Why do I need a musculoskeletal ultrasound?
A musculoskeletal ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of your body. This safe, effective, and painless diagnostic tool may be recommended if you have:
- Joint pain
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Knee injuries
- Sprains or strains
- Tendinitis
- Muscle tears
- Inflammation
- Nerve issues
- Ganglion cysts
Even though musculoskeletal ultrasound is often considered a diagnostic tool, it’s often sometimes used as part of your treatment. For instance, if you need a pain-relieving injection in one of your joints, the ultrasound provides a live look to ensure the medication is injected in just the right area for maximum relief.
What are the benefits of a musculoskeletal ultrasound?
Musculoskeletal ultrasounds at No Mercy Sports Medicine may be offered as a stand-alone diagnostic tool, or to get more clarification if you’ve had other imaging, such as an X-ray. Dr. Irizarry-Román finds that musculoskeletal ultrasounds are beneficial because they:
- Are much more affordable than MRIs
- Don’t expose you to radiation, as with X-rays
- Provide clear pictures of soft tissues right in the office
- Provide live images where Dr. Irizarry-Román can see soft tissue movement
Plus, because Dr. Irizarry-Román can use a musculoskeletal ultrasound to look inside your body himself, he can often diagnose you right on the spot. A faster diagnosis leads to a quicker start to your treatment plan.
What happens during a musculoskeletal ultrasound?
Since musculoskeletal ultrasounds are conducted right in the office at No Mercy Sports Medicine, you won’t have to worry about making a trip to another facility. During your musculoskeletal ultrasound, Dr. Irizarry-Román applies a clear gel to your skin — you might need to slip into a hospital gown to give him better access to the area.
He glides the system’s transducer over your injured area, which delivers a live stream directly onto a monitor. Dr. Irizarry-Román might have you move your arm, leg, or other area to monitor tissue activity, or to get a clearer glimpse of specific tissues. The entire experience is comfortable and lasts just a few minutes.
Schedule your musculoskeletal ultrasound at No Mercy Sports Medicine today. Book online or over the phone.
