About
This is involves the use of a diagnostic MSK ultrasound scan with a clinical Physiotherapy assessment to help aid diagnosis and treatment. It is often abbreviated to 'POCUS' meaning point of care ultrasound scan.
Ultrasound is a fantastic tool to diagnose a wide range of MSK related injuries. Its advantage over X-ray, CT and MRI is that the ultrasound can be dynamic to see how the tissues interact during movement rather than just a static position. It is also considered the safest form of scan as it uses sound waves to make an image rather than using ionising radiation like in X-ray and CT, and does not use magnetic fields like in MRI. It is also quicker and cheaper than having an MRI.
Only certain specialised Physiotherapists can offer this as part of Physiotherapy assessment and treatments in the UK. James holds a PGcert in MSK Ultrasonography from Brunel University and has conducted thousands of scans due to his background in MSK Ultrasonography, so you can be sure of his skill and experience in POCUS Ultrasound.
The other benefits of an ultrasound scan with James Clayton Physiotherapy are that it provides real time diagnostics without waiting weeks/months for a scan on the NHS, and the fact it is done by a Physiotherapist as part of an assessment means that all the findings will be made specific to your symptoms and explained in an easy to understand way.
Body areas that can be scanned with ultrasound include joints such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, feet and ankles. We can also assess bigger muscle grouops like the quadriceps, hamstrings, biceps, calves etc.
A typical session including an Ultrasound scan will involve a detailed discussion about your symptoms, then a hands on assessment of your injured area. This will then be followed by an ultrasound scan of the injured area. After this, James will discuss his findings with you and start on the day treatment followed by an initial rehabilitation programme. The scan report will then be sent to you via email within 24 hours of the session
If you're unsure whether you need an Ultrasound scan or not, please don't hesitate to enquire