What is a shoulder ultrasound?
A shoulder ultrasound is a scan of the tendons, bursa and joints around your shoulder. It is the best first test for rotator cuff problems, bursitis and calcific tendonitis, uses no radiation and lets the specialist watch your shoulder move.
What does a shoulder ultrasound show?
A shoulder ultrasound can show:
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and tears
- Subacromial bursitis and impingement
- Calcific tendonitis (calcium deposits)
- Biceps tendon problems
- AC joint arthritis and swelling
What causes shoulder pain?
The most common causes are rotator cuff problems, including tendinopathy, impingement, bursitis and tears, followed by frozen shoulder, calcific tendonitis, AC joint arthritis and pain referred from the neck. Ultrasound identifies most of these at one visit.
Can ultrasound detect a rotator cuff tear?
Yes. Ultrasound is as accurate as MRI for full-thickness rotator cuff tears in experienced hands, and shows partial tears and tendon wear. It also measures the size of a tear, which guides whether rehabilitation or surgery is best.
Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?
Many partial tears and some full-thickness tears in older people improve with physiotherapy and strengthening, without surgery. Large tears, or tears after an injury in younger, active people, may do better with surgical repair. The scan measures the tear, which guides that decision.
What is shoulder impingement?
Impingement is pain when lifting your arm, caused by the rotator cuff tendons and bursa being pinched under the bony tip of the shoulder. Ultrasound can show this happening as you move your arm, along with any inflamed bursa.
What is calcific tendonitis?
Calcific tendonitis is a build-up of calcium in a rotator cuff tendon, which can cause severe pain, especially at night. Ultrasound shows the deposit clearly, and an ultrasound-guided procedure called barbotage can break it up and wash it out.
Can ultrasound diagnose frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is mainly diagnosed by examination: a painful, stiff shoulder that will not move fully in any direction. Ultrasound helps by ruling out other causes such as a tear, and can show subtle changes; a guided injection or hydrodilatation can help.
Will frozen shoulder get better on its own?
Usually, yes, but slowly: frozen shoulder typically passes through painful, stiff and thawing phases over one to three years. Treatments such as a guided steroid injection, hydrodilatation and physiotherapy can ease pain and speed recovery.
Why does my shoulder hurt at night?
Night pain, especially lying on that side, is typical of rotator cuff problems, bursitis and calcific tendonitis, and also of frozen shoulder. A scan identifies which, so treatment is targeted.
When should I see a doctor for a shoulder problem?
See a doctor if pain lasts more than a few weeks, wakes you at night, or you cannot lift your arm. Go to A&E after a fall if the shoulder looks deformed or out of place, or you cannot move it, as it may be dislocated or fractured.
Does a shoulder ultrasound hurt?
No. The probe rests gently on the skin with warm gel, and any movement is only as far as is comfortable.
How long does a shoulder ultrasound take?
Around twenty minutes, including a short chat, the examination and the dynamic tests, and time to explain the findings.
How much does a shoulder ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private shoulder ultrasound costs £280, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and images. Same-day or next-day appointments are usually available.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book a shoulder ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for a shoulder ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private shoulder ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £280, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street shoulder ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
