain can stop you from reaching, lifting, or even sleeping comfortably.
It might come from tendons, joints, or the bursa. Sometimes, it’s due to injury. Other times, it builds up slowly over time. An ultrasound scan is a non-invasive way to get some answers.
One side - £300 | Both side - £450 (£50 deposit)
A shoulder ultrasound shows what’s happening beneath the surface. It’s a fast, safe way to check for inflammation, tears, fluid, and other causes of pain - all in real time and without radiation.
This scan will check for:
- Rotator cuff tears or tendon degeneration
- Subacromial and subcoracoid bursitis
- Impingement syndrome
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Signs of arthritis or associated inflammation (osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis)
- Joint fluid or inflammation (effusion or synovitis)
- Biceps tendon injuries or inflammation (tenosynovitis)
- Post-surgical changes or complications
Related Procedures
Steroid injection for arthritis or bursitis - £550
Targeted injection aimed at reducing inflammation within the shoulder joint or shoulder bursa, a fluid-filled sac that can become irritated through injury or overuse. Provides effective relief from pain and stiffness.
Hydrodistension for Frozen Shoulder - £550
Used for frozen shoulder, this technique separates tight tissues within the joint capsule. The injection includes local anaesthetic, steroid and saline solution to help restore movement, reduce pain, and speed up recovery of shoulder function.
Calcium Barbotage - £550
Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder occurs when calcium builds up in the rotator cuff tendons, causing pain and stiffness. Ultrasound-guided barbotage uses a fine needle to break up and remove the calcium, relieving symptoms and improving movement.
FAQs
What is a shoulder ultrasound for?
It helps diagnose shoulder pain, stiffness, or weakness. Ultrasound can detect tendon tears, swelling, and inflammation quickly - often while you move your arm during the scan.
Sometimes further imaging such as MRI is necessary to assess the internal structures of the shoulder. However, our specialists can decide whether further imaging is necessary and can arrange this for you at the time of the appointment.
What symptoms are related to shoulder conditions?
● Pain when lifting or reaching
● Night pain that affects sleep
● Limited range of motion
● Clicking, popping, or catching
● Swelling or a visible lump
● Weakness when raising the arm
When should I see a doctor?
If your shoulder pain doesn’t improve within a few days, or if it affects daily tasks like dressing, lifting, or sleeping, it’s time to get checked.
What happens during the scan?
You’ll sit or lie back. We apply gel and move a probe around your shoulder. We may ask you to move your arm to assess the structures dynamically. The scan takes around 15–20 minutes and is pain-free.
Are there any risks of a shoulder ultrasound?
No. It’s a safe, non-invasive scan that doesn’t use radiation. There are no known risks or side effects.
What we do
- Consultant led ultrasound imaging
- Comfortable, informative sessions to give clarity on your health concerns
- Referrals, advice and suggested treatment plans if anything needs to be taken further
Our musculoskeletal consultants
Unsure what support you need?
Book a consultation with a musculoskeletal consultant for £50 to discuss your problems, and if there is an imaging or procedure the consultation fee can be put towards the cost.
