At London Private Ultrasound, we offer advanced thigh ultrasound scans designed to provide precise, real-time insight into the health of the thigh muscles and surrounding soft tissues. If you are experiencing pain, swelling, reduced mobility, or recovering from an injury, our consultant-led service delivers clear answers quickly, comfortably, and with clinical precision.
Thigh Ultrasound Scan
Combine your ultrasound scan with a specialist orthopaedic consultation and receive your diagnosis and treatment plan together for £399.
If you are unable to make a payment online, please call 020 7101 3377
We’re here to assist you 7 days a week, 9am – 7pm.
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About Our Thigh Ultrasound Scan
London Private Ultrasound offers thigh ultrasound scans for male and female patients aged 18 and over. Thigh pain, swelling, or weakness is a common reason for imaging and is often linked to muscle strain, tendon injury, trauma, or overuse.
A thigh ultrasound is a fast, dynamic, and non-invasive diagnostic scan used to assess the muscles, tendons, and soft tissues of the upper leg in real time.
During the scan, our experienced sonographer evaluates key structures including the quadriceps muscle group, hamstring muscles, associated tendons, and surrounding soft tissues. Where clinically relevant, fluid collections or vascular structures may also be assessed.
In this scan, the sonographer may also assess related musculoskeletal structures around the knee, including tendons and ligaments, where symptoms extend beyond the thigh.
What Can a Thigh Ultrasound Detect?
- Muscle tears or strains (quadriceps or hamstrings)
- Partial or complete muscle ruptures
- Tendon injuries or tendinopathy
- Muscle haematomas or fluid collections
- Soft tissue swelling or inflammation
- Post-traumatic scarring or complications
- Overuse injuries related to sport or repetitive activity
- Soft tissue masses or cysts
Using real-time, high-resolution imaging, conditions can be assessed dynamically, allowing accurate localisation of pain or dysfunction.
Ideal for Patients With:
- Sudden or persistent thigh pain
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness
- Sports injuries from running, football, cycling, or gym training
- Suspected muscle tear or tendon damage
- Reduced strength, flexibility, or pain with movement
What to Expect During the Scan
- Appointment time: 20–30 minutes
- Procedure: You will lie comfortably while gel is applied and the thigh is assessed in real time
- Safety: No radiation and 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
Why Use Ultrasound for the Thigh?
Ultrasound is an excellent first-line imaging modality for thigh injuries. Unlike X-rays, which only visualise bone, ultrasound provides detailed real-time views of muscles, tendons, and soft tissues.
It is particularly valuable for dynamic assessment, allowing muscles and tendons to be observed during movement or contraction. Ultrasound is radiation-free, safe for repeat examinations, and ideal for monitoring recovery or guiding rehabilitation alongside physiotherapy. It is especially effective in detecting muscle tears, haematomas, and soft tissue injuries that may not be visible on other imaging modalities.
Self-referral welcome – no GP referral required
Thigh Ultrasound Scan – Frequently Asked Questions
A thigh ultrasound scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the soft tissues in the thigh, including muscles, tendons, and connective tissues. It is used to assess pain, injury, or abnormal structures.
It is commonly recommended if you have persistent thigh pain, swelling, stiffness, sudden injury, difficulty walking, or weakness in the upper leg. The scan helps identify muscle strains, tears, tendon problems, fluid collections, cysts, or other soft tissue conditions.
No. You can book a thigh ultrasound scan directly without a GP referral. Many patients choose private scanning for faster access and detailed diagnostic imaging.
No. Ultrasound is non-invasive and usually painless. You may feel gentle pressure from the transducer, especially over tender areas, but discomfort is uncommon.
A water-based gel is applied to the skin over the thigh, and a handheld probe (transducer) is moved across the area. Sound waves bounce back to create live images of muscles, tendons, and soft tissues, which are interpreted by the sonographer.
Thigh ultrasound is useful for diagnosing:
- Muscle strains and tears
- Tendon injuries or tendinopathy
- Soft tissue inflammation or fluid build-up
- Cysts or benign lumps
- Post-injury changes and ongoing pain sources
A typical appointment lasts around 20–30 minutes, including image acquisition and discussion of findings.
No special preparation is required. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the upper leg. Ultrasound does not require fasting or other precautions.
You will usually receive immediate verbal feedback after the scan. A full written report reviewed by a consultant is typically available within 24 hours.
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation, making it safe and suitable for repeat imaging if required.
Yes. One of the key advantages of ultrasound is dynamic imaging. The clinician can observe muscles and tendons during movement, helping diagnose instability, impingement, or abnormal muscle function.
Yes. The findings can help guide targeted physiotherapy, monitor healing over time, and inform decisions about further treatment or referral to specialists if needed.