What Is Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasound?

Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK ultrasound) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, and other soft tissues throughout the body. It allows the physician to see what’s happening beneath the surface in real time—helping identify the source of pain, guide decision-making, and tailor treatment to each patient’s needs.
 

Unlike X-ray or MRI, ultrasound does not use radiation and allows the physician to observe motion and tissue behavior as they happen, making it ideal for evaluating soft-tissue pain or injury. High-resolution ultrasound provides exceptional detail of superficial tendons, ligaments, and nerves—often with finer structural resolution than MRI for these areas—while MRI remains more useful for deeper structures or conditions beyond the reach of ultrasound.
 

How It Works

During the scan, a small amount of gel is applied to the skin, and a handheld probe (called a transducer) is moved gently over the area of concern. The sound waves pass through the tissues and reflect back to create detailed, real-time images on the screen. Because ultrasound shows movement, the physician can assess how tendons glide, how ligaments respond to stress, and how muscles or nerves move during activity—something static imaging cannot capture.
 

The same high-resolution ultrasound equipment used for diagnostic imaging also guides procedures such as nerve hydrodissection, joint injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and prolotherapy, allowing precise visualization and safer, more effective treatment.
 

Role in Comprehensive Care

Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound is often used when physical examination alone does not fully explain a patient’s symptoms or when more precise imaging is needed to guide treatment. It complements osteopathic manipulation, physical therapy, and image-guided procedures by clearly identifying which structure is involved and how it behaves in motion.
 

Because all evaluations are performed in-office using high-resolution ultrasound, results are immediate, and findings can be discussed in real time to inform your plan of care.
 

What to Expect

The scan typically takes 15–30 minutes and can often be performed at the same visit as your evaluation. There is
no radiation and no discomfort beyond light pressure and gel application. You will remain dressed except for the area being examined and can return to normal activity right away. After the scan, Dr DiSabato reviews the images with you, explains the findings, and discusses how they fit into your treatment plan.
 

Summary

Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound is a safe, dynamic, and highly informative imaging tool that visualizes the body’s muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves in motion.
By identifying the exact source of symptoms and providing real-time visual feedback, it enhances diagnostic accuracy, guides treatment decisions, and supports individualized, conservative care—all without radiation or downtime.