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Diagnostic Ultrasound

Real-time imaging to evaluate soft tissue and joint problems, helping your therapist make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

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What Is Diagnostic Ultrasound?

Diagnostic ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive imaging tool that uses sound waves (not radiation) to create real-time pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It allows your therapist to:

  • Visualize soft tissue injuries beneath the skin
  • Identify inflammation, tears, or tendon irritation
  • Pinpoint the source of pain or movement restrictions
  • Monitor how tissues are healing over time
  • Guide more precise and effective treatment decisions

By pairing ultrasound imaging with a thorough physical exam, our therapists can better understand what’s happening inside your body and tailor your care to what you truly need.

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Conditions Diagnostic Ultrasound Helps Assess

Diagnostic ultrasound is especially useful for many orthopedic and sports-related conditions. By showing how your tissues move and respond in real time, it helps confirm the cause of your symptoms and refine your treatment plan.

Common issues ultrasound can help evaluate include:

  • Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries
  • Elbow, wrist, and hand tendon problems (e.g., “tennis elbow”)
  • Hip, knee, and ankle sprains or strains
  • Tendonitis and overuse injuries
  • Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
  • Muscle tears, pulls, or contusions
  • Bursitis and joint swelling
  • Persistent pain that hasn’t responded to prior treatment

What to Expect

At Farmington Physical Therapy, your Diagnostic Ultrasound visit is designed to be clear, comfortable, and informative. We’ll explain each step so you know exactly what we’re looking for and why.

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1

A Warm, Welcoming First Visit

You’ll be greeted by our friendly front desk team and guided through a simple check-in process. Your therapist will review your medical history and talk with you about your pain, injury, and goals.
2

Comprehensive Evaluation

Before using ultrasound, your therapist will perform a hands-on exam - checking movement, strength, and specific tests—to understand your symptoms. This helps determine where ultrasound imaging will be most helpful.
3

Imaging Session

A small amount of gel is applied to your skin, and a handheld probe (transducer) is moved gently over the area being examined. You may see the images on the screen as your therapist looks at your muscles, tendons, and joints in real time. The test is painless and typically takes just a few minutes per area.
4

Review of Findings

Right away, your therapist will discuss what they see on the ultrasound images - such as inflammation, irritation, or tissue changes - and how this relates to your symptoms. You’ll have time to ask questions and understand your results.
5

Personalized Plan & Ongoing Guidance

Your ultrasound findings are combined with your physical exam to create or refine your treatment plan. We’ll outline next steps—such as specific exercises, manual therapy, activity modifications, or follow-up imaging - to help you heal effectively and get back to the activities you enjoy.
At Farmington Physical Therapy, your health is personal. Our team is here to help you move with confidence, recover with purpose, and live life to the fullest.

We begin with a comprehensive evaluation, develop a personalized plan, and walk with you every step of the way toward recovery.

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