Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
in Seattle
Real-time imaging results during your physical therapy visit.
Book a Physical Therapy Visit With Diagnostic UltrasoundWhen something hurts, it helps to understand what may be happening beneath the surface. At Seattle Rehab Specialists, point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound allows your physical therapist to view muscles, tendons, and other accessible soft tissues in real time, right in the clinic. We use what we see alongside your symptoms, movement, strength, and medical history to help guide your care.
Noninvasive
Real-Time Imaging
No Ionizing Radiation
What Is Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?
Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound uses sound waves to create live images of accessible muscles, tendons, and other superficial soft-tissue structures. Because the images appear as you move, your physical therapist can assess selected tissues dynamically rather than relying only on a still image.
Ultrasound adds information to your physical therapy evaluation. It does not replace your clinical exam or every other type of imaging, and not all injuries can be identified with ultrasound.
Common Injuries and Areas We Can Assess With Ultrasound
Your therapist will determine whether ultrasound is appropriate for your symptoms and the structures that need to be examined.
Shoulder & Rotator Cuff
Examine accessible rotator cuff tendons for selected tears, tendon changes, or calcific deposits; assess tendon movement during shoulder motion.
Achilles, Ankle & Calf
View accessible Achilles tendon structure and thickness and assess selected calf muscle injuries.
Knee & Patellar Tendon
Assess the patellar tendon and selected superficial soft tissues around the knee; observe certain structures during movement.
Foot & Plantar Fascia
Measure plantar fascia thickness and assess selected tears or soft-tissue changes.
Elbow Tendon Pain
Examine accessible tendons associated with tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow for structural changes.
Muscle Strains & Tears
Help locate and characterize certain superficial muscle injuries and monitor selected tissue changes over time.
Gluteal Tendon & Hip Pain
Assess selected superficial gluteal tendons and accessible structures related to lateral hip pain.
Hand & Wrist
Assess selected tendons, cysts, and superficial nerves, including findings associated with trigger finger and De Quervain’s symptoms.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When clinically appropriate, ultrasound can be incorporated into your regular physical therapy visit. You may not need a separate trip to an imaging center. Our goal is not simply to “find something” on the screen. It is to understand whether the images help explain your symptoms and guide next steps.
1. Clinical Evaluation
Your therapist reviews your symptoms, injury history, movement, strength, and functional limitations.
2. Targeted Ultrasound
A small handheld probe and gel are used to view the relevant area. The scan uses sound waves, not ionizing radiation.
3. Review the Findings Together
Your therapist explains what the images may show, how they relate to your examination, and what ultrasound cannot establish.
4. Plan Your Next Steps
Findings may help guide rehabilitation, track selected changes, or identify when medical consultation or other imaging is appropriate.
Things to Know Before Your Ultrasound
- Ultrasound is useful for many accessible soft tissues, but it cannot see through bone and may not adequately assess deeper joint structures. Image quality and usefulness vary by body region and patient factors.
- Ultrasound does not replace X-rays, MRI, or medical evaluation when those are needed. Your therapist can recommend appropriate follow-up.
- Ultrasound findings are interpreted within your physical therapy scope of care and clinical examination; they are not a substitute for a physician’s medical diagnosis.
- Coverage and out-of-pocket costs depend on your plan and how the service is provided. Contact our team to discuss benefits and fees before your visit.
- This service is not intended for emergencies. Seek prompt medical care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, suspected fracture, major loss of function, or concerning numbness or weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients can begin physical therapy without a physician referral in Washington. Whether ultrasound is appropriate, and whether a referral or authorization is required for coverage, depends on your circumstances and insurance plan. Our team can help clarify scheduling and benefits.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation. It is generally well tolerated and noninvasive. Your therapist will explain the exam and any relevant considerations.
Ultrasound provides live views of many accessible soft tissues and can show certain structures during movement. X-rays are particularly useful for assessing bones; MRI can evaluate many deeper structures and joint tissues. The best test depends on your symptoms and the clinical question.
Ultrasound may help identify certain muscle strains, tendon abnormalities, and tears when the affected structure can be adequately visualized. A normal or unclear ultrasound does not rule out every injury.
When clinically indicated and available, your therapist may incorporate point-of-care ultrasound into your physical therapy evaluation or follow-up visit. Our team can explain scheduling before your appointment.
Your therapist can review imaging observations with you during the visit and explain how they relate to the physical examination. Some findings may require physician assessment or additional imaging before a medical diagnosis can be established.