Shoulder and Upper Arm Scan

After your appointment you will be sent a link to access Pim, our top-of-the-range image management platform. You will have the option to pay to access Pim’s unique features and a full digital library of your images.

Yes, ultrasound is a well-established diagnostic tool in the assessment of tendon tears as well as several other shoulder conditions.

Shoulder problems can result in referred pain to the lower arm, and is not always localised to the upper shoulder.

If your pain is localised to the elbow, wrist or hand, our Elbow and Forearm or Hand and Wrist scan might be a better option for you.

Yes, ultrasound is an excellent method to assess tendons, ligaments, muscles and the associated soft connective tissues in the shoulder (also called the rotator cuff). Ultrasound has the added benefit of being a dynamic examination, so the workings of the shoulder can be assessed during real-time movement.

On rare occasions we are unable to complete the primary purpose of a scan. For pregnancy scans, this may be due to your baby being in a difficult position, or something else such as overlying bowel gas which can obscure the ultrasound image. If this happens, we’ll book you a free of charge rescan so we can try again! The primary purpose is outlined on each scan webpage.

Absolutely! Every scan at Ultrasound Direct is performed by a fully qualified sonographer whose primary interest is your health. All our sonographers are fully trained and appropriately qualified to perform ultrasound scans. Many of our team also work in the NHS locally.

All our sonographers are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and/or the Register of Clinical Technologists and follow the latest safety guidelines.

We are also registered with the Care Quality Commission, an independent regulator, to make sure you always receive the highest possible standards of care. 

All our sonographers who take blood for blood tests are phlebotomy trained.

No, you can book your ultrasound directly without any sort of referral. If you have any concerns about your health, it can be useful to have scan results ready to discuss with your GP to reduce any waiting times. An ultrasound scan appointment with us can typically be booked quickly and allows enough time to ask questions too. 

We will give you same day results in a clear written report with supporting images.  Your scan report will advise you if any further steps are necessary. And if we recommend a medical follow-up with your healthcare provider, we can securely email them a copy of your report at no extra cost.

Your GP can refer you to Ultrasound Direct for a scan via our booking system

An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of inside of the body. The sound waves reflect off different areas in the body and are converted into a moving picture to show what’s happening in real-time. We can record this as a video clip (available for free with our 4D Bonding and Premium 4D scans) and take still images from it.

An ultrasound scan can be external, which is when a probe is placed on the skin of the body part. Scans can also be internal, when a probe is inserted into the body. Both types of scan produce the same type of image and mini clip.

Visit our FAQs page for any further questions you may have.