Private Shoulder Ultrasound One £190 · Both £290
High-resolution, dynamic ultrasound for shoulder pain, weakness, restricted movement, suspected rotator-cuff injury, bursitis, biceps-tendon problems and calcific tendinopathy.
Clinics in Tunbridge Wells, Orpington and Canary Wharf
Private shoulder ultrasound appointments are available in Tunbridge Wells, Orpington and Canary Wharf.
Tunbridge Wells
Focused MSK shoulder ultrasound with dynamic assessment where clinically useful.
36 Monson Road
Tunbridge Wells, Kent
TN1 1LU
Orpington
Private shoulder ultrasound with same-day reporting.
Orpington Health & Wellbeing Centre
19 Homefield Rise
Orpington, BR6 0FE
Canary Wharf
Private MSK shoulder ultrasound in Canary Wharf with same-day reporting.
30 South Colonnade
Canary Wharf Estate
London, E14 5HX
A detailed real-time assessment of the rotator cuff and superficial shoulder structures
Musculoskeletal ultrasound provides high-resolution assessment of many superficial tendons, bursae and soft tissues around the shoulder. It is particularly useful for suspected rotator-cuff tendinopathy or tears, long-head biceps abnormalities, calcific tendinopathy and subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis.
Ultrasound also allows selected structures to be observed while the shoulder moves, which can provide additional information when symptoms occur during abduction or rotation.
It does not use ionising radiation and can be performed without fasting or other special preparation.
Structures assessed during a shoulder ultrasound
The examination follows recognised MSK ultrasound practice, with additional focused assessment according to the site of pain, clinical history and dynamic symptoms.
Supraspinatus tendon
Assessed for tendinopathy, partial or full-thickness tearing, calcification and insertional change.
Subscapularis tendon
Reviewed dynamically and in multiple planes for tendinopathy, tearing and calcific change.
Infraspinatus tendon
Assessed for tendon integrity, echotexture, tears and other focal abnormalities.
Long-head biceps tendon
Assessed in the bicipital groove and rotator interval for position, tendinopathy, sheath fluid, tearing and instability.
Subacromial-subdeltoid bursa
Reviewed for distension, bursitis and dynamic bunching during shoulder movement where appropriate.
AC joint & posterior joint
The acromioclavicular joint and posterior glenohumeral recess are assessed for relevant visible abnormalities such as joint fluid or cystic change.
Key shoulder structures seen on ultrasound
Simplified patient-education illustration.
Common reasons for shoulder ultrasound
Shoulder pain
Persistent focal pain, pain on abduction or pain that limits normal activity.
Restricted movement
Reduced range of movement, painful arc symptoms or difficulty lifting the arm.
Rotator-cuff injury
Suspected tendinopathy or tear following injury, repetitive loading or degenerative change.
Bursitis / impingement-type symptoms
Pain during elevation of the arm or symptoms suggesting subacromial irritation.
Biceps-tendon symptoms
Anterior shoulder pain or symptoms suggesting long-head biceps tendinopathy or instability.
Calcific tendinopathy
Ultrasound can identify calcific deposits within the rotator cuff and associated inflammatory change.
Ultrasound is excellent for many shoulder soft tissues — but not every shoulder problem
A high-quality shoulder ultrasound should be interpreted in the context of symptoms, examination and, where necessary, other imaging.
Excellent for superficial soft tissues
Ultrasound is particularly useful for rotator-cuff tendons, the long-head biceps tendon, bursae and selected superficial joint abnormalities.
Dynamic assessment adds information
Real-time movement can help assess biceps stability and subacromial impingement-type behaviour when clinically appropriate.
MRI or X-ray may still be required
Deep labral pathology, bone marrow abnormalities, complex instability, occult fracture and other intra-articular conditions may require MRI, X-ray or specialist review.
What happens during your shoulder ultrasound?
Clinical history
We review the location of pain, onset, injury history, movement restriction and any previous imaging or treatment.
Systematic ultrasound
The key shoulder tendons, bursa and joint regions are examined in multiple planes.
Dynamic assessment
You may be asked to rotate, elevate or abduct your arm so selected structures can be assessed during movement.
Results & report
The main findings are explained and a formal written ultrasound report is provided the same day.
No special preparation is required
Wear accessible clothing
A vest, loose top or clothing that allows the shoulder to be exposed makes the examination easier.
Bring previous results
Bring relevant MRI, X-ray, ultrasound reports or clinic letters if available for comparison.
Expect movement
Dynamic scanning may require gentle shoulder rotation, elevation or abduction during the examination.
What Our Patients Say
Independent patient feedback from people who have chosen UKSONO Healthcare for private diagnostic ultrasound.
Shoulder ultrasound FAQs
Common questions about pricing, rotator-cuff assessment, dynamic ultrasound and results.
How much does a shoulder ultrasound cost?
Do I need a GP referral?
Can ultrasound detect a rotator-cuff tear?
Can the scan assess bursitis?
Can ultrasound assess the biceps tendon?
What is dynamic shoulder ultrasound?
Can shoulder ultrasound diagnose a labral tear?
Do I need any preparation?
How long does the scan take?
Will I receive my results on the same day?
Is shoulder ultrasound safe?
Book your private shoulder ultrasound
Book one shoulder for £190 or both shoulders for £290 at Tunbridge Wells, Orpington or Canary Wharf.
