Shoulder Pain, Sports Injuries and Tendon Problems: When Is an Ultrasound Scan Useful?
Shoulder pain can affect everyday activities such as reaching, lifting, sleeping or getting dressed. If pain persists or develops following an injury, an imaging examination may sometimes be appropriate.
A shoulder ultrasound in Norfolk can be useful for examining certain soft-tissue structures around the shoulder, including tendons and muscles. Ultrasound has the advantage of producing real-time images, which means some structures can be assessed while the shoulder is moved.
However, ultrasound is not the right imaging test for every shoulder problem. The most appropriate investigation depends on your symptoms, examination and the clinical question.
Shoulder pain that won’t go away
Occasional shoulder discomfort can have many causes, but persistent pain deserves appropriate assessment. You may notice pain when;
- Raising your arm
- Reaching overhead
- Lifting objects
- Sleeping on the affected shoulder
- Moving the shoulder in certain directions
- Returning to sport or exercise
A shoulder ultrasound may be considered where the symptoms suggest that the soft tissues around the shoulder need to be assessed.
Pain when lifting your arm
Pain during arm elevation can sometimes be associated with problems affecting the tendons or other soft tissues around the shoulder.
A shoulder ultrasound can examine structures such as the rotator cuff tendons and surrounding soft tissues. The scan can provide additional information that may help a healthcare professional understand the cause of your symptoms.
It is important not to assume that pain during a particular movement means you have a specific injury. The scan needs to be interpreted alongside your clinical history and examination.
Pain when lying on your shoulder
Shoulder pain that becomes worse when lying on the affected side is another reason someone may seek assessment. Depending on the symptoms, a healthcare professional may consider whether ultrasound could help assess the soft tissues around the shoulder.
A private shoulder ultrasound in Norfolk can provide an option for people who have been advised that ultrasound imaging is appropriate.
Shoulder pain after a fall or injury
A fall, sporting injury or other trauma can result in pain and restricted movement. Depending on the injury and symptoms, different types of imaging may be appropriate. Ultrasound can be useful for assessing certain soft-tissue injuries, but it is not a replacement for every form of imaging.
For example, if there is concern about a fracture, an X-ray or another form of imaging may be more appropriate.
If you have suffered a significant injury, seek appropriate clinical assessment before arranging a scan independently.
Suspected rotator cuff problems
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that helps stabilise and move the shoulder. A rotator cuff ultrasound can be used to examine the relevant tendons and surrounding soft tissues.
Ultrasound may be particularly useful because the shoulder can be assessed dynamically, allowing the examiner to observe structures during movement where appropriate.
The findings should then be interpreted in the context of your symptoms.
Tendon and bursa problems
Ultrasound is useful for assessing certain tendon and soft-tissue problems. It can also provide information about structures such as bursae around the shoulder.
A shoulder ultrasound may therefore be considered when symptoms suggest a rotator cuff issue and can help differentiate this from a frozen shoulder.
Shoulder pain can, however, originate from a number of different structures, so imaging should be selected according to the clinical question.
What happens during a shoulder ultrasound?
For a shoulder ultrasound, you will normally sit or lie in a position that allows the sonographer to access the relevant area.
- Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin and the transducer is moved around the shoulder.
- You may be asked to move your arm or shoulder during the examination.
- This is one of the useful features of musculoskeletal ultrasound: certain structures can be observed dynamically rather than only as static images.
The examination is non-invasive, although pressure from the transducer may feel uncomfortable over a painful area.
Can you move your shoulder during the scan?
Often, yes. Depending on what is being assessed, you may be asked to move your arm or change position during the examination.
This allows the sonographer to assess the relevant structures under movement. The exact movements will depend on the area being examined and the clinical question.
Make sure you follow the preparation instructions provided when booking.
Ultrasound compared with other imaging
Ultrasound, X-rays, MRI and other imaging techniques each have different strengths.
- Ultrasound is particularly useful for certain soft-tissue structures and has the advantage of real-time imaging.
- X-rays are commonly used to examine bones and can be important where a fracture is suspected.
- MRI can provide detailed images of a wider range of soft tissues and deeper structures.
The best imaging examination is therefore not necessarily the most detailed one. It is the one that is appropriate for the clinical question.
Private musculoskeletal ultrasound in Norfolk
If you have been advised that ultrasound is suitable for your shoulder symptoms, a private musculoskeletal ultrasound may provide a convenient way to arrange imaging.
Norfolk Medical Imaging offers ultrasound services covering relevant muscles, tendons and joints.
For more information, explore the relevant shoulder or musculoskeletal ultrasound service page.
FAQs
What can a shoulder ultrasound show?
A shoulder ultrasound can assess certain soft tissues including tendons, muscles and bursae around the shoulder.
Can an ultrasound detect a rotator cuff problem?
Ultrasound can be used to examine the rotator cuff tendons and may identify certain abnormalities.
Is a shoulder ultrasound painful?
The examination is non-invasive, but pressure over a painful area can sometimes feel uncomfortable.
Is ultrasound better than an MRI for shoulder pain?
Neither is universally better. They provide different types of information, and the appropriate examination depends on the clinical question.