Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging

     I am almost certain if you are reading this you probably have had at least one MRI or X-Ray scan in your life. Whether that was because your weekend warrior spirit resulted in a knee sprain after that pickup basketball game, or somehow magically you developed some random shoulder pain for no reason that really hurts. Either way how long did it take to receive your imaging results? Or better yet, how many appointments did you have to make and how long did it take to have the imaging performed.  Yes, this can be a rather drawn out process especially if you are in unceasing pain. 

     With that said, I would like to drive your attention to some new tech that can potentially ease the process and quickly deliver the answers you seek as to why on earth you are having pain. That tech is called Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSK US) and yes, it is basically the technology they use at the gynecologist but in a much different practice and scope of use.  Try to imagine using the same methods but geared towards looking at the body’s musculoskeletal system directly and in the clinic.  For example, with MSK US, we can scan for any injuries in the shoulder, knee etc. We will be able to determine in combination with our regular physical therapy evaluation the causes of your pain which will enable us to create a more accurate diagnosis and follow up exercise plan. 

     This is just the first of a series of blogs that are to come about MSK US and its role on how we can use this technology to develop a clearer insight when it comes to our diagnosis. Certainly, this capability will help ease your questions of what is really happening in your specific case and injury.  

​     -Anthony Durant PT, DPT   

---