Private Shoulder Ultrasound Scan

A shoulder ultrasound scan is a safe, painless, radiation-free diagnostic test using high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of the shoulder’s soft tissue structures. It visualises the rotator cuff tendons (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor), the long head of biceps tendon, the subacromial–subdeltoid bursa, the acromioclavicular joint, and the glenohumeral joint.

It is the recommended first-line imaging investigation for most shoulder pain conditions including rotator cuff tears, tendinopathy, bursitis, calcific tendinitis, and shoulder impingement. A key advantage is that it allows dynamic imaging during movement — something MRI cannot provide.

At London Private Ultrasound, a private shoulder ultrasound costs:

• One shoulder: £199 — all fees inclusive, no hidden charges
• Both shoulders: £299 — saving £49 compared to two separate single-shoulder scans

Both include same-day verbal results and a full written report within 24 hours. We accept major credit and debit cards, cash, and Klarna for flexible payment.

Yes. Shoulder ultrasound is highly accurate for rotator cuff tear detection. It can identify:

• Full-thickness tears: Complete disruption through the entire tendon thickness
• Partial-thickness tears: Bursal-surface, articular-surface, or interstitial partial tears
• Tendinopathy: Degenerative changes within the tendon without frank tear
• Calcific tendinitis: Calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons

Meta-analyses show sensitivity of 87–95% and specificity of 93–98% for full-thickness rotator cuff tears using high-resolution ultrasound with an experienced sonographer — comparable to MRI. The added benefit of shoulder ultrasound is dynamic assessment during shoulder abduction, which can reveal impingement and positional instability not seen on static MRI.

de Jesus JO et al. Accuracy of MRI, MR arthrography, and ultrasound in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears: a meta-analysis. AJR 2009.

Shoulder pain is a symptom with many structural causes. The most common include:

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy or tear — the most frequent cause in adults over 40
• Shoulder impingement syndrome — compression of structures under the acromion during arm elevation
• Subacromial bursitis — inflammation of the bursa beneath the acromion
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) — stiffness and pain from capsular thickening
• Long head of biceps tendinopathy or tear
• Acromioclavicular joint arthritis
• Calcific tendinitis — calcium deposits causing acute or chronic pain
• Labral pathology — best seen on MRI arthrogram, though some changes are visible on ultrasound

Shoulder ultrasound can identify the specific structural cause for most of these conditions, enabling targeted treatment rather than generic physiotherapy or guesswork.

One shoulder (£199) is appropriate if you have pain, weakness, or restricted movement in one shoulder only.

Both shoulders (£299) is recommended if you have:

• Pain or symptoms in both shoulders
• Bilateral comparison required for surgical planning
• Sports or occupational symmetry assessment
• Suspected bilateral rotator cuff degeneration
• Previous surgery on one shoulder and concern about the other

If you are uncertain, call us on 020 7101 3377 and our team will advise the most appropriate option for your symptoms.

Shoulder ultrasound and MRI are complementary investigations with different strengths:

• Ultrasound advantages: Dynamic real-time assessment during movement, higher resolution for superficial tendons, immediate results, no claustrophobia, no contraindications for metal implants, significantly lower cost, guided injection capability at the same appointment
• MRI advantages: Better visualisation of the labrum and articular cartilage, bone marrow assessment, does not require operator expertise, can assess the full shoulder in one static acquisition

For most rotator cuff conditions, bursitis, tendinopathy, and impingement assessment, shoulder ultrasound is the appropriate and most cost-effective first-line investigation. MRI is typically reserved for suspected labral tears, instability workup, or when ultrasound is inconclusive.

No. You do not need a GP referral. You can self-refer and book directly online or by calling 020 7101 3377. Appointments are available 7 days a week at our Central London clinic (27 Welbeck Street, Harley Street medical district) and our St Albans clinic (54–56 Victoria Street). If you have previous scan reports, MRI results, or GP letters, bring them along — they can help your specialist contextualise the findings, but they are not required.

No special preparation is required for a shoulder ultrasound. You should:

• Wear or bring loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the shoulder — a vest top or sleeveless shirt is ideal
• Remove any shoulder jewellery before arrival

No fasting, no special diet, and no medication changes are required. You may eat, drink, and take medications normally before your appointment.

A shoulder ultrasound is not painful. A water-based gel is applied to the shoulder, and a handheld probe moves gently over the skin surface. There are no confirmed adverse biological effects from diagnostic ultrasound. The scan uses sound waves, not radiation, and is completely safe.

During the dynamic assessment part of the scan, you will be asked to move your arm in specific directions to assess for impingement. If your shoulder is already painful, these movements may cause brief discomfort — tell your specialist at any point and they will adjust accordingly.

Your MSK specialist will explain findings verbally immediately after your scan — you leave with a clear understanding of your shoulder structure and any abnormalities identified. A full written diagnostic report is then securely emailed to you the same day or within 24 hours, suitable for sharing with your NHS GP, physiotherapist, orthopaedic surgeon, sports medicine doctor, or any other clinician involved in your care.

Yes. Ultrasound-guided injections are significantly more accurate than “blind” injections performed without imaging guidance. Common shoulder injections that can be guided by ultrasound include subacromial corticosteroid injections for bursitis and impingement, biceps tendon sheath injections, and AC joint injections.

At London Private Ultrasound, our Joint Injection Clinic offers ultrasound-guided injections including corticosteroid (steroid) injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and hyaluronic acid joint lubrication. If your shoulder scan identifies a condition that may benefit from an injection, your specialist can discuss this with you during your appointment.

Choosing private care at London Private Ultrasound does not affect your NHS rights or entitlements in any way. Our service is designed to give you fast access to expert MSK assessment — typically the same day or next day — rather than waiting weeks or months through NHS physiotherapy referral and imaging pathways.

If your scan identifies a finding that requires urgent NHS attention — for example, a significant rotator cuff tear that may need surgical repair — your specialist will provide a formal written report to take to your GP, supporting an appropriate NHS orthopaedic referral. We work alongside the NHS, not instead of it.