Ultrasound Diagnostics
Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound diagnostics is a noninvasive imaging technique used to visualise muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, and soft tissues in real time. It employs high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images, allowing clinicians to assess a wide range of conditions such as tendon tears, muscle injuries, joint effusions, bursitis, synovitis, and nerve entrapments. Unlike other imaging modalities, MSK ultrasound offers dynamic assessment—enabling the examination of structures during movement—to better evaluate functional abnormalities. It is a safe, cost-effective, and radiation-free tool that provides immediate results and can be used for both diagnostic and interventional purposes, such as guiding injections or aspirations.
Assessments are performed at our partner clinic, The Haven Medical in Canford Cliffs, by consultant radiologists, ensuring expert evaluation and high-quality imaging for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
Why would you be referred for an Ultrasound Diagnostic Assessment?
A physiotherapist may refer you for an ultrasound diagnostic assessment to obtain a clearer and more detailed understanding of what’s happening within your muscles, tendons, ligaments, or joints. While a physical examination provides valuable information, ultrasound imaging can confirm or clarify a suspected diagnosis by directly visualizing soft tissue structures in real time. This helps identify issues such as tendon or ligament tears, muscle strains, inflammation, fluid collections, bursitis, or joint abnormalities.
Ultrasound can also guide treatment planning—ensuring that rehabilitation exercises, manual therapy, or injections are accurately targeted to the affected area. Additionally, it allows monitoring of healing progress over time and helps determine whether further medical or surgical intervention might be necessary. Overall, a physiotherapist refers for an ultrasound assessment to enhance diagnostic accuracy, support evidence-based treatment, and promote a faster, safer recovery for the
What can be assessed?
Musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound can assess a wide range of conditions affecting the soft tissues, joints, and surrounding structures. Some of the most common include:
Tendons and Ligaments.
Tendon tears or ruptures (e.g., Achilles, rotator cuff, or patellar tendons)
Tendinopathy or tendinitis (inflammation or degeneration)
Ligament sprains or partial tears (e.g., ankle, knee, or wrist ligaments)
Muscles:
Muscle strains, tears, or contusions
Muscle hernias or atrophy
Post-injury or post-surgical muscle healing assessment
Joints and Bursae:
Joint effusions (fluid build-up)
Bursitis (e.g., subacromial, trochanteric, or olecranon bursitis)
Synovitis or joint inflammation
Arthritis-related changes
Other Soft Tissue Conditions:
Cysts or ganglions
Foreign bodies (e.g., glass or metal fragments)
Soft tissue masses or lumps
Calcific deposits (e.g., calcific tendinopathy)
MSK ultrasound is particularly valuable because it allows dynamic assessment—structures can be observed in motion—which helps diagnose functional issues that may not be visible on static imaging such as MRI or X-ray.
Our Reputation
At Proformance Clinics, we are proud to support the health and wellness of our local Poole community. Conveniently located inside the entrance to David Lloyd Health Club, we have built a reputation for excellence and personalised care for customers across Poole and Bournemouth.
Our Location
Proformance Clinics is located inside the David Lloyd Health Club in Cabot Lane, Poole, BH17 7BX.
Our clinic is located on the right-hand side as you walk into the building, so there’s no need to worry about accessing the club without a membership.
Simply walk into the clinic, check-in using our self-service check-in machine, grab a drink, and take a seat. Your clinician will be with you as soon as your appointment is scheduled.
Please see the photos below to help you get familiar with us before your visit…..
