Shoulder & Upper Arm Ultrasound, Cardiff & South Wales
Self-refer. Consultant-led. Immediate results explained at your appointment.
shoulder ultrasound
What's included for £260
- ✓Consultant Radiologist scan — results explained immediately
- ✓Written report within 24-48 hours
- ✓Digital scan images
- ✓Onward referral if needed
- ✓No GP referral required
The full shoulder
A dynamic ultrasound of the rotator cuff and surrounding structures — the gold-standard test for shoulder pain.
Supraspinatus tendon
Most commonly torn rotator cuff tendon.
Infraspinatus tendon
Posterior rotator cuff.
Subscapularis tendon
Anterior rotator cuff.
Teres minor tendon
Smaller posterior rotator cuff.
Long head of biceps
Tendon, sheath, dislocation.
Subacromial bursa
Bursitis, impingement signs.
AC joint
Arthritis, capsular thickening.
Glenohumeral joint
Effusion, capsular changes.
If you have any of these, a shoulder scan can help
What we can identify
Shoulder ultrasound is widely accepted as the equal of MRI for rotator cuff tears, with the added advantage of dynamic assessment.
Rotator cuff tears
Partial & full-thickness tears, with size measurement.
Calcific tendinitis
Calcium deposits in the rotator cuff.
Subacromial bursitis
Inflamed bursa, often with impingement.
Biceps tendinopathy
Tendon thickening, sheath fluid, dislocation.
AC joint arthritis
Common cause of upper shoulder pain.
Frozen shoulder features
Capsular thickening, restricted dynamic movement.
Many problems we identify can be treated with an ultrasound-guided injection in the same visit — see our injection therapy options.
Preparation
How to prepare
No fasting, no special prep. Just wear something that lets us examine the shoulder easily.
If you're in too much pain to lift your arm, that's fine — we work around it.
Your appointment, step by step
Arrive
Free parking at Penarth. 5-minute walk from Penarth railway station.
Meet your consultant
Brief chat about your symptoms and history. Ask any questions.
The scan (30 mins)
Lie on your back, warm gel applied to your abdomen. Consultant explains findings as they scan.
Immediate results
Your consultant explains the findings as they scan and again at the end — you leave knowing what's going on. Written report follows within 24-48 hours.
Had been waiting ages on the NHS to get a scan… so when I saw this service available on the high street I was surprised. Scan was organised for the same week, totally worth it. Actually got a diagnosis for once. Dr Junaid was very thorough and explained everything.
Transparent, all-inclusive
One simple price for a single-area scan. Combine with other scans in the same appointment for better value.
Shoulder & Upper Arm Ultrasound
- ✓Immediate results explained & written report in 24-48 hrs
- ✓Same-week appointment
- ✓No GP referral required
Bundle with another area
- ✓Two body areas in one appointment
- ✓Common combos available at booking
- ✓Save £160 vs two separate scans
All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required.
See what an abdomen ultrasound involves
Our patient information video walks you through how to prepare, what happens during the scan and what to expect afterwards. About 2 minutes long.
The playlist includes videos for Abdomen, Pelvis, Testicular, Neck, Lump, DVT, Groin and Steroid injections.
Our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Swansea and the Vale.
Common questions about shoulder & upper arm ultrasound
How much does a private shoulder ultrasound cost?
£260 for one shoulder, £360 for both (save £160). All-inclusive at Acorn Private Clinic.
Do I need a GP referral?
No — self-refer. Book online.
How quickly can I be seen?
Most appointments within 48-72 hours.
Ultrasound vs MRI for the shoulder — which is better?
Ultrasound is the equal of MRI for rotator cuff tears and has the advantage of dynamic assessment (we move the shoulder). MRI is better for labral tears (deep inside the joint) and bone changes. Many patients start with ultrasound.
How long does the scan take?
About 30 minutes per shoulder, plus consultation.
Can I get a steroid injection at the same time?
Yes — if the consultant finds an injectable problem, they can perform an ultrasound-guided injection in the same visit (additional cost — see injection therapy).
Do I need to prepare?
No. Just wear a vest or open shirt.
Is ultrasound safe?
Yes — no radiation.
Can ultrasound diagnose frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder is partly a clinical diagnosis — ultrasound helps by showing capsular thickening and restricted movement, and ruling out other causes.
Will I get a report?
Yes — immediate verbal results plus written report in 24-48 hours.
Health insurance — covered?
Most UK insurers cover diagnostic shoulder ultrasound.
Where do I go?
Acorn Private Clinic at Penarth (CF64 2AD) — 10 minutes from Cardiff, free parking.
Get the answers you need.
Self-refer for a private abdomen ultrasound — consultant-led, same-week, with immediate results explained at your appointment and a written report within 24-48 hours. £260 all-inclusive.