Is ultrasound as good as MRI for shoulder problems?

Ultrasound is the preferred first-line investigation for most shoulder soft tissue conditions, including rotator cuff tears, bursitis, and tendinopathy. It has the advantage of dynamic assessment and is more cost-effective. MRI may be recommended for complex cases or suspected labral pathology.

Can you scan both shoulders in one appointment?

Yes. A bilateral shoulder scan (both shoulders) is available for £350 and is recommended when comparing sides or assessing a condition that may affect both joints.

Can I have an injection at the same appointment?

Yes. We offer ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections for the shoulder, which can be performed at the same visit as your diagnostic scan. Please mention this when booking.

How long does the scan take?

A single shoulder scan takes 20–30 minutes. A bilateral scan takes approximately 40–50 minutes.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by telephone. Same-day appointments are available Monday to Saturday.

Will the scan show if I need surgery?

The scan will clearly show the extent of any tendon tear or structural damage. Your sonographer will advise whether the findings are likely to require surgical assessment, physiotherapy, or injection therapy.

HCPC Registered— All sonographers

CQC Compliant— Regulated clinic

Same-Day Available— Mon – Sat

Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

MSK Scans

Shoulder Ultrasound Scan

Precise imaging of the rotator cuff, tendons, and bursa to diagnose the cause of your shoulder pain and guide the right treatment.

20–30 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedMusculoskeletal Imaging

£235 (Single) / £350 (Bilateral)

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4.9/5 from 600+ patients

HCPC-registered sonographers

Written report within 24 hours

Same-day appointments available

CQC-compliant clinic

Understanding Your Situation

Shoulder Pain That Won't Go Away?

Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting up to 26% of adults at any one time. Whether it's a dull ache when reaching overhead, a sharp pain with certain movements, or weakness that's affecting your work or sport, a shoulder ultrasound scan can identify the exact cause — from rotator cuff tears to frozen shoulder — so you can get the right treatment without delay. At our Marylebone clinic on Weymouth Street, same-day appointments are available and no GP referral is needed.

Clinical Overview

What is a Shoulder Ultrasound Scan?

A shoulder ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of the soft tissues in and around the shoulder joint, including the rotator cuff tendons, biceps tendon, subacromial bursa, and acromioclavicular joint. Unlike MRI, ultrasound allows dynamic assessment — examining the shoulder as it moves — which is particularly valuable for detecting impingement and instability. It is radiation-free, painless, and produces immediate results.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Individuals with persistent shoulder pain, aching, or stiffness

Athletes or active adults with suspected rotator cuff injuries

Patients with a painful arc of movement or weakness when lifting the arm

Those with anterior shoulder pain suggesting biceps tendon pathology

Anyone with a suspected frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

Patients requiring pre-injection assessment or post-treatment follow-up

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Rotator Cuff Tears

Partial and full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor tendons — the most common cause of shoulder pain in adults over 40.

Subacromial Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa beneath the acromion, causing pain with overhead activities and a characteristic painful arc between 60–120 degrees of abduction.

Biceps Tendon Pathology

Tendinopathy, tears, or subluxation of the long head of the biceps tendon within the bicipital groove, causing anterior shoulder pain.

Calcific Tendinopathy

Calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons, which can cause acute, severe shoulder pain and are clearly visible on ultrasound.

AC Joint Pathology

Arthritis, osteophytes, or ligamentous injury at the acromioclavicular joint, presenting as pain at the top of the shoulder.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Clinical history

Your sonographer will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and what makes them better or worse, to focus the examination appropriately.

Positioning

You will be seated or lying on the examination couch. The sonographer will assess the shoulder from multiple angles, including dynamic views with the arm in different positions.

Systematic scan

Each tendon, bursa, and joint is assessed in turn using high-resolution ultrasound. Colour Doppler is used to assess blood flow and inflammation.

Dynamic assessment

You may be asked to move your arm in specific directions to assess for impingement, instability, or dynamic tendon changes.

Report & discussion

Findings are explained immediately. A written report is provided before you leave, with recommendations for treatment or further investigation if needed.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
No special preparation is required for a shoulder ultrasound scan
2
Wear a loose top or vest that allows easy access to both shoulders
3
Bring any previous imaging reports (X-ray, MRI) if you have them
4
Continue taking all prescribed medications as normal
5
Allow 30–45 minutes for your appointment including discussion time

After Your Scan

Understanding Your Shoulder Scan Results

Your sonographer will explain all findings during and immediately after the scan. A written report is provided before you leave. Findings are graded in severity and accompanied by clear clinical recommendations — whether that is physiotherapy, a corticosteroid injection, or onward referral to an orthopaedic surgeon. Our reports are accepted by all major NHS and private clinicians.

Why Private?