Diagnostic ultrasound is the use of sound waves which are transmitted into the body’s tissues using a handheld probe on the surface of the skin. Gel is applied to the surface of the skin as a contact medium. The soundwaves are bounced back from the body’s tissues into the probe and are used to create a picture. This image shows changes within the tissues in the body, i.e. any bony changes, tears in muscles, tears in ligaments and fluid (effusion) can be seen very clearly on the image that is produced on the screen. It is a very safe, non-invasive form of imaging. There is no radiation, as you would have with x-ray, and the ultrasound can be used for dynamic scanning. This means that the patient can move the body parts and locate the area of their pain symptoms as the clinicians scans them.