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shoulder ultrasound

Shoulder Pain That Won’t Go Away? An Ultrasound Might Help

December 17, 2025

Wondering why your shoulder pain won’t go away and what to do about it? If you’ve tried rest, physio, or pain relief but the discomfort keeps coming back, a shoulder ultrasound could be the next step. This non-invasive scan can detect common issues like rotator cuff tear, tendonitis, or bursitis, helping you finally get clear answers and a proper treatment plan.

 

What Is a Shoulder Ultrasound?

A shoulder ultrasound is a safe, painless imaging scan that uses sound waves to produce real-time images of the soft tissues in your shoulder. It’s commonly used to assess:

  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Shoulder tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Joint inflammation
  • Fluid buildup or impingement

Because the scan allows dynamic (moving) assessment, it can detect abnormalities that other imaging methods like X-rays may miss, especially when pain occurs only during movement.

At Capri Ultrasound, we perform shoulder ultrasound scans with no long wait times, bulk billing is available, and we accept all referrals.

 

When Should You Get a Shoulder Ultrasound?

If your pain has lasted more than a few weeks or is interfering with sleep, lifting, or daily movement, it’s time to consider a shoulder ultrasound. You might benefit from a scan if you experience:

  • Persistent shoulder pain
  • Pain lifting your arm
  • Pain at night or when lying on one side
  • Weakness in the shoulder
  • Clicking or catching sensation
  • A sense of instability

These symptoms are often associated with a rotator cuff tear or shoulder tendonitis, both of which are accurately diagnosed through musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSK ultrasound).

 

What Can a Shoulder Ultrasound Detect?

A properly performed shoulder ultrasound can detect a wide range of injuries and conditions, including:

  • Rotator cuff tear – one of the most common sources of chronic shoulder pain
  • Tendon thickening or shoulder tendonitis – inflammation from overuse or repetitive strain
  • Fluid or inflammation in the bursa (bursitis)
  • Signs of shoulder joint instability or impingement
  • Calcific deposits in tendons

Because MSK ultrasounds are dynamic, they allow sonographers to scan your shoulder in motion making it easier to diagnose problems that occur only when the joint moves.

 

Why Your Shoulder Pain Might Not Be from Injury

It’s not always a gym injury or fall that causes shoulder issues. Many people experience shoulder blade pain or pain under the shoulder blade due to poor posture, prolonged desk work, or even stress-related muscle tension. You may only mention these things briefly during your GP consult, but they can play a key role in why your shoulder pain isn’t improving.

👉 Further Reading: Poor posture can cause shoulder pain – Mayo Clinic Health System. This article explores how posture affects your shoulder mechanics, a helpful read for those with no obvious injury.

Bulk Billed Shoulder Ultrasound – What to Know

We understand many patients search for bulk bill ultrasound options when cost is a concern, especially when the pain seems minor at first. If you’re Googling ‘ultrasound bulk billing near me’ or ‘shoulder ultrasound near me’, you’ll be happy to know we offer bulk billing for all eligible patients under medicare with a valid GP referral.

At Capri Ultrasound, we’re proud to provide fast, accessible scans without sacrificing quality. Our Gold Coast clinic is independently owned and our experienced sonographer uses the latest MSK ultrasound technology to ensure a clear diagnosis.

 

Shoulder Ultrasound vs MRI – What’s Better?

For many shoulder issues, an ultrasound is not just faster and more affordable, it’s also more effective for certain conditions. While MRI is great for deep joint issues, shoulder ultrasound is ideal for:

  • Tendon and muscle injuries
  • Rotator cuff conditions
  • Bursitis and soft tissue inflammation
  • Dynamic movement-related pain

Ultrasound is also more accessible, and in most cases, you won’t need to wait weeks for a hospital-based scan.

 

Common Causes of Persistent Shoulder Pain

If your shoulder pain hasn’t improved with rest or physio, there may be an underlying structural issue. Common causes include:

  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Shoulder tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Impingement syndrome
  • MSK (musculoskeletal) issues related to repetitive use
  • Referred pain from the neck

A shoulder ultrasound can help identify the root cause, especially when your pain seems mysterious or comes and goes.

 

Don’t Put It Off. Get Your Shoulder Checked Today

Persistent shoulder pain isn’t just frustrating, it can interfere with your sleep, your ability to work, and your overall quality of life. A shoulder ultrasound is a fast, non-invasive way to understand what’s really going on and start moving toward proper treatment.

At Capri Ultrasound, we offer:

  • High-quality shoulder ultrasound scans
  • Experienced, qualified sonographer
  • Fast appointment availability
  • Bulk billed ultrasounds under medicare
  • Accept all referrals
  • A local clinic on the Isle of Capri, Gold Coast

👉 Book your scan today or contact our team to find out if you’re eligible for a bulk billed ultrasound. Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes and peace of mind.

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