At London Private Ultrasound, we offer advanced tendon ultrasound scans designed to provide precise, real-time insight into the health of the tendon, joint, and surrounding soft tissues. If you're experiencing pain, swelling, reduced mobility, or are recovering from an injury, our consultant-led service delivers clear answers quickly, comfortably, and with clinical precision.
About our Tendon Ultrasound Scan
London Private Ultrasound offers tendon ultrasound scans for male and female patients aged 18 and over. Tendon pain, stiffness, or weakness is a common complaint and is often caused by overuse, degeneration, inflammation, or acute injury.
A tendon ultrasound scan is a fast, dynamic, and non-invasive diagnostic examination used to assess tendons and surrounding soft tissues in real time. It is commonly used to evaluate conditions affecting the Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, and ankle tendons.
During the scan, our experienced sonographer will examine the affected tendon along its full length, assessing tendon fibres, thickness, vascularity, and attachment points to bone.
What Can a Tendon Ultrasound Detect?
- ✅ Tendinopathy (degenerative tendon changes)
- ✅ Tendonitis and inflammation
- ✅ Partial or complete tendon tears
- ✅ Tendon thickening or fibre disruption
- ✅ Calcific tendinopathy
- ✅ Fluid around the tendon (tenosynovitis)
- ✅ Tendon sheath abnormalities
- ✅ Post-injury or post-surgical changes
Using high-resolution, real-time imaging, ultrasound allows precise localisation of pathology and dynamic assessment during movement where appropriate. We can evaluate these conditions dynamically, observing joint movement and pinpointing exact sources of discomfort.
Ideal for Patients With:
- ✅ Persistent tendon pain or stiffness
- ✅ Pain worsened by activity or load
- ✅ Swelling or tenderness around a joint
- ✅ Sports or overuse injuries
- ✅ Reduced strength, function, or range of motion
What to Expect During the Scan
- ✅ Appointment time: 20–30 minutes
- ✅ Procedure: You will be positioned comfortably while gel is applied and the tendon is assessed in real time
- ✅ Safety: No radiation, completely non-invasive
- ✅ Reporting: Consultant-reviewed report typically within 24 hours
Why Choose London Private Ultrasound?
- ✅ Trusted by leading physiotherapists, GPs, and consultants
- ✅ Same-day and weekend appointments available
- ✅ Central London location, minutes from Bond Street
- ✅ Advanced ultrasound imaging with consultant-led reporting
- ✅ No referral required
General Knowledge: Why Use Ultrasound for Tendon Assessment?
Ultrasound is an excellent first-line imaging tool for tendon assessment. Unlike X-rays, which only visualise bone, ultrasound provides detailed views of tendon fibres, structure, and surrounding soft tissues in real time.
It is particularly valuable for dynamic assessment, allowing tendons to be evaluated during movement or loading. Ultrasound is radiation-free, safe for repeat examinations, and ideal for monitoring tendon healing, guiding rehabilitation, or supporting return-to-activity decisions alongside physiotherapy or sports medicine care.
What is a tendon ultrasound scan?
A tendon ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of tendons and surrounding soft tissues. It helps assess tendon structure, movement, inflammation, tears, and other pathology without radiation.
Why would I need this scan?
It’s recommended if you have persistent tendon pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced strength or range of motion, or if symptoms haven’t improved with initial treatment. The scan helps pinpoint the cause.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book a tendon ultrasound scan directly without a GP referral, as it’s a diagnostic service available in private practice.
Which tendon problems can be diagnosed?
- ✅ Tendinopathy (degenerative tendon changes)
- ✅ Tendonitis and inflammation
- ✅ Partial or complete tendon tears
- ✅ Tendon thickening or fibre disruption
- ✅ Calcific tendon changes
- ✅ Fluid around the tendon (tenosynovitis)
- ✅ Changes after previous injury or surgery
Is the scan painful?
No. The scan is non-invasive and painless. You may feel light pressure from the probe, especially if the area is tender, but discomfort is minimal.
What happens during the scan?
You’ll lie comfortably while gel is applied to the skin. A transducer will be moved over the tendon to capture images. Dynamic assessment (moving the tendon or joint) may be performed to see how structures behave in motion.
No special preparation is needed?
Correct. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being scanned. There’s no fasting or other preparation required.
Will I get results on the same day?
Yes. Immediate verbal feedback is usually provided after your scan, and a consultant-reviewed written report is typically available within 24 hours.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not ionising radiation, so it’s safe and suitable for repeated assessments if needed.
Can this scan guide my treatment?
Yes. The detailed images help clinicians plan appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, or specialist referral, and can also monitor healing over time.