Muscle Ultrasound

Also known as: skeletal muscle ultrasound, musculoskeletal ultrasound

What is a muscle ultrasound?

Ultrasound is a medical imaging technology that produces a picture of the inside of the body using sound waves. In the case of a muscle ultrasound, it is used to produce pictures of the tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves and joints to look for sprains, strains and other problems.

What happens during the procedure?

A special gel is placed on the patient’s skin before the muscle ultrasound occurs. Then an ultrasound wand known as a transducer is moved around the skin in order to produce the images of the inside of the body.

Is any special preparation needed?

In some cases, the patient may need to avoid eating and drinking beforehand, as well as not wear jewelry during the test. The patient should also wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the exam.