What is Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging?
When most of us think of diagnostic imaging, we tend to picture X-rays, MRI’s, and CT scans, but musculoskeletal ultrasound is becoming more and more popular in both rehabilitation settings and physician offices to help determine the cause of musculoskeletal pain.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is very similar to the sonograms that are used during pregnancy. Both of these use certain sound wave frequencies to create images of the underlying structures. These images allow your physical therapist to analyze certain joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves in the affected area, in order to figure out the source of the pain. These can be viewed at rest or with movement to add even more valuable information to your testing. Ultrasound can be used by your PT to see a variety of different conditions including sprains, strains, nerve entrapments, tendonitis, bursitis, and much more.
Benefits of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging?
- Real time feedback allows the physical therapist to capture movement in the tissues, something X-ray, MRI, and CT scans can’t do.
- Ultrasound is significantly more cost effective than other types of imaging.
- Many times it can provide more detail of soft tissues like muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia compared to other imaging.
- Ultrasound uses no radiation and has no known harmful effects. It can be repeated easily at follow-ups to track changes.
- Your PT can use this on patients who can’t have MRI’s for other reasons, like having a pacemaker or other metallic implants.
- The patient does not have to remain still or be enclosed like in an MRI, which is helpful for those that have claustrophobia or are nervous about other imaging.
The imaging itself is very quick, painless, and can give immediate results and feedback to your physical therapist.
If you’ve been living with pain, musculoskeletal ultrasound may be able to help you. Contact ClearCut Rehab today to consult with our Fort Worth, TX physical therapists to learn more!
What Conditions are Well Visualized with MSK Ultrasound?
The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine lists the following conditions as having high levels of evidence to support imaging with ultrasound:
Hand Pain:
- Trigger finger
- Extensor tendonopathy
- Tendonitis
- Tenosynovitis
- Pulley/sagittal band/central slip injury or ruptures
Wrist Pain:
- Median Nerve entrapment at wrist (Carpal Tunnel syndrome)
- Ulnar Nerve entrapment at wrist (Guyon’s Canal syndrome)
- Ganglion cyst
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Elbow Pain:
- Lateral Epicondylitis
- Medial Epicondylitis
- Tricep tendon injury
- Olecranon bursitis
- Median Nerve entrapment at elbow (Pronator syndrome)
- Ulnar Nerve subluxation
Shoulder Pain:
- Calcific tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Partial or full thickness rotator cuff tears
- Bicep tendon tear or dislocation
- Impingement Syndrome
Ankle Pain:
- Achilles tendinopathy or tears
- Calcific tendonitis
- Effusion or swelling
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Ganglion cysts
- Ankle ligament sprains
- Tibial Nerve entrapment (Tarsal Tunnel syndrome)
Knee Pain:
- Patellar tendinopathy or tears
- Quadriceps tendinopathy or tears
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) sprain/strain
- Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) sprain/strain
- Pes anserine bursitis
- Baker’s cyst
- Effusion or swelling
Hip Pain:
- Effusion or swelling
- Labral cysts
- Muscle or soft tissue injuries
- Sciatic Nerve and piriformis
If you have been considering PT for pain relief, don’t hesitate any longer. With musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging, our Fort Worth, TX physical therapy team can help look into the root cause of your pain so you can get started on the right treatment plan toward recovery and relief.
Our Fort Worth, TX physical therapists are not only movement experts, but are also trained in how to look inside the body using diagnostic imaging to find out more details and information regarding your pain.
If you’re ready to get to the bottom of your pain and discomfort, now is the time! Contact ClearCut Rehab today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physical therapists and discover how musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging can help you get back to doing what you love.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!