Private Shoulder Ultrasound in Solihull & Birmingham
Fast, accurate diagnosis for shoulder pain, rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, impingement and tendon tears — without the NHS wait.
Same-day results from an experienced, NHS-trained sonographer. Scans from £170.
What We Assess
Our private shoulder ultrasound provides a thorough evaluation of the shoulder joint and surrounding structures, covering a wide range of conditions.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Partial and complete tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor tendons
Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis — capsular thickening and restricted range of movement
Shoulder Impingement
Subacromial impingement causing pain on overhead movements
Supraspinatus Tendinopathy
Degenerative changes, thickening or partial tears of the supraspinatus tendon
Biceps Tendon Injuries
Long head of biceps tendinopathy, subluxation or tears
Bursitis
Subacromial and subdeltoid bursal inflammation and fluid
Labral Concerns
Assessment of labral-related instability and associated findings
AC Joint Pathology
Acromioclavicular joint degeneration, osteophytes and capsular swelling
Calcific Tendinitis
Calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons causing acute pain
Shoulder Instability
Dynamic assessment of glenohumeral instability and subluxation
Who Should Book a Shoulder Scan?
A private shoulder ultrasound is suitable for anyone experiencing shoulder pain or reduced movement — whether from injury, wear and tear, or an unknown cause.
Sports Injuries
Swimmers, tennis players, gym-goers, cricketers and anyone with a sports-related shoulder injury.
Persistent Shoulder Pain
Pain lasting more than a few weeks that isn't improving with rest, particularly night pain or pain on reaching.
Overhead Workers
Painters, decorators, electricians, plasterers and anyone whose job involves repetitive overhead work.
Post-Injury Assessment
Falls, collisions or sudden trauma to the shoulder — imaging to rule out tears or structural damage.
GP or Physio Referrals
Your GP or physiotherapist has recommended imaging to confirm a diagnosis or guide treatment.
NHS Waiting Too Long
Facing a long NHS wait for shoulder imaging? Get your private shoulder scan this week and start treatment sooner.
Shoulder Scan Pricing
No hidden fees. All prices include the scan, verbal results on the day and a detailed written report within 24-48 hours.
| Scan | Price |
|---|---|
| Shoulder Ultrasound (Single) | £170 |
| Shoulder Ultrasound (Both) | £320 |
What to Expect
Before Your Scan
No special preparation is needed. Wear a loose-fitting top or vest that allows easy access to the shoulder. Avoid tight layers. You can eat, drink and take medications as normal.
During the Scan
A water-based gel is applied to the shoulder and a small probe is used to capture real-time images. You may be asked to move your arm in specific positions to assess the tendons dynamically. The scan takes 15 to 30 minutes.
After the Scan
You'll receive a verbal summary of findings straight away, including what was seen and any recommendations. There's no downtime — you can continue your day as normal.
Your Report
A detailed written report is sent within 24 to 48 hours. This can be shared with your GP, physiotherapist or consultant to help guide your treatment plan.
Why Choose a Private Shoulder Scan?
Skip the NHS Wait
NHS shoulder imaging can take weeks or months. We offer appointments within days — often the same week. Get your diagnosis faster and start treatment sooner.
No Referral Needed
Book directly with us — no GP referral required. Whether it's a sports injury, work strain, or persistent pain that won't resolve, you can self-refer for imaging.
Same-Day Results
Receive a verbal summary of your scan findings immediately. No waiting for a letter — know what's happening with your shoulder before you leave the clinic.
Support Your Treatment
Already seeing a physio or consultant? A private shoulder scan can confirm the diagnosis, track recovery progress, or provide the imaging needed to plan surgery or injections.
Shoulder Scan Questions
Can ultrasound detect a rotator cuff tear?
Yes. Ultrasound is highly effective for diagnosing rotator cuff tears — both partial and full-thickness. It allows real-time dynamic assessment of the tendons during movement, which can reveal tears that might not be apparent on static imaging. Studies show diagnostic ultrasound has comparable accuracy to MRI for rotator cuff pathology when performed by an experienced sonographer.
Do I need a GP referral for a private shoulder scan?
No. You can book directly with us — no referral is needed. Many patients come to us with shoulder pain, a suspected rotator cuff injury, or while waiting for an NHS appointment. If your GP, physiotherapist or consultant has recommended imaging, you're also welcome to bring their notes.
How long does a shoulder ultrasound take?
A shoulder ultrasound typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. This allows time to thoroughly assess the rotator cuff tendons, biceps tendon, bursa, AC joint and surrounding structures. Dynamic movements may be used during the scan to evaluate impingement or instability.
Is ultrasound or MRI better for shoulder problems?
Ultrasound is an excellent first-line investigation for most shoulder complaints — particularly rotator cuff tears, tendinopathy, bursitis and biceps tendon problems. It offers the advantage of real-time, dynamic assessment during movement. MRI may be recommended for deeper structures such as the labrum or for complex cases. We'll advise if further imaging is needed after your scan.
What should I wear to my shoulder ultrasound?
Wear a loose-fitting top or vest that allows easy access to the shoulder area. You'll need to expose the shoulder and upper arm for the scan. Avoid tight-fitting clothing or layers that are difficult to remove. No other special preparation is needed.
How quickly do I get my results?
You'll receive a verbal summary of findings immediately after your scan. A detailed written report is provided within 24 to 48 hours, which you can share with your GP, physiotherapist or consultant to guide your treatment plan.
Other Injury & MSK Scans
We also offer ultrasound imaging for other joints and soft tissue areas.
Shoulder Pain? Get Answers This Week
Book your private shoulder ultrasound today. No referral needed, same-day results.