Ultrasound (also commonly referred to as sonography) is an imaging assessment technique that uses sound waves to create images of painful or injured areas in the body. This technique helps to provide visible, high resolution images without using radiation or causing patients further discomfort. This allows for the investigation and visualization of ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves in the office setting. Our physicians can then evaluate the patient in a more precise manner, locating the source of pain as well as diagnosing areas where popping, snapping or other unexplained sensations occur. This evaluation can improve accuracy and speed of treatment for patients.

Additionally, our physicians can utilize musculoskeletal ultrasound to assist in precise needle placement for aspiration or therapeutic injection.

When getting an ultrasound procedure done, our providers use a device called a transducer and gently move it over the area of your body that is causing you pain or discomfort. The transducer or probe converts electrical current into high-frequency sound waves and sends the waves into your body’s tissue. A thin layer of gel is applied to your skin beforehand so that the ultrasound waves, that are being transmitted from the transducer, can pass through into your body.

The sound waves are reflected back to the transducer by boundaries between tissues in the path of the waves. When the echoes of the waves return and hit the transducer, they generate electrical signals that are sent to the ultrasound scanner. A computer then converts the pattern of electrical signals into real-time images or videos, that our providers can then use to diagnose any problems in the area.

Ultrasound can sometimes be used to perform precise needle placement for aspiration or therapeutic injection. These ultrasound guided injections give our providers the ability to improve the accuracy of treatment by creating a real time image of the anatomy and needle placement when receiving an injection.