Accurate Diagnosis and Targeted Treatment — Without Waiting for Hospital Appointments
When a clinical examination alone cannot confirm a diagnosis, or when an injection needs to be placed with pinpoint precision, musculoskeletal (MSK) diagnostic ultrasound provides the answer. Unlike a static X-ray, ultrasound allows us to see your soft tissues—tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints—in real time.
At The Physiotherapy Centre, our ultrasound service is led by Peter Monk, an experienced HCPC-registered clinician with specialist training in MSK imaging. We offer this service to patients across Waterlooville, Petersfield, Havant, and the wider Hampshire area.
By providing in-house imaging, we remove the need for lengthy NHS waiting lists; you can often be scanned, diagnosed, and treated in a single visit.
Conditions We Investigate and Treat
Body regions and conditions we assess and treat using MSK diagnostic ultrasound:
Shoulder
Rotator cuff tears (partial and full thickness), rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial bursitis, calcific tendinopathy, and biceps tendon pathology. Guided injections—typically corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid—can be delivered directly into the subacromial bursa, glenohumeral joint, or around the biceps tendon.
Wrist and Hand
Carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, trigger finger, and tendon pathology. Ultrasound can measure the cross-sectional area of the median nerve to confirm carpal tunnel syndrome and guide injections into the carpal tunnel or tendon sheaths.
Knee
Ligament injuries (including collateral ligaments), patellar tendinopathy, Baker’s cyst, meniscal pathology, and joint effusions. Ultrasound can confirm the presence of fluid and guide aspiration or injection where needed.
Muscle Injuries
Muscle strains, partial tears, haematomas, and soft tissue masses. Ultrasound allows grading of muscle injuries, which directly informs rehabilitation timelines and return-to-sport decisions.
Elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia), golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylalgia), and ligament and tendon injuries. Guided injections can be placed precisely at the common extensor or flexor origin.
Hip
Gluteal tendinopathy, greater trochanteric bursitis, and iliopsoas tendinopathy. Ultrasound is useful for differentiating between these conditions, which can present with similar symptoms.
Ankle and Foot
Achilles tendinopathy (including insertional), plantar fasciitis, and ligament sprains. Ultrasound can assess tendon thickness, confirm the presence of tears, and guide injection therapy where indicated.
How We Diagnose and Treat
The Diagnostic Ultrasound Experience
The scanning process is quick, non-invasive, and painless. Peter will apply a cool gel to the skin and use a handheld probe to create high-resolution, real-time images of the structures beneath.
- See Your Injury: You can view the images on the screen as the scan is performed.
- Dynamic Assessment: Unlike an MRI, which requires you to be perfectly still, ultrasound allows us to watch how your tissues behave as you move. This is invaluable for diagnosing "snapping" sensations or impingement that only occurs in certain positions.
- Immediate Results: The scan typically takes 15 to 20 minutes, and you will receive a verbal explanation of the findings on the spot—no waiting days for a letter.
Precision Guided Injections
If an injection is part of your treatment plan, performing it under ultrasound guidance is the gold standard for safety and efficacy. By visualising the target structure in real time, the needle is guided to the precise location under direct vision.
Why Guidance Matters:
Research consistently shows that guided injections are more accurate than “landmark-guided” (blind) injections, leading to better clinical outcomes and a significantly lower risk of complications.
Injection Options
- Corticosteroid: Used to rapidly settle acute inflammation in joints or bursae.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A "viscosupplement" used to lubricate arthritic joints and improve mobility.
- High-Volume Injections: Specifically used for certain types of chronic tendinopathy to reduce pain and improve function.
Your Appointment: Preparation & Aftercare
Appointments for a diagnostic scan and possible injection last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
- Documentation: If you have had previous imaging (MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound), please bring the results or reports.
- Consent: Peter will explain the findings and discuss treatment options immediately. If an injection is recommended, the procedure is explained in full, and we will obtain your informed consent before proceeding.
- Aftercare: The injection itself takes only a few minutes. You can usually drive home afterwards, but we recommend resting the area for 24 to 48 hours to allow the medication to settle and ensure the best result.
- Reports: A formal report of the scan findings can be sent to your GP or referring clinician upon request.
Pricing and Appointments
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Diagnostic Ultrasound £242
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MSK Diagnostic Ultrasound and Guided Injection £362
Conveniently Located in Waterlooville
- The Physiotherapy Centre 96 London Road, Widley, Waterlooville, Hampshire, PO7 5AB
- Mon: 8.00–7.00 | Tue: 8.00–7.30 | Wed: 8.00–8.00 | Thu: 8.00–7.00 | Fri: 8.00–5.00 | Sat: 8.30–1.00
- We serve patients from Widley, Purbrook, Waterlooville, Cosham, Havant, Petersfield, and the wider Hampshire area. The clinic is on the old A3 / London Road, just north of Portsdown Hill, near the Hampshire Rose pub. The No. 8 bus (Bushy Mead) stops just up the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for a diagnostic ultrasound?
No. You can self-refer by contacting the clinic directly. If your physiotherapist, GP, or consultant has recommended a scan, they can refer you, but it is not a requirement.
Is ultrasound as accurate as MRI?
For many soft tissue conditions, yes. Ultrasound is considered the first-line imaging modality for tendons, superficial ligaments, and muscle injuries. It has the advantage of being dynamic and immediately available. MRI may be recommended for deeper structures, cartilage, or bone conditions that ultrasound cannot fully assess—Peter will advise if this is the case.
What is the advantage of a guided injection over a blind injection?
Research consistently shows that ultrasound-guided injections are more accurate than blind (landmark-guided) injections. The clinician can see the needle and the target structure in real time, ensuring the medication is delivered to the correct location. This improves outcomes and reduces the risk of injecting into the wrong structure.
How long do the effects of a cortisone injection last?
This varies by condition and individual. A cortisone injection typically provides relief for several weeks to several months. It is used primarily to reduce inflammation and pain, creating a window for rehabilitation. It is not a long-term solution on its own, and your physiotherapist can work with you on a programme to address the underlying problem.
Can I drive after an injection?
In most cases, yes. However, if the injection is in the shoulder or a weight-bearing joint, you may find it more comfortable to have someone available to drive you home. Your clinician will advise based on the specific procedure.
Are there any risks with ultrasound-guided injections?
All injection procedures carry a small risk of infection, bruising, and temporary increase in pain (a steroid flare). These risks are low, and Peter will discuss them with you before the procedure. Guided injections carry a lower risk of complications than blind injections due to the improved accuracy.
How soon will I know the scan results?
Immediately. Peter will explain the findings during the appointment and show you the images on screen. A written report can be provided for your GP or referring clinician if needed.
Will I need to rest after the injection?
You will typically be advised to rest the injected area for 24 to 48 hours and avoid heavy loading for a few days. After that, your physiotherapist can guide you through a graded return to activity and exercise.
Can I have an ultrasound scan if I am pregnant?
Diagnostic MSK ultrasound uses the same technology as obstetric scanning and is safe during pregnancy. However, certain injection medications are not recommended during pregnancy. Peter will discuss this with you if relevant.
Can I claim the scan or injection on my health insurance?
Many insurance providers cover diagnostic ultrasound and guided injections. Contact your insurer to check your specific policy and obtain an authorisation number before booking.
Team