Have Any Questions? Feel Free To Ask.
Most ultrasound scans take between 20-40mins. This depends greatly on the structure/s/tissues needing to be examined. Please allow 40 mins for your complete appointment.
The Clinic Director/Senior MSK Sonographer, Sarah Morriss, will carry out your scan in person.
Ultrasound scans have not proven to show any health risks to patients. It is a safe, accessible tool used to examine targeted joint/muscle/soft tissues structures, which provides images that your sonographer is fully trained to interpret.
Your sonographer will discuss the method used to carry out your scan and get you comfortable in the first instance. You may be asked to sit up in a chair or lay down on a treatment table, depending on the area needing to be scanned and patient comfort etc.
A small amount of ultrasound gel is applied to the skin of the target area due to be examined. This is to allow the sound waves to pass from the probe, through the resistance of your skin, into the targeted tissues beneath. The sonographer is trained to manipulate settings on the equipment to maximise the images fed back to the monitor, from the handheld probe used.
A diagnostic ultrasound scan does not generally hurt as the sound waves passing through the tissues are just that – sound waves at high frequencies so that we cannot hear/see/feel them. Sometimes, it is necessary for the sonographer to apply extra pressure with the probe to assess tissues effectively, but will always speak with you to inform you at such times first.
In order for us to scan you, we are required to gain ‘informed patient consent’, giving us your permission to do so. This means we will ask you to sign a patient consent form giving us this permission (with all scan questions/procedures discussed with you before the scan commences).
Yes, all scans come fully reported (included in your scan fee), typed up by your Registered Sonographer, Sarah Morriss. If you have been referred directly from another Medical professional/Therapist/Clinic, your scan report will be sent directly back to them. A copy of your report can also be e-mailed back to yourself/the patient. (These details can be obtained at the time of your scan appointment, when your consent forms are being filled out). Scan reports are usually sent back to the referring healthcare provider/patient within 2-5 working days.
It is advisable to wear any loose-fitting/comfortable clothing for your scan. Depending on which joint area is being examined, you may be asked to remove certain items of clothing to access the tissues (i.e: remove: a sock for a foot scan / a t-shirt for a shoulder scan/trousers for a knee scan, for example). Your sonographer has plenty of clean towels in the sonography room to keep you warm/covered and comfortable throughout.
Some patients prefer to have a chaperone/friend/relative in the room with them for their scan appointment. With their informed consent, this is fine to allow this. A chair will be provided to enable them to sit down, whilst you are being scanned.
As all ultrasound scans are all carried out in real-time, your sonographer will be able to give you a verbal summary of findings at the end of your appointment.