Muscle Pain That Won’t Go Away? It Might Be Time for a Scan

Still dealing with muscle pain weeks after an injury or strain? If the pain is persistent, getting an ultrasound for muscle pain could help identify what’s really going on and get you the right treatment plan faster. Lingering pain might not be “just a strain”, and a musculoskeletal ultrasound can reveal tendon issues, partial tears, or inflammation that aren’t always obvious.

Why Muscle Pain Sometimes Lingers

Not all muscle injuries heal quickly and in some cases, pain that doesn’t go away could point to a deeper issue. Common causes of lingering muscle discomfort include:

• Tendon injuries (such as tendinopathy or partial tears)
• Bursitis or inflammation around a joint
• Muscle tears that haven’t been diagnosed
• Nerve irritation near the muscle site
• Incorrect healing or overcompensation
  

It’s also common for people to misjudge a tendon issue as muscle pain which is why accurate imaging is important. Tendon pain is a common reason for persistent discomfort, this article from the Better Health Channel explains how tendonitis develops and how it’s managed.

When Should You Get an Ultrasound for Muscle Pain?

If you’ve tried rest, stretching, or even physio and the pain still hasn’t improved, it may be time to consider a scan. Here are signs that you could benefit from an ultrasound for muscle pain:

• Ongoing pain for more than 2 – 3 weeks
• Pain that comes and goes with certain movements
• Swelling, bruising, or a lump under the skin
• Pain that worsens when exercising
• Weakness, reduced range of motion, or instability
• You suspect a reinjury or tear
  

An ultrasound can provide clear answers especially if the injury is soft tissue-related and hasn’t improved with basic care.

What an Ultrasound for Muscle Pain Can Detect

A musculoskeletal ultrasound is a highly accurate way to assess soft tissue injuries, especially in real time. It can detect:

• Tendon tears or inflammation
• Partial or full muscle tears
• Bursitis or joint fluid build-up
• Haematomas or scar tissue
• Ligament sprains or damage
• Signs of overuse or repetitive strain
  

Unlike X-rays (which only show bones), ultrasounds are ideal for diagnosing muscle and tendon injuries, and they don’t involve radiation.

Common Areas Where Muscle Pain Becomes a Problem

At Capri Ultrasound, we frequently scan for pain in areas such as:

• Shoulders – rotator cuff pain, biceps tendon injuries
• Hips and thighs – gluteal tendinopathy, tensor fascia lata (TFL) issues
• Calves and Achilles – post-running pain, tightness or possible tears
• Elbows and forearms – tennis/golfer’s elbow, repetitive strain
• Knees and feet – patellar tendon pain, plantar fascia concerns

We regularly see patients with conditions like:

• Gluteus medius muscle pain
• QL (quadratus lumborum) pain
• TFL and infraspinatus discomfort
• Calf muscle pain after running
• Biceps femoris or hamstring tightness

What Happens During the Scan?

A musculoskeletal ultrasound is quick (usually 10 – 20 minutes), non-invasive and painless, done in real time to assess movement and inflammation, and is performed by trained sonographers with experience in MSK scanning

At Capri Ultrasound, your results are quickly sent to your referring GP, physio, or specialist so you can move forward with the right care plan.

Why Choose Capri Ultrasound?

Choosing where to get your ultrasound for muscle pain matters, not all clinics have expertise in soft tissue injury imaging. At Capri Ultrasound, we specialise in MSK ultrasound, using high-resolution technology and experienced sonographers.

We offer:

• Bulk billing ultrasound for eligible patients
• Fast appointment availability
• Trusted by Gold Coast GPs and specialists
• Clear reporting and referral pathways (we accept all referrals)
• Professional, patient-first care
  

Whether you’re recovering from a training injury, dealing with a work-related strain, or just want peace of mind, we’re here to help you get clear answers.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been pushing through muscle pain and it’s not going away, don’t keep guessing. A quick, non-invasive ultrasound for muscle pain can help identify the problem early and prevent it from becoming a longer-term issue.

Book Your Ultrasound Today

If your muscle pain still hasn’t improved or is starting to interfere with your daily life, it might be time for a scan. 👉 Book your ultrasound for muscle pain at Capri Ultrasound today.