Diagnostic Ultrasound at Atomic

Our handheld, high-resolution imaging tool that allows our physical therapists to see soft tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints in real time

Pain, stiffness, or movement limitations can often feel like a game of guesswork. Is it the tendon? The joint? A strain or something more serious? That's where diagnostic ultrasound comes in. At Atomic Physical Therapy, we offer one of the most advanced portable ultrasound devices in the area. Ultrasound appointments can be booked as standalone 25 minute sessions or included as in additional surcharge during a Physical Therapy evaluation.

Unlike traditional medical imaging like MRI or X-ray, the Clarius device shows live movement under the skin, helping diagnose muscle and tendon problems more accurately during a physical exam.

Our ultrasound is specially designed for musculoskeletal imaging, making it ideal for examining:

  • Shoulders (rotator cuff, biceps tendon pain)

  • Ankles (sprains, Achilles pain)

  • Wrists and elbows (tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, climber’s wrist)

  • Fingers (pulley injuries, trigger finger)

  • Knees (patellar tendon, meniscus signs)

  • Feet (plantar fascia, stress reactions)

  • Bursitis (Baker’s cyst, shoulder bursitis, etc.)

That means runners, climbers, skiers, and everyday active people can finally see what’s really happening in the joint or tissue that’s been bothering them.

What is Ultrasound and what can it help treat?

Book a discovery call to find out more about what our diagnostic ultrasound can do for you

What to expect during an Ultrasound session

  • 1. Focused Assessment First

    Every ultrasound session starts with a targeted clinical assessment so imaging is guided by your symptoms, goals, and movement patterns. Ultrasound can be booked as a standalone 25-minute session or added as an upgrade during a Physical Therapy evaluation.

  • 2. Real-Time Imaging While You Move

    Using a handheld probe and a small amount of gel, your therapist visualizes muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints in real time. Unlike traditional imaging, we can assess tissues dynamically, meaning you may be asked to move or load the area so we can see exactly how it behaves.

  • 3. Clear Answers and Education

    You won’t just see images. You’ll understand what they mean. Your therapist explains findings on the screen so you leave with clarity about your injury, healing stage, and next steps.

  • 4. A Plan Built Around Your Goals

    Following imaging, we outline personalized recommendations that may include rehab strategies, load management, or continued Physical Therapy care. Ultrasound is non-invasive and radiation-free, so there’s no downtime and you can return to activity right away.

  • Real-time answers without the guesswork. Ultrasound lets us visualize tendons, ligaments, joints, and soft tissue live during movement, helping identify the true source of pain instead of relying on assumptions.

  • Faster diagnosis and treatment planning in one visit. Instead of waiting weeks for referrals or imaging appointments, you get clarity, education, and a customized rehab plan immediately.

  • Dynamic imaging that shows how your body actually moves. Unlike static imaging, ultrasound allows stress testing and movement assessment to evaluate joint stability and tissue behavior in real time.

  • More accurate assessment of tendon and ligament injuries. Ultrasound helps distinguish between strain, tendinopathy, tears, or healing changes so rehab can be targeted and progressive rather than generic.

  • Radiation-free and athlete-friendly imaging. It’s safe, portable, and ideal for runners, climbers, and active adults who want answers without unnecessary exposure or delays.

  • Improved return-to-sport decision making. By tracking tissue healing and load tolerance over time, ultrasound helps guide progression back to climbing, running, and training with confidence.

  • Especially powerful for sport-specific injuries. From AC joint instability to finger pulley tears and overuse tendon injuries, ultrasound provides clarity where traditional imaging may miss key soft-tissue details.

  • Education that empowers you to understand your injury. Seeing your injury on screen improves patient understanding and engagement, making rehab decisions clearer and more actionable.

Benefits of Atomic DIagnostic Ultrasound

Unlike traditional imaging, which is often expensive, slow, and requires extra appointments, our ultrasound sessions give you clarity and a personalized rehabilitation program all in one place. Whether you're dealing with stubborn Achilles pain, nagging shoulder tightness, or a new-onset knee issue, our Clarius tool can pinpoint what’s happening and accelerate your recovery. Contact Atomic Physical Therapy to schedule a consultation and start your journey to improved health, pain relief, and recovery.

Discover the Diagnostic Power of Atomic Ultrasound

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