Private MSK ultrasound • London & St Albans

Private Shoulder Ultrasound Scan

A focused, dynamic ultrasound assessment of the rotator cuff, biceps tendon, bursae and other accessible shoulder soft tissues for adults with pain, weakness, injury, swelling or restricted movement.

Book shoulder ultrasound Call 020 7101 3377
  • No GP referral required
  • Dynamic rotator cuff assessment
  • One or both shoulders
  • Written report
Shoulder ultrasound illustration Simplified clinical illustration highlighting the humeral head, rotator cuff and ultrasound probe over the shoulder. Dynamic rotator cuff ultrasound
Private shoulder ultrasoundFrom £199Both shoulders £299
One shoulderCurrently listed at £199
Both shouldersCurrently listed at £299
20–30 minutesTypical focused MSK appointment
No radiationReal-time diagnostic ultrasound

Direct answer

What is a shoulder ultrasound scan?

A shoulder ultrasound is a real-time musculoskeletal scan used to examine accessible tendons, bursae, muscles and superficial joint structures around the shoulder. It is particularly useful for assessing the rotator cuff and long head of the biceps tendon, and for observing these structures during movement.

The examination may help identify rotator cuff tendinopathy or tears, calcific tendinopathy, bursitis, biceps tendon pathology, fluid and other superficial soft-tissue abnormalities. The findings are interpreted alongside your symptoms and clinical history.

Shoulder ultrasound is dynamic.

Unlike a static image, ultrasound can assess the shoulder while you move your arm. This can be helpful when symptoms are provoked by elevation or a particular movement.

  • AgeAdults 18+
  • PreparationNo fasting required
  • ReferralSelf-referral accepted
  • LocationsCentral London & St Albans

Scan scope

What does a shoulder ultrasound assess?

The exact examination is tailored to your symptoms. Commonly assessed structures include the following.

01

Rotator cuff tendons

Supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis are assessed for tendinopathy, focal defects, partial or full-thickness tears and calcific change. Teres minor may also be reviewed where clinically relevant.

02

Long head of biceps

The biceps tendon and tendon sheath can be assessed for fluid, tendinopathy, tearing, subluxation or dislocation where visible.

03

Subacromial-subdeltoid bursa

The bursa is examined for thickening, excess fluid and inflammatory change that may accompany rotator cuff disease or mechanical symptoms.

04

Dynamic movement

Arm elevation and other manoeuvres may be used to assess tendon movement and possible subacromial impingement when appropriate and tolerated.

05

Joint fluid & superficial changes

Accessible joint margins, posterior recess, acromioclavicular region and surrounding soft tissues may be reviewed for fluid or other visible abnormalities.

06

Side-to-side comparison

When both shoulders are booked, bilateral assessment can help compare tendon appearance, movement and symptomatic versus less symptomatic sides.

Important limitation: ultrasound does not fully assess the labrum, bone marrow, deep articular cartilage or all intra-articular structures. MRI, X-ray or specialist review may be more appropriate for some causes of shoulder pain.

Common reasons to book

When can a shoulder ultrasound be useful?

  • Persistent or recurrent shoulder pain
  • Pain after sport, lifting or another injury
  • Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
  • Painful arc or suspected impingement symptoms
  • Suspected rotator cuff or biceps tendon injury
  • Shoulder swelling or suspected bursal fluid
  • Reduced movement where a soft-tissue cause is being considered
  • Follow-up of a previously identified tendon or bursal abnormality
Recent major trauma?

If there is severe pain, visible deformity, inability to move the arm after injury, or concern about fracture or dislocation, urgent clinical assessment and X-ray may be required rather than relying on ultrasound alone.

Before the appointment

How to prepare for a shoulder ultrasound

No fasting or special dietary preparation is normally needed.

01

Wear suitable clothing

Choose a top that allows easy access to the shoulder and upper arm. You may need to expose the shoulder for the scan.

02

Bring previous imaging

Bring relevant X-ray, MRI or ultrasound reports and any orthopaedic letters if available.

03

Know your symptoms

Be ready to explain where the pain is, what movements trigger it, how long it has been present and whether there was an injury.

04

Tell us about surgery

Previous shoulder surgery, injections or significant injuries can change appearances and should be mentioned before scanning.

You can take your usual medication unless your own clinician has advised otherwise.

Your appointment

What happens during the scan?

  1. 1

    Clinical history

    Your practitioner asks about the location of pain, injury, weakness, restricted movement and any previous investigations or treatment.

  2. 2

    Positioning

    You are usually seated while the shoulder and upper arm are positioned in a sequence of standard views. Clear ultrasound gel is applied to the skin.

  3. 3

    High-resolution ultrasound

    The probe is moved over the shoulder to assess the rotator cuff, biceps tendon, bursa and other accessible structures in two planes.

  4. 4

    Dynamic assessment

    You may be asked to rotate or lift the arm so tendon movement and symptom-provoking mechanics can be observed in real time.

  5. 5

    Results and report

    The main observations can usually be discussed after the examination, followed by a written report with relevant images and recommendations.

Understanding results

What might the report describe?

The report describes what is visible on ultrasound and relates the findings to the clinical indication. Common terms can include the following.

Rotator cuff tendinopathyChanges in tendon thickness or echotexture that can accompany degeneration or overuse.
Partial or full-thickness tearA focal tendon defect, with the tendon and extent described where confidently visible.
Calcific tendinopathyCalcific deposits within a rotator cuff tendon, often the supraspinatus.
BursitisFluid or thickening in the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa.
Biceps tendon abnormalityTendinopathy, sheath fluid, tear or abnormal position where demonstrated.
No significant sonographic abnormalityA normal ultrasound does not exclude all causes of shoulder pain, particularly deep intra-articular or bony conditions.

Choosing imaging

Shoulder ultrasound, MRI or X-ray?

Ultrasound is particularly useful for superficial tendons, bursae and dynamic assessment. It is quick, does not use ionising radiation and allows side-to-side comparison.

MRI provides a broader view of deep and intra-articular structures, including the labrum, bone marrow and deep cartilage. It may be recommended when ultrasound is inconclusive or the suspected problem lies beyond the ultrasound field.

X-ray is useful for fractures, alignment, calcification and many bony or arthritic changes. Following significant trauma, X-ray may be the first imaging test.

No single scan is best for every shoulder problem.

The most appropriate test depends on your symptoms, examination findings, age, injury mechanism and the structure being investigated.

Book online

Book your private shoulder ultrasound

Select the appropriate shoulder option and appointment below.

One shoulder£199
Both shoulders£299
  • Adults aged 18+
  • No GP referral required
  • Dynamic MSK assessment
  • Written report with relevant images

Unsure whether to book one or both shoulders?
Call 020 7101 3377

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Why choose PrivateSono?

Focused MSK imaging with dynamic assessment

Shoulder ultrasound is performed in a clinical setting using high-resolution diagnostic ultrasound, with findings documented for your GP, physiotherapist, orthopaedic specialist or other treating clinician.

Check appointments
✓

Experienced MSK practitioners

Targeted examination of shoulder tendons, bursae and accessible soft tissues by appropriately trained ultrasound professionals.

✓

Real-time movement

Dynamic scanning can show how accessible tendons and bursae behave while the shoulder moves.

✓

Clinician-ready report

Structured findings, relevant images, limitations and recommendations to support next-step care.

✓

One or both shoulders

Choose a unilateral examination or bilateral comparison according to your symptoms and booking needs.

Clinic locations

Private shoulder ultrasound in London and St Albans

Choose the clinic and appointment that suits you when booking.

Questions answered

Shoulder ultrasound FAQs

Concise answers for patients and search engines. Your scan is interpreted in the context of your own symptoms and clinical history.

Call the clinic with a booking question →

What can a shoulder ultrasound scan show?

A shoulder ultrasound can assess the rotator cuff tendons, long head of biceps tendon, subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, superficial joint margins and some surrounding soft tissues. It can demonstrate findings such as tendinopathy, partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tears, calcific deposits, bursitis, biceps tendon abnormalities and joint or bursal fluid.

Can ultrasound diagnose a rotator cuff tear?

Ultrasound is commonly used to assess the rotator cuff and can identify many partial and full-thickness tendon tears when the structures are well visualised. The report will describe the tendon involved, the appearance of the tear and relevant associated findings. MRI may still be recommended when deeper or intra-articular structures need assessment.

Can shoulder ultrasound show impingement?

Ultrasound allows real-time dynamic assessment while the shoulder moves. The practitioner may assess the relationship of the rotator cuff and subacromial-subdeltoid bursa during arm elevation when clinically appropriate. Symptoms and examination findings remain important because imaging alone does not establish the cause of pain.

Can ultrasound diagnose frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is primarily a clinical diagnosis. Ultrasound can help look for alternative or coexisting causes of pain, such as rotator cuff disease or bursitis, and may show supportive features in some cases, but it should not be used on its own to confirm or exclude adhesive capsulitis.

Do I need a GP referral?

No. Adults can self-refer for a private shoulder ultrasound at PrivateSono. If you have a referral letter, previous X-ray, MRI, ultrasound report or operation notes, bring them because they may help tailor the examination.

Do I need to prepare for a shoulder ultrasound?

No fasting or special preparation is normally required. Wear clothing that allows easy access to the shoulder and upper arm. You may be asked to remove clothing from the shoulder area so the tendons can be examined in different positions.

How long does a shoulder ultrasound take?

A focused musculoskeletal ultrasound commonly takes around 20 to 30 minutes. A bilateral examination may take longer because both shoulders need to be assessed and compared.

Is shoulder ultrasound painful?

The scan is non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation. The probe itself is usually comfortable, although moving an already painful shoulder or applying gentle pressure over a tender area can briefly reproduce symptoms.

When is MRI or X-ray better than ultrasound for shoulder pain?

MRI may be more appropriate when the labrum, deep cartilage, bone marrow or other intra-articular structures require detailed assessment. X-ray is useful for fractures, alignment and many bony or arthritic changes. Your report may recommend additional imaging when ultrasound cannot answer the clinical question.

How much does a private shoulder ultrasound cost?

PrivateSono currently lists a one-shoulder ultrasound at £199 and a two-shoulder ultrasound at £299. The booking form should be checked for the current price and appointment availability before payment.

Book your private shoulder ultrasound

One or both shoulders • London & St Albans • Self-referral accepted.

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