Expert Shoulder Ultrasound Scan in Eastleigh & Southampton
Shoulder Ultrasound Scan
A shoulder ultrasound scan can be very helpful. The vast majority of shoulder injuries relate to the rotator cuff which, as we know, is a powerful joint stabiliser. Its injury may lead to other shoulder problems. On ultrasound we see degenerative changes, tendinopathy, tears, signs of bursa thickening ( sometimes bursitis).
Visit the full article on ultrasound on our website to find out more.
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- More information about ultrasound-guided joint injections
Shoulder Impingement
This is a controversial diagnosis. The theory is that a swollen bursa and tendon may get jammed when passing acriomion which leads to further tendon iritation and pain. Patient hear the diagnosis very often in physiotherapy clinics, but specialists do not agree if this term is correct and should be used. Pain on abduction of the shoulder does not have to be caused by impigment itself, or even there may be no impigment at all. Shoulder ultrasound scan gives us a chance to examine the movement of the tendon and bursa, and confirm the impingment on dynamic testing (scanning with patient moving the limb)
Rotator Cuff Injury
It is a common problem but rather than seeing a tear I see often tendinopathy, swelling and change in the sonoanatomy of the rotator cuff.
FAQs
What is the most common shoulder injury you detect on shoulder ultrasound scan?
In most cases it is the rotator cuff – up to 70% of injuries affect the rotator cuff tendons
Which tendon in the rotator cuff is mostly affected?
It is the supraspinatus tendon. The other tendons – the infraspinatus or subscapularis are rarely injured.
There may be various causes of the anterior shoulder pain.
The anterior shoulder is where the long head of biceps is, but also insertions of the subscapularis tendon and supraspinatus. Pathology within those tendons can lead to pain.
How can you help me with the shoulder pain?
There is a range of treatments we can recommend based on you symptoms, clinical and sonographic findings including: exercise program to strenghten your shoulder, shockwave therapy, dry needling, soft tissue therapy, osteopathic techniques. It takes time for the pain to go away. In case of sharp pain we may be able to injcect the shoulder joint or rotator cuff.
Shoulder ultrasound scan has never been easier to arrange for patients in Southampton & Eastleigh.
Ultrasound scan is a powerful and fast way to examine your shoulder and the rotator cuff. It may prove especially useful in situations when your symptoms do not go away and you are in constant pain. I always say to patients that ultrasound scan is helpful in ruling things out. It not only provides information about the condition of your shoulder, but also helps us rule out potential cause of pain.
Shoulder ultrasound scan – What causes a tear in the rotator cuff?
Rotator cuff tear can be very painful especially after trauma. It usually affects the supraspinatus tendon, and it is less likely to occur in the subscapularis tendon or the infraspinatus tendon. It is very rare for a tear to affect the teres minor tendon. A tear can occur as a result of trauma. For instance, falling on the shoulder, twisting the arm, a tackle, or sudden movement to the shoulder and arm can lead to a tear in the shoulder. Sport injuries often lead to the rotator cuff injuries. But rotator cuff injuries, including tears, can also occur as part of a degenerative process. We’re talking about a long process throughout life where there is wear and tear to the tendon. At some point, a small tear can occur, and those tears can get bigger. Some of these tears can be asymptomatic. Everybody is different. However, traumatic tears are usually painful.
What are symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?
With a tear, you will very often have weakness around your shoulder. You may struggle to raise your arm. You may find it difficult to do certain things during the day, like your normal activities. You may find it difficult to comb your hair, put a bra on, or do other activities of daily life. Driving can be very painful too. But the degree to which the pain affects patients varies. Some patients may not be in a lot of pain. It all depends.
What is bursitis in the shoulder?
There is a lubricating sac between the deltoid and the rotator cuff called a bursa. Very often with a rotator cuff injury, that bursa gets swollen, and patients feel sharp pain. The swollen bursa makes it impossible to use the arm properly too. This can lead to an impingement, which can be clinically seen. Swollen bursa can be clearly seen on shoulder ultrasound scan as well.
About Author
Marek Czeladzki is a chartered physiotherapist (HCPC and CSP registered), independent prescriber (IP) and musculoskeletal sonographer – a member of both the British Medical Ultrasound Society and the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. He also completed intensive studies in myoskeletal therapy. He treats patients with spinal, joint and muscle injuries including sports injuries. He provides a diagnostic ultrasound scan as part of an initial patient assessment.