Shoulder ultrasound scan
Shoulder pain can stop you reaching, lifting or sleeping comfortably. An ultrasound scan is a non-invasive way to find out why.
- Price
- £300 one side£450 both sides · £50 deposit
- Appointment
- 20 to 30 minutesIncluding consultation · scan 15 to 20 minutes
- Preparation
- None needed
- Report
- Usually within 24 hours
Who it's for
When a scan can help
Shoulder pain may come from the tendons, the joint or the bursa. Sometimes it follows an injury; sometimes it builds slowly. This scan is for anyone with pain, stiffness or weakness that has not settled.
What it shows
The scan checks 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
What to expect
Your appointment
Before
No preparation is needed.
During
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 to 20 minutes and is pain-free.
After
You can return to your day straight afterwards. Your consultant explains what they have seen before you leave.
Who reads your scan
Consultant radiologists, specialists in this area
Your report
Your consultant talks you through what the scan shows while you are still in the room.
A written report follows, usually within 24 hours. If anything needs a closer look, we can arrange MRI, CT, blood tests or a specialist referral.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Is it safe?
Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has no known side effects. A small amount of gel is applied to the skin and a handheld probe is moved gently over the area. You can return to your day straight afterwards.
Enquire or book
Tell us what you would like looked at and we will come back to you with times. You do not need a referral.