MSK Ultrasound Machine

MSK Ultrasound Machine at Rock Run Physical Therapy

One of the newest innovations in the Physical Therapy field is ultrasound imaging (not your traditional PT ultrasound).  For years we have had patients ask us if we had the ability to look at the problem (like x-ray, MRI, or ultrasound).  Until now the answer was always no – those machines were just too big and too expensive to have in our clinic (think of an imaging dept at a hospital and how big it is).  We have now been able to find and purchase hand-held ultrasound machines that link to a phone or Ipad to give us live, dynamic images!  We have been training for almost a year on this new technology and are so excited to bring it to you!

What is an MSK ultrasound?

MSK Ultrasound, or Musculo-Skeletal Ultrasound, uses sound waves to produce pictures of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and joints throughout the body. We can use it to help diagnose sprains, strains, tears, trapped nerves, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions that we see on a regular basis.  The beauty of using this type of ultrasound is that it is dynamic, meaning we can have you move and see what the tendons, joints, and other structures are doing during movement, not just a static picture like an x-ray or MRI.

Training

Make no mistake, the learning curve for this was steep!  So, we brought in Jeannine Noble, a nationally recognized expert in MSK Ultrasound (and also a PT) to train us.  We did several Zoom calls with her and had her fly from her hometown of Phoenix to meet us and train on two different occasions.  In November 2020, Jeannine met us at our Syracuse office and we spent all day learning how to ultrasound the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand).  Then in January 2021, Jeannine flew out again and spent the day guiding us through the lower extremity (hip, knee, ankle, and foot).  The training we received was top notch and Jeannine remains a resource for us if we have questions or problems.

What We Can See With Ultrasound in Layton, Roy and Syracuse

Part of the excitement for us in using this new technology is the ability to get more answers for you on what is going on with your body.  We are able to see joints, tendons and ligaments, swelling, muscles, and more!  Another great benefit is that your insurance will pay for it!

Ask your Rock Run Physical Therapist if a MSK Ultrasound would benefit you!