In order to confirm your diagnosis and ensure the most appropriate course of treatment for your specific need, diagnostic imaging may be required. If this is the case, the practitioners at Formula Health will be able to advise on the most suitable type of imaging and can arrange for your scan directly without the need for a GP referral.

Ultrasound scans can be conducted by our in-house sonographer whereas MRI referrals will be sent to our local imaging partners.

At Formula Health, we aim to take the hassle and delay out of diagnostic imaging by improving access to high quality care and efficient health services.

What is a diagnostic ultrasound scan?

Ultrasound scan provides accurate diagnosis of soft tissue injuries around the joints; therefore, it is an essential addition to traditional physiotherapy assessment and treatment. Ultrasound musculoskeletal imaging has an increasingly important place in diagnosing, investigating and managing a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders. Ultrasound scans can help diagnose soft tissue injuries like rotator cuff tears or bursitis in shoulder, tennis elbow, hamstring injuries, tendon, or joint related dysfunctions. We offer Ultrasound guided injections to help alleviate pain.

Your Care Pathway with us:

• To book an appointment call reception at 0118 418 1825, email info@formulahealth.co.uk or book online.
• Your appointment will consist of an MSK examination and detailed MSK ultrasound scan.
• Followed by a discussion of your treatment plan; Treatment plan may include advanced treatments such as cortisone/steroid injections, Ostenil Plus (Hyaluronic Acid), or conservative management like Osteopathy, shockwave therapy, massage, acupuncture.

Why book for Diagnostic Ultrasound scan?

Diagnostic Ultrasound has been widely used in clinics in recent years to ensure the correct diagnosis is made at your initial assessment.

Clinicians use diagnostic ultrasound because of many reasons. These include:

• Improved technology and image quality (for many conditions it is equal to MRI in diagnostic accuracy)
• Patient safety (non-invasive, no radiation, painless procedure)
• Results immediately available which can be considered alongside your physical assessment
• Dynamic scanning (scanning whilst patient performs movement) and comparison with the asymptomatic side
• Sequential assessment of healing, e.g., muscle tear
• Ultrasound guided procedures e.g., steroid or hyaluronic acid.
• Cost effective. Ultrasound is less expensive than most alternative forms of imaging such as MRI & CT scans.

What is an MRI scan?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues inside the body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safer option for certain patients.

It is commonly used to diagnose conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, joints, muscles, and internal organs. The procedure involves lying inside a large tube-like machine, which scans the body usually taking between 15 to 30 minutes.

How do I get a referral for an MRI scan?

You do not need a GP referral for an MRI scan. Our Osteopaths at Formula Health are able to refer you directly to our imaging partners via our practitioner referral portal. Once a Formula Health practitioner has processed the electronic paper work, the imaging centre will contact you directly to arrange a convenient date and time for your scan. Following your MRI appointment your dignostic imaging and radiographer report will be released to your pratitioner, who will go through this with you during an appointment along with discussing the most appropriate action plan required for your specific needs.