Shoulder pain – to ultrasound or not ultrasound

Ever wondered if your shoulder pain requires an ultrasound to help with diagnosis? More often than not it doesn't. Ultrasounds have been found to be useful in diagnosing full tears of the rotator cuff but less effective in diagnosing partial tears.  However, ultrasounds are just as effective in detecting full tears compared to an MRI.

A physio is trained to assess your shoulder thoroughly and is able to detect if a tear is present. If after a few treatments, your shoulder is not improving an ultrasound can then be useful in determining the severity of any tears and what further management is required.