If you have a painful tendon, muscle injury, sports injury or another musculoskeletal problem, you may have wondered whether an MSK ultrasound scan could help explain what is happening.

MSK ultrasound, also called musculoskeletal ultrasound, is a real-time imaging technique that can be used to assess many muscles, tendons, some ligaments, bursae and other superficial soft tissues.

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, ultrasound can be used alongside a detailed clinical assessment where appropriate and where it may help answer a specific clinical question.

Our Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan combines a detailed physiotherapy assessment with ultrasound imaging where clinically appropriate, helping you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and what to do next.

What is an MSK ultrasound?

An MSK ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures underneath the skin.

Unlike an X-ray, ultrasound does not use ionising radiation. One of its useful features is that it can provide real-time imaging, meaning structures can sometimes be assessed while they are moving.

This can make ultrasound particularly useful for certain musculoskeletal problems involving relatively superficial soft tissues.

You may also hear the term POCUS, which stands for Point-of-Care Ultrasound.

POCUS describes ultrasound being used as part of a clinical assessment at the point of care. In musculoskeletal physiotherapy, POCUS may involve using MSK ultrasound to investigate a specific clinical question about a tendon, muscle or other soft-tissue structure.

The important point is that ultrasound findings are considered alongside your symptoms and physical examination rather than being interpreted in isolation.

What can an MSK ultrasound show?

An MSK ultrasound can be useful for assessing a range of soft-tissue problems.

Depending on the area being examined, ultrasound may help assess:

• Tendons and tendon-related problems

• Some tendon tears

• Muscles and some muscle injuries or tears

• Certain ligament injuries

• Bursae and bursitis

• Fluid around some joints or soft tissues

• Some inflammatory changes

• Cysts and other superficial soft-tissue abnormalities

• Changes that may help explain pain or reduced function

Ultrasound is particularly useful when the structure being investigated is relatively superficial and can be clearly visualised.

It is not the right scan for every problem, however. Deeper structures, certain joint problems, spinal conditions and many bone-related problems may require other forms of investigation.

Can an ultrasound show a tendon problem?

Yes. Tendon ultrasound is one of the common uses of musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Depending on the tendon and the clinical situation, an ultrasound assessment may help identify changes in tendon structure, thickening, altered appearance, fluid around the tendon or certain tears.

Examples of areas where tendon ultrasound may be useful include:

• Achilles tendon

• Rotator cuff tendons

• Patellar tendon

• Quadriceps tendon

• Hamstring tendons

• Elbow tendons

• Other accessible superficial tendons

However, seeing an abnormality on a scan does not automatically mean that it is the cause of your pain.

This is why ultrasound findings need to be considered alongside your symptoms and physical examination.

If you are unsure whether physiotherapy may be appropriate for your tendon or musculoskeletal problem, you can also find out more about our physiotherapy services.

Can an MSK ultrasound show a tendon tear?

An ultrasound scan can identify certain tendon tears, particularly when the affected tendon is suitable for ultrasound assessment.

The appearance of a tendon on ultrasound can provide useful information about its structure and whether there is evidence of disruption.

However, the usefulness of ultrasound depends on the tendon being assessed, the location and extent of the injury and the clinical question being asked.

A scan should therefore be interpreted alongside your symptoms and physical examination rather than being considered in isolation.

Can an MSK ultrasound show a muscle tear?

Ultrasound can be useful for assessing certain muscle injuries, including some muscle tears.

It may help identify changes in muscle architecture, areas of disruption and fluid or bleeding associated with an injury.

This can be particularly useful when assessing certain sports injuries or acute muscle problems.

However, not every muscle injury can be fully assessed with ultrasound, and its usefulness depends on the location, depth and type of injury.

Can ultrasound assess sports injuries?

Yes. Sports injury ultrasound can be useful for a number of injuries involving superficial muscles, tendons and other soft tissues.

For example, ultrasound may be considered when assessing:

• Tendon pain

• Certain muscle injuries

• Some ligament injuries

• Bursitis

• Some sports-related soft-tissue injuries

• Certain areas of swelling or pain

The decision to use ultrasound should be based on the clinical assessment and whether the scan is likely to add useful information.

When should I consider an MSK ultrasound?

An MSK ultrasound scan may be worth considering when you have symptoms that could involve a tendon, muscle or another superficial soft-tissue structure and an ultrasound assessment may help answer a specific clinical question.

For example, an MSK ultrasound may be considered for:

• Persistent or unexplained tendon pain

• Suspected tendon problems or certain tears

• Certain muscle injuries

• Some sports injuries

• Swelling or pain around a superficial soft-tissue structure

• Problems where real-time or dynamic ultrasound assessment may provide useful information

However, you do not necessarily need an ultrasound scan simply because you have pain.

A physiotherapy assessment can help determine what may be causing your symptoms and whether an ultrasound scan or another form of investigation is appropriate.

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we therefore combine clinical assessment with ultrasound where appropriate rather than treating the scan as a standalone test.

If you are unsure whether an ultrasound could help with your problem, find out more about our Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan.

Is MSK ultrasound better than MRI?

Not necessarily.

Ultrasound and MRI are different imaging techniques and can be useful for different clinical questions.

Ultrasound can be particularly useful for superficial soft tissues and has the advantage of providing real-time imaging.

MRI can provide detailed images of deeper structures and can be more appropriate for certain joint, spinal, bone, bone marrow and deep soft-tissue problems.

Rather than asking which scan is “better”, the more useful question is:

Which type of assessment or imaging is most appropriate for this particular problem?

For a more detailed comparison, read our Ultrasound vs MRI: Which Scan Do I Need? guide.

Why combine physiotherapy assessment with ultrasound?

An ultrasound image is only one part of the clinical picture.

Your symptoms, medical history, movement, strength, physical examination and functional limitations are all important when working out what may be contributing to your problem.

This is why combining physiotherapy assessment and ultrasound can be useful when there is a specific clinical question that ultrasound may help answer.

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, the assessment comes first. If ultrasound is clinically appropriate, it can then be used to investigate relevant structures and help inform the next steps.

You can find out more about our Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan.

Does an MSK ultrasound hurt?

An ultrasound scan is generally a comfortable and non-invasive assessment.

A small amount of gel is applied to the skin and the ultrasound probe is moved over the area being examined.

If the area is already painful, pressure from the probe may sometimes feel uncomfortable. The amount of pressure used can be adjusted according to the area and your symptoms.

Do I need a GP referral for an MSK ultrasound?

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, you do not need a GP referral to book our Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan.

Your assessment starts with understanding your symptoms and carrying out a physical examination. If ultrasound is appropriate, it can then be incorporated into the assessment.

Can ultrasound be used during an injection?

Ultrasound can also be used in certain clinical situations to help identify relevant anatomy and guide procedures.

For example, ultrasound guidance may be used for some joint and tendon injections, depending on the condition and the procedure being considered.

An ultrasound scan does not automatically mean that an injection is required. The appropriate treatment depends on the clinical assessment, diagnosis and individual circumstances.

If an injection is being considered, you can read more about our joint injection service.

How much does an MSK ultrasound cost in Leeds?

Our Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan costs £95.

This combines a detailed physiotherapy assessment with ultrasound imaging where clinically appropriate.

The aim is not simply to produce an image, but to help answer a relevant clinical question and use the findings alongside your assessment to guide your treatment and rehabilitation.

Where can I get an MSK ultrasound in Leeds?

Light Joints Physiotherapy provides Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan appointments in Leeds.

Our Leeds clinics are located in:

• Colton

• Rothwell

If you are looking for an ultrasound scan in Leeds for a musculoskeletal problem, you can find out more about the service on our Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan page.

Where can I get an MSK ultrasound in Bradford?

Light Joints Physiotherapy also provides Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan appointments in the Bradford area at our Greengates / Apperley Bridge clinic.

If you are searching for MSK ultrasound in Bradford, the assessment can help determine whether ultrasound is appropriate for your symptoms and whether it may add useful information.

Is MSK ultrasound suitable for everyone?

No.

MSK ultrasound is useful for many musculoskeletal problems, but it is not suitable for every condition.

Our Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan is not suitable for neck problems, lower back or spinal problems, or lumps and bumps.

If ultrasound is not the appropriate investigation, your physiotherapist can explain this and advise you on the most appropriate next step.

What happens during a Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan?

Your appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, history and goals.

Your physiotherapist will then carry out an appropriate physical assessment.

If ultrasound is clinically appropriate, the relevant area can then be assessed using musculoskeletal ultrasound.

The findings can be explained to you during the appointment, along with what they may mean in the context of your symptoms.

You will then receive a personalised treatment and rehabilitation plan based on the overall assessment.

The aim is to give you clear answers and a practical plan, rather than simply providing a scan.

MSK ultrasound: the key points

MSK ultrasound can be a useful tool for assessing certain muscles, tendons and other superficial soft tissues.

It can provide real-time imaging and may help investigate specific clinical questions about a musculoskeletal problem.

However, an ultrasound scan should not be viewed in isolation. Your symptoms and physical examination remain important when interpreting the findings.

If you are unsure whether ultrasound could be useful for your injury or pain, a physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether imaging is appropriate.

Related reading

If you would like to learn more about ultrasound, physiotherapy and treatment options, you may also find these pages useful:

• Ultrasound vs MRI: Which Scan Do I Need?

• Physiotherapy Services

• Joint Injections

• Explore our physiotherapy advice and blog for more information about injuries, pain, treatment and rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan in Leeds & Bradford

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we combine clinical physiotherapy assessment with ultrasound imaging where it is appropriate.

Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan – £95

Expert assessment. Clear answers. Personalised treatment.

No GP referral required.

If you have a tendon, muscle or other suitable musculoskeletal problem and are wondering whether an ultrasound scan could help, find out more about our Physiotherapy Assessment + Ultrasound Scan.

You can also explore our physiotherapy services if you are looking for assessment, treatment and rehabilitation without necessarily needing an ultrasound scan.

If an injection is being considered for a suitable musculoskeletal condition, you can read about our joint injection service.