Get clearer answers about pain, injury or reduced movement. No referral needed with fast appointments.
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Scans
- Radiation-free imaging
- Prices from £195
- Qualified sonographers
- Appointments in Manchester, Liverpool & Newton-Le-Willows
A musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound scan is a simple, non-invasive way to look more closely at pain, swelling or changes in how your body moves.
It uses sound waves to create images of your muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and other soft tissues. We can assess areas including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot.
Whether you are recovering from a sports injury, managing ongoing pain or looking for answers about a new symptom, an MSK ultrasound scan can help us understand what may be happening and guide the most appropriate next step.
What can a musculoskeletal ultrasound help with?
A musculoskeletal ultrasound may be used to:
Assess tendons for inflammation, thickening, tears or wear-related changes
Examine muscles for strains, tears, swelling or fluid collections
Look at ligaments and other soft tissues after an injury
Check joints for fluid, inflammation or changes in surrounding soft tissue
Assess bursae for inflammation, including bursitis
Examine lumps, cysts and other soft-tissue changes close to the skin
Use Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow and signs of inflammation, where appropriate
Help guide next steps, including physiotherapy, medication, injections, an MRI scan, X-ray or specialist assessment
The exact area we examine will depend on your symptoms and the reason for your scan. While ultrasound can provide valuable information, you may sometimes need further tests - such as an MRI or blood test - for a complete diagnosis.
Your scan will be performed by a qualified sonographer at our Manchester, Liverpool or St Helens clinic.
A musculoskeletal ultrasound scan does not usually hurt. You may feel gentle pressure from the ultrasound probe, particularly if the area being examined is painful, swollen or tender. Please let the sonographer know if you feel uncomfortable at any point.
Should I book a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan?
You may choose to book a musculoskeletal ultrasound if you have:
Persistent joint, muscle or tendon pain
A sports injury or suspected soft-tissue injury
Swelling, stiffness or reduced movement in a joint
A suspected tendon tear, tendonitis or bursitis
A lump, cyst or swelling close to the skin
Ongoing shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle or foot pain
Symptoms that have not improved with rest or conservative treatment
Abnormal findings from a previous examination, scan or X-ray
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is particularly useful for assessing soft tissues close to the skin and for examining movement dynamically during the scan. It is less effective for looking inside bone or assessing some deeper structures, cartilage and the spine. In some circumstances, an MRI scan, X-ray or CT scan may be more suitable.
At Pall Mall, you do not need a GP referral to book a private musculoskeletal ultrasound scan. However, depending on your symptoms and scan findings, a consultation with a GP, physiotherapist, consultant or other healthcare professional may still be recommended.
How to prepare for a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan
You do not usually need to fast before a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan. You can normally eat, drink and take your regular medication as usual.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being scanned. You may be asked to remove jewellery, watches or clothing covering the area.
Please bring any previous scan reports, clinic letters or relevant medical information if you have them. Contact the clinic before your appointment if you have questions about preparation.
Where to Find Our Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Clinics
Our musculoskeletal ultrasound scans are performed at our Newton-le-Willows private hospital, with convenient clinics located at Liverpool and Manchester for patients across Cheshire.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound scan FAQs
What does a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan look at?
A musculoskeletal ultrasound scan looks at muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, bursae and other soft tissues. It may be used to assess areas such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot.
The structures examined will depend on your symptoms and the area booked for scanning. Further investigation may sometimes be recommended if more information is needed.
Do I need to fast before a musculoskeletal ultrasound?
No, you do not usually need to fast before a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan. You can normally eat and drink as usual unless your appointment confirmation advises otherwise.
Please follow any preparation instructions provided when you book.
Can I take medication before my scan?
In most cases, you can continue taking your usual prescribed medication before a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan.
Do not stop prescribed medication without medical advice. Contact the clinic before your appointment if you are unsure about your medicines.
How long does a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan take?
The scan itself usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes. Please allow up to an hour for your full appointment, including check-in, preparation and time to get dressed afterwards.
The appointment length can vary depending on the area being scanned and whether one or more body parts need assessment.
Does a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan hurt?
A musculoskeletal ultrasound is not usually painful. However, the sonographer may need to apply gentle pressure to obtain clear images, which can feel uncomfortable if the area is already painful or inflamed.
Please tell the sonographer if you experience pain or would like to pause during the scan.
Does a musculoskeletal ultrasound use radiation?
No. Ultrasound scans use sound waves to create images and do not use ionising radiation.
They do not involve X-rays or CT radiation.
Can a musculoskeletal ultrasound show a tendon tear?
A musculoskeletal ultrasound can often be used to assess tendons for changes such as inflammation, thickening, partial tears or complete tears. However, the usefulness of the scan depends on the tendon involved, the location of the injury and the quality of the images obtained.
In some cases, an MRI scan may be recommended to provide further detail.
Can a musculoskeletal ultrasound show arthritis?
An ultrasound may identify some changes associated with joint inflammation, fluid around a joint, bursitis or tendon-related problems. However, it may not show all forms of arthritis or provide a complete assessment of bone and cartilage changes.
Your clinician may recommend an X-ray, MRI scan, blood tests or a specialist consultation depending on your symptoms.
Do I need a GP referral?
At Pall Mall, you do not need a GP referral to book a private musculoskeletal ultrasound scan.
However, depending on your symptoms and scan findings, you may be advised to speak with your GP, physiotherapist, consultant or another healthcare professional for further assessment.
When will I receive my scan results?
Your scan images will be reviewed and a report will be prepared. In some cases, the sonographer may be able to provide general information on the day, but formal results are not always available immediately.
The results process and expected timeframe will be explained when you book your appointment.
What happens if my results recommend further investigation?
A recommendation for further investigation does not necessarily mean that anything serious has been found. It may mean that another test, such as an MRI scan, X-ray, blood tests or a specialist consultation, could help provide a clearer answer.
The appropriate next steps will depend on your scan findings, symptoms and medical history.
Can I be referred to the NHS for further treatment?
You can take your scan report to your GP or NHS clinician to discuss any recommended follow-up. NHS referrals are usually arranged by your GP or another NHS healthcare professional.
Our team can explain the reporting process and help you understand the available next steps.
Can I bring someone with me to the appointment?
You are welcome to ask about bringing a friend, partner or family member for support. Whether they can be in the scan room will depend on room capacity, privacy considerations and clinical requirements on the day.
You can also request a chaperone. Please let the team know when you arrive or contact us before your appointment.
What is the difference between a musculoskeletal ultrasound and an MRI scan?
A musculoskeletal ultrasound is particularly useful for examining soft tissues close to the skin, such as tendons, ligaments, muscles and fluid around joints. It can also assess movement in real time.
An MRI scan provides more detailed images of deeper structures, cartilage, bone marrow and some complex joint injuries. The most appropriate scan will depend on the area being assessed and your symptoms.
What should I do if I have severe or urgent symptoms?
An outpatient musculoskeletal ultrasound scan is not a substitute for urgent medical assessment. Call 999 or attend A&E if you have a serious injury, visible deformity, sudden loss of movement, severe pain after an accident, numbness or weakness, or a hot swollen joint with fever.
For urgent medical advice that is not life-threatening, contact NHS 111. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by your GP or another qualified clinician.
Can I have a copy of my images?
Radiology images can be sent when requested. We are unable to send radiology images directly to NHS general practitioners; image transfers to NHS services must follow established clinical pathways and secure exchange platforms. We do not provide printed copies, postal delivery, or screenshots of imaging; images are sent via electronic transfer using Image Exchange Portal (IEP). Images will only be released to patients or third parties once the formal report has been issued
Enquire About Our Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Scans
A member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your requirements.