Location
What's included
✓ Specialist ultrasound assessment
✓ Detailed digital medical report
✓ High-quality diagnostic images
✓ Same-day results
✓ Aftercare + rehabilitation guidance
What is it?
Ultrasound-guided shoulder barbotage is a minimally invasive procedure using real-time ultrasound guidance for improved precision and safer treatment than a “blind” injection.
The carefully guided injection is used to stretch the tight joint capsule, helping to improve movement, reduce stiffness, and restore shoulder function. A corticosteroid injection may also be given to reduce inflammation following treatment.
What can it help to treat?
Frozen shoulder
adhesive capsulitis
It may be helpful if...
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Your symptoms aren't improving with physiotherapy or simple pain relief
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You're experiencing pain affecting sleep or daily activity
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You have restriction in movement
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You’re looking to avoid more invasive procedures or surgery
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You’re in the stiff or freezing phase of frozen shoulder
Common injection sites
Shoulder
Subacromial bursa | Glenohumeral joint | AC joint
If the area you require is not listed, please get in touch. We are happy to advise whether treatment is appropriate.
Trusted specialist care
every step of the way
Procedures are performed by a specialist musculoskeletal (MSK) Consultant Radiologist with extensive experience in ultrasound-guided interventions.
All procedures are performed under real-time ultrasound guidance to maximise accuracy and safety.
A chaperone will be present throughout the appointment.
Dr Rhys Thomas
Consultant Radiologist
MBBCh FRCR
Musculoskeletal imaging
specialist
What to expect
at your appointment
1. Arrival
Convenient visitor parking is available at the rear of the building.
Upon arrival at our clinic on Cathedral Road, you’ll be welcomed into our waiting area by our receptionist, where you can relax while we prepare for your appointment.
2. Meet your specialist
Meet your consultant prior to your injection, and discuss your symptoms or concerns.
This is an opportunity to ask questions and ensure you feel informed and reassured before your treatment.
3. Your treatment
Using advanced, real-time ultrasound imaging, your specialist will guide the injection precisely to the treatment area.
This improves precision and ensures more accurate delivery than a "blind" injection.
4. Aftercare
You will be asked to remain in the clinic for approximately 20–30 minutes after the injection.
You’ll receive personalised aftercare advice and guidance, and if appropriate, ongoing rehabilitation can be arranged through PhysioSpace.
This service is offered on a referral-only basis.
A referral from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional is required prior to booking to ensure that treatment is appropriate and forms part of a safe, structured management plan.
Referrals are accepted from a range of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, general practitioners (GPs), and consultant doctors.
If you do not already have a referral, you can book a physiotherapy assessment with PhysioSpace. If treatment is clinically indicated, they can refer you directly and arrange follow-up and rehabilitation as needed.
How to prepare
for your treatment
Do you have any known allergies?
It's important to let us know before the procedure
Do you have diabetes?
It's important to let us know before the procedure
Do you take blood-thinning medication?
It's important to let us know before the procedure
Have you had a current or recent infection?
It's important to let us know before the procedure
Please let us know in advance if you're pregnant
or may be pregnant
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
which allows us to access the area being treated
You may feel a sensation of pressure or fullness in the shoulder during the injection
You will be encouraged to gently move the shoulder shortly after the procedure
Diabetic or unable to fast?
Please contact the clinic before your appointment so alternative arrangements can be discussed
Aftercare
following your treatment
Many patients experience significant improvement in shoulder movement and reduction in pain following treatment.
You will be asked to remain in the clinic for approximately 20–30 minutes after the injection
to ensure you feel well before leaving
Mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site
common for a few days
You may experience temporary numbness for a few hours
if local anaesthetic is used
You should not drive
immediately after the injection
You may be advised to avoid strenuous activity
for a short period after the injection
Pain may initially increase before improving
Gradual pain relief and improvement in movement may take several days to a few weeks to develop
Physiotherapy is strongly recommended
as an important part of recovery
Seek medical advice if you develop:
increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or worsening pain after the injection
Diabetic or unable to fast?
Please contact the clinic before your appointment so alternative arrangements can be discussed
Testimonials from our patients
Beautiful clinic, friendly staff and immediate results.
My scan really helped put my mind at ease after some worrying symptoms. I voiced my concerns and they got me in immediately for a scan and then went through the results clearly with me in the same appointment.
I like that it wasn't rushed at all and they make sure you understand everything and even send you your results after.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 24 May 2026
My visit to Cardiff Ultrasound Clinic was everything I hoped for from start to finish.
I was looked after by staff extremely well by the friendly, professional and polite staff. Every care was taken to make sure I was comfortable, informed and ultimately reassured. In depth verbal and visual feedback of my conditions were explained in detail and I was encouraged to ask as many questions as I needed.
The clinic itself is immaculate and comfortable and I couldn't have been more happy with my overall experience. Thank you!!!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 11 May 2026
My appointment which was lovely and made me feel really safe and cared for.
The clinic its self is immaculate and nicely decorated which all adds to making what could have been a really stressful process as calm and reassuring as possible.
Everyone I spoke with clearly has a wealth of knowledge and experience. So if you are looking for quick, considered, knowledgeable answers, definitely book with Cardiff Ultrasound Clinic.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 11 May 2026
FAQs
We want you to feel reassured and fully-informed before your appointment. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
In many cases, you do not need a referral to book an ultrasound scan. Cardiff Ultrasound Clinic accepts self-referrals for a wide range of adult examinations.
If you have been referred by your GP, consultant, physiotherapist or other healthcare professional, referrals can be submitted via a form, or emailed to referrals@cardiffultrasound.co.uk.
Specialist referrals are required for all paediatric imaging and injection procedures. If you are unsure whether a referral is required, our clinical team will be happy to advise you before booking to ensure you receive the most appropriate and safe examination.
We aim to offer rapid access to ultrasound imaging, with same-day and next-day appointments often available.
Examinations are delivered in a calm, unhurried clinical environment.
All examinations are performed by consultant radiologists or highly experienced specialist sonographers. See our team →
Scans are carried out by clinicians working within their area of specialist practice. For example, abdominal and hepatobiliary scans are performed by radiologists specialising in gastrointestinal imaging, while musculoskeletal scans are performed by clinicians experienced in MSK imaging.
This specialist-led approach helps ensure focused expertise, accuracy and high-quality reporting.
Findings are explained during your appointment following the scan, allowing you to leave with a clear understanding of the results.
You will also receive a follow-up digital report, including high-resolution images, within 24 hours.
If further assessment or treatment is required, we can help facilitate onward referral to an appropriate specialist.
Ready to book your private scan?
Book online in minutes, or contact us if you’d like help choosing the right scan.