Diagnostic ultrasound may help evaluate certain joint, tendon, ligament, muscle, nerve, foot, abdominal wall, hernia-related, and pelvic-region pain patterns.
Learn how we use diagnostic ultrasound to evaluate muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints, helping identify the source of pain and guide personalized treatment.
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One of the tools we use most often to understand pain and injury is diagnostic ultrasound.
Diagnostic ultrasound is a type of imaging that uses sound waves to create real-time pictures of what’s happening inside the body. It allows us to see structures like muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints while they move.
One of the big advantages of ultrasound is that it’s non-invasive, painless, and does not use radiation.
What makes ultrasound especially helpful is that it lets us examine an injury dynamically. In other words, we can look at the tissue while you move, not just while you’re lying still. That often gives us a much clearer understanding of what’s actually causing pain.
In many cases, ultrasound can be very accurate for diagnosing soft tissue injuries, like rotator cuff problems, tendon injuries, or conditions such as tennis elbow.
Another benefit is that the results are available immediately. During the exam, we can show you the images and explain what we’re seeing, and we can begin discussing possible treatment options right away.
The procedure itself is painless and straightforward.. You’ll lie comfortably while a small amount of gel is placed on the skin over the area we’re examining. I then move a handheld probe over that area, which creates the images on a screen.
Most ultrasound exams take about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the area we’re evaluating. There’s no recovery time afterward, so you can go right back to your normal activities.
At Manhattan Pain Medicine, diagnostic ultrasound is an important part of how we evaluate injuries and develop a treatment plan. It helps us understand the problem clearly so we can choose the most effective approach for each patient.
Diagnostic ultrasound is an imaging tool that uses sound waves to view certain soft tissue structures in real time. In pain medicine, it may help evaluate joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, superficial soft tissue changes, foot pain, abdominal wall pain, hernia-related pain, and selected pelvic-region pain patterns.
At Manhattan Pain Medicine, diagnostic ultrasound is used as part of a diagnosis-first evaluation, not as a standalone answer for every pain condition. It can provide useful information when symptoms require targeted, dynamic, anatomy-specific, or procedure-planning assessment, but it does not replace clinical evaluation or other imaging when needed.
MPM specialists use diagnostic ultrasound to help clarify selected pain generators when the clinical picture supports it. This may include tendon pain, ligament injury, joint irritation, chronic sprain, nerve entrapment, foot pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, abdominal wall pain, hernia-related pain, or superficial pelvic-region pain patterns.
Ultrasound findings are interpreted in context with symptoms, exam findings, prior imaging, medical history, functional limitations, and treatment goals. The goal is not simply to perform another test, but to determine whether ultrasound can help refine diagnosis, guide care decisions, or support safer and more accurate procedure planning.
Diagnostic ultrasound can be especially useful when pain changes with movement, pressure, position, or specific activity. Unlike static imaging, ultrasound allows the clinician to view certain structures in real time and, in some cases, assess how tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, nerves, or soft tissue structures behave during motion.
This can be helpful for patients with persistent pain after prior X-rays, MRI, CT, physical therapy, injections, or specialist visits, especially when the pain source remains unclear. Ultrasound may support evaluation of tendinopathy, chronic sprain, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, foot pain, Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, peripheral nerve entrapment, slipping rib syndrome, abdominal wall pain, hernia-related pain, or selected pelvic-region symptoms. At MPM, ultrasound is used within a broader diagnostic framework. Some conditions still require MRI, CT, X-ray, EMG, lab work, vascular imaging, rheumatology care, neurology care, pelvic specialty evaluation, or surgical assessment.
Diagnostic ultrasound may support several MPM Zones of Expertise, including Complex Chronic Pain, Hypermobility, Autoimmune and Inflammatory pain, Musculoskeletal issues, and Pelvic Pain. In musculoskeletal care, ultrasound may help evaluate selected tendon, ligament, muscle, joint, and soft tissue pain patterns. In hypermobility-related pain, it may help assess certain dynamic or soft tissue contributors when clinically relevant. In autoimmune or inflammatory pain, ultrasound may help identify selected joint or tendon findings that require broader clinical interpretation.
For pelvic-region, abdominal wall, hernia-related, foot, ankle, shoulder, hip, knee, or nerve entrapment symptoms, ultrasound may help clarify whether a superficial structural or soft tissue pain generator is involved. MPM uses ultrasound selectively, as part of a coordinated diagnostic plan rather than as a replacement for deeper medical evaluation.
During a diagnostic ultrasound exam, a clinician applies gel to the skin and uses a handheld probe to view selected structures. The exam may focus on a joint, tendon, ligament, muscle, nerve, soft tissue area, foot or ankle region, abdominal wall, hernia-related area, or superficial pelvic-region concern depending on the symptoms. In some cases, the patient may be asked to move, change position, or reproduce a symptom while the area is viewed in real time.
Diagnostic ultrasound does not use radiation and is usually well tolerated. Some patients may feel mild pressure from the probe, especially over a painful area. After the exam, MPM reviews findings in the context of symptoms and clinical goals. If ultrasound does not explain the pain, additional imaging or specialist evaluation may still be needed.
I cannot say enough good things about Manhattan Pain Medicine. From the moment I walked in, I felt truly cared for and taken seriously. Dr. Nino Mikaberidze, Director of Rheumatology, is exceptional — knowledgeable, compassionate, and incredibly thorough. She takes the time to listen, explains every...
The best care I've received as a chronic pain patient. I traveled from out of state to visit Manhattan Pain Medicine because I could not find knowledgeable doctors in my hometown for my hypermobility, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome symptoms and comorbidities. Let me tell you, it was worth every travel e...
I was injured in a bicycle accident over 8 years ago. I’ve suffered throughout the years since my accident with nothing seeming to work. PT, Yoga, lifestyle changes, NOTHNG! I finally made an appointment with Dr Kane and I’m feeling an improvement in my life. I no longer stay up all night in pain, a...
One of the best experiences, if not the best, I have ever had at the doctor’s office. From the front desk to the nurses to the PA assisting the doctor this was a great experience. Dr.Nino actually listened to me and came up with a game plan. Would recommend this practice to as many people as I could...
I have very unique & severe nerve pain from CRPS which has no known specific cure. Dr. Siefferman has a huge tool box, far greater than the other 23 Drs. I have seen. He saved me from jumping off a bridge and continues to help me with both treatments and advice. Dr. S. is in a different league!
After two years of searching and feeling lost and let down, I finally found real help at Manhattan Pain Medicine. With Dr. Siefferman, Adam Rosenberg, Dr. Mikaberidze, and the whole team, I feel heard, supported and understood. Every symptom is being considered and I’m finally getting answers with m...
Why is Dr Dr. Tayyaba Ahmed one of the top pevic Floor specialists - 1- She wants to know a full history of what led the patient to get to this point. 2 - She listens intensley to the patient 3- She does not rush you 4- Extremely skilled at giving pelvic floor injections 5- I thank my luck stars she...
The staff was friendly and helpful. Dr. Siefferman was thoughtful, listened, asked questions and proposed simple safe ways to come to further conclusions regarding my pain and discomfort. The office staff including Dr. Siefferman is responsive even after the initial in-person visit. Very pleased.
Dr. Siefferman is a brilliant provider. While my pain is still a work in progress, Dr Siefferman always gives me options and explains his reasoning behind things. He listens to my feedback and concerns. I never feel rushed; and am grateful he works to meet me where I am. I highly recommend him.
What a great find! They listen to me, I listen to them and the diagnosis is made and a plan developed to develop an approach to treat all of my chronic pain. I wish I could have discovered this type of treatment sooner. This doctor and group give me hope.
Diagnostic ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to view certain structures inside the body in real time. In pain medicine, it may help evaluate selected joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, soft tissue structures, foot pain, abdominal wall pain, hernia-related pain, or superficial pelvic-region pain patterns. It does not use radiation. At MPM, diagnostic ultrasound is used as part of a broader diagnosis-first evaluation, not as a standalone answer for every pain condition.
In pain medicine, diagnostic ultrasound may help identify or clarify certain pain generators, especially when symptoms involve soft tissue, tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, superficial nerves, or movement-related pain. It can also help with procedure planning before ultrasound-guided injections. MPM uses ultrasound when it may add useful clinical information based on the patient’s symptoms, exam findings, prior imaging, and treatment goals. Some pain conditions still require MRI, CT, X-ray, EMG, lab work, or specialist evaluation.
Diagnostic ultrasound may help evaluate selected musculoskeletal, soft tissue, nerve, foot, abdominal wall, hernia-related, and pelvic-region pain concerns. This may include tendinopathy, chronic sprain, shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, joint irritation, ligament injury, Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, peripheral nerve entrapment, slipping rib syndrome, abdominal wall pain, and some superficial hernia-related pain patterns. It may also support evaluation before ultrasound-guided injections. Its usefulness depends on the suspected diagnosis and anatomy involved.
Yes, ultrasound can help evaluate certain tendon, ligament, and muscle problems, especially when the structures are accessible and the symptoms match the area being examined. It may help identify tendinopathy, tears, inflammation, fluid, scarring, or movement-related changes in selected cases. However, not every injury is best evaluated by ultrasound. Some deep structures or complex injuries may require MRI, CT, X-ray, or specialist evaluation. MPM selects imaging based on the suspected pain generator and clinical context.
Diagnostic ultrasound may help evaluate certain superficial nerve entrapments or nerve-related pain patterns, such as peripheral nerve entrapment, cubital tunnel syndrome, peroneal nerve entrapment, Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or cluneal neuralgia in selected cases. It may show nerve enlargement, compression, irritation, or surrounding soft tissue factors. However, ultrasound does not replace EMG, nerve conduction studies, MRI, neurological evaluation, or other testing when those are needed. MPM interprets ultrasound findings within the full clinical picture.
Yes, ultrasound may help evaluate selected foot and ankle pain patterns, including Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia, tarsal tunnel syndrome, tendon pain, ligament injury, bursitis, soft tissue irritation, or nerve entrapment. It can also help guide certain injections when appropriate. Foot pain can also come from fracture, arthritis, inflammatory disease, vascular issues, spine-related nerve pain, or systemic conditions, so ultrasound may not be the only test needed. MPM determines the appropriate evaluation based on symptoms and exam findings.
Diagnostic ultrasound may help evaluate selected abdominal wall or hernia-related pain patterns, especially when symptoms are superficial, position-dependent, or related to movement, pressure, or straining. It may be useful for suspected hernia pain, abdominal wall soft tissue concerns, or certain nerve entrapment patterns. It does not replace surgical evaluation, CT, MRI, GI evaluation, pelvic evaluation, or emergency care when symptoms suggest a deeper or urgent condition. Severe abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, bowel changes, or rapidly worsening symptoms should be evaluated promptly.
Ultrasound may help evaluate selected superficial pelvic-region or musculoskeletal contributors to pelvic pain, but it does not diagnose every pelvic pain condition. Pelvic pain can involve pelvic floor dysfunction, pudendal neuralgia, endometriosis, vascular compression syndromes, urologic conditions, gynecologic conditions, gastrointestinal issues, nerve pain, or musculoskeletal contributors. MPM may use ultrasound when a targeted soft tissue, nerve, joint, or procedure-planning question is present. Other imaging, pelvic specialty evaluation, or medical workup may still be needed.
Ultrasound provides real-time imaging and can be useful for evaluating certain tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, superficial nerves, and soft tissue structures. It can also be used dynamically during movement and may support guided procedures. MRI provides a different level of detail for many deep structures, joints, spine conditions, bone marrow, complex soft tissue problems, and internal anatomy. One test is not always better than the other. MPM selects imaging based on the suspected diagnosis and clinical question.
Diagnostic ultrasound is usually well tolerated. The exam uses a handheld probe and gel placed on the skin. Some patients may feel mild pressure, especially if the probe is placed over a painful or sensitive area. In dynamic ultrasound, the clinician may ask the patient to move or change position, which may reproduce symptoms. MPM adjusts the exam based on patient tolerance and uses the information to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
No. Diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation. This makes it different from X-ray or CT imaging. It can be useful for real-time assessment of selected soft tissue, joint, tendon, ligament, muscle, and nerve-related pain patterns. However, the lack of radiation does not mean ultrasound is the right test for every condition. Some symptoms still require MRI, CT, X-ray, vascular imaging, EMG, lab work, or specialist evaluation.
Yes. One advantage of diagnostic ultrasound is that it can be used dynamically while a patient moves, changes position, or recreates certain symptoms. This may help evaluate selected tendon, ligament, muscle, joint, nerve, or soft tissue problems that are more noticeable during motion. Dynamic ultrasound can be especially useful when pain occurs with specific activities or positions. MPM uses this feature when it is relevant to the suspected diagnosis and safe for the patient.
Yes. Ultrasound can be used to guide certain injections by helping the clinician visualize selected tissues, nearby structures, blood vessels, nerves, joints, tendons, or soft tissue targets in real time. This may support more accurate placement when an ultrasound-guided injection is clinically appropriate. Diagnostic ultrasound may also help determine whether an injection is reasonable in the first place. MPM uses ultrasound guidance selectively based on diagnosis, target anatomy, safety, and treatment goals.
MRI, CT, X-ray, EMG, lab work, vascular imaging, neurological evaluation, rheumatology evaluation, pelvic specialty evaluation, or surgical evaluation may still be needed when ultrasound cannot answer the clinical question. Ultrasound is limited for many deep spine conditions, intracranial disorders, Chiari malformation, CSF outflow obstruction, jugular stenosis, tethered cord, complex pelvic organ disease, autoimmune disease, and vascular compression syndromes. Urgent evaluation is needed for sudden severe headache, new neurological deficits, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, bowel or bladder dysfunction, fever, major trauma, infection signs, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Before care begins, our team helps patients understand the practical side of treatment, including insurance verification, out-of-network benefits, cost-share estimates, self-pay options, and billing questions. We believe patients should have as much clarity as possible before moving forward.
Diagnostic ultrasound is a real-time imaging tool that uses sound waves to view selected structures beneath the skin. In pain medicine, it may help evaluate certain joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, soft tissue structures, foot and ankle problems, abdominal wall pain, hernia-related pain, and superficial pelvic-region pain patterns.
At Manhattan Pain Medicine (MPM), diagnostic ultrasound NYC care is part of discovery-led, diagnosis-first pain evaluation. It is not used as a standalone answer for every pain condition. Instead, it is used when the clinical question fits what ultrasound can evaluate and when the findings may help guide treatment decisions.
Many patients seek diagnostic ultrasound after persistent pain has not improved with physical therapy, medication, injections, prior imaging, or specialist care. Some have had normal or inconclusive X-rays, MRI, CT, or nerve studies but still have symptoms that seem tied to movement, pressure, position, or a specific soft tissue structure.
Diagnostic ultrasound may help assess selected pain generators in real time. This can include tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, superficial nerves, soft tissue masses, fluid collections, bursae, or areas of irritation. It may also help compare anatomy during movement, which can be useful when pain changes with activity.
Ultrasound is different from MRI, CT, and X-ray. X-ray is useful for many bone and joint alignment questions. CT can provide detailed bone and structural imaging. MRI can evaluate many deep structures, joints, soft tissues, nerves, discs, and internal anatomy. Ultrasound is often strongest for real-time, high-resolution evaluation of accessible soft tissue structures and dynamic movement.
Because each test answers different questions, ultrasound should be chosen based on the suspected diagnosis. For example, ultrasound may help evaluate tendinopathy, chronic sprain, shoulder impingement, Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or superficial nerve entrapment in selected cases. MRI or CT may be needed for deeper joint, spine, pelvic, abdominal, or neurological concerns.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound may help evaluate joint, tendon, ligament, and muscle pain in selected areas. This may include shoulder impingement, frozen shoulder, hip or knee pain, meniscal or labral concerns where appropriate, patellofemoral knee pain, scapular dyskinesia, tendinopathy, chronic sprain, TFCC injury, slipping rib syndrome, or soft tissue pain after injury.
Ultrasound can also help evaluate certain inflammatory findings, such as joint fluid or synovial changes, when clinically relevant. However, autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s, vasculitis, and undifferentiated connective tissue disease require broader medical evaluation. Ultrasound may support the picture, but it does not replace rheumatology care, lab work, or systemic assessment.
Diagnostic ultrasound may help evaluate selected nerve-related pain patterns, including peripheral nerve entrapment, peroneal nerve entrapment, cubital tunnel syndrome, Morton’s neuroma, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or cluneal neuralgia. It may show certain nerve changes or surrounding soft tissue factors, but EMG, nerve conduction studies, MRI, or neurological evaluation may still be needed.
For foot pain, ultrasound may help assess soft tissue, tendon, ligament, nerve, or neuroma-related concerns. For abdominal wall pain, it may help evaluate selected hernia-related pain patterns, sports hernia concerns, abdominal wall structures, or superficial nerve entrapment when clinically appropriate. For pelvic-region pain, ultrasound may help answer targeted musculoskeletal or superficial soft tissue questions, but it does not replace evaluation for pelvic floor dysfunction, pudendal neuralgia, endometriosis, vascular compression syndromes, urologic conditions, gynecologic conditions, or gastrointestinal causes.
One of ultrasound’s strengths is dynamic evaluation. The clinician may observe certain structures while the patient moves, changes position, or reproduces a symptom. This can be useful when pain occurs only during activity or when static imaging does not fully explain the complaint.
Ultrasound may also support procedure planning. Before ultrasound-guided injections, it can help identify anatomy, nearby nerves, blood vessels, soft tissue structures, or target areas. During selected procedures, ultrasound guidance may help improve needle placement and procedural safety. MPM uses this selectively when it fits the diagnosis and treatment goal.
Diagnostic ultrasound is operator-dependent and should always be interpreted in clinical context. It cannot diagnose every pain condition. It is not definitive for many deep spine conditions, intracranial pressure disorders, Chiari malformation, CSF outflow obstruction, jugular stenosis, tethered cord, complex pelvic organ disease, autoimmune disease, or vascular compression syndromes. Additional imaging, lab work, vascular studies, EMG, specialist evaluation, or emergency care may be needed.
Patients should seek urgent evaluation for sudden severe headache, new neurological deficits, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, bowel or bladder dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, fever, unexplained weight loss, major trauma, severe swelling, suspected infection, loss of pulses, rapidly worsening weakness, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
For selected patients, diagnostic ultrasound can be a valuable part of pain evaluation. MPM’s role is to determine when ultrasound can answer the right clinical question and how the findings should guide the next step in coordinated care.
