Advice and resources : Tests and scans for joint and muscle problems
How can we help
Ultrasound
Learn how to book an Ultrasound, when to expect your results, and what to do next.
Learn moreBlood test
Learn how to book a blood test, when to expect your results, and what to do next.
Learn moreHow can we help
Ultrasound
Learn how to book an Ultrasound, when to expect your results, and what to do next.
Learn moreBlood test
Learn how to book a blood test, when to expect your results, and what to do next.
Learn moreOverview
Following an assessment by one of our Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners within the Musculoskeletal Community Specialist Service (MSK CSS), we may arrange further investigations to better understand your symptoms.
X-ray
X-rays are used to look through tissue to examine bones, cavities, and foreign objects.
They’re a useful way to identify fractures or joint related pathology, such as osteoarthritis, which may be appropriate for surgery or orthopaedic intervention.
They do involve exposure to a small amount of radiation, so speak to your clinician if you have concerns.
X-ray appointments
X-rays are offered at four sites across Berkshire:
- West Berkshire Community Hospital – no appointment required (same-day X-rays only)
- Royal Berkshire Hospital – appointment only
- Townlands, Henley – appointment only
- Bracknell Healthspace, Brants Bridge – appointment only
To book your appointment, call 0118 322 7991 or use the links below.
Private X-ray appointments
Please let us know if you have already had a private X-ray appointment in the last 6 -12 months for the same problem.
With your consent, we can request these images which may speed up your treatment planning.
Sometimes it might still be necessary to take further X-rays if we need specialist views to provide further information.
X-ray results
After your appointment, your images will be assessed by a Consultant Radiologist.
We receive most results within two weeks.
The clinician who referred you for the X-ray may discuss your results with one of the Orthopaedic Consultants at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
The clinician will contact you to discuss your results and agree on the right treatment plan.
Please wait a minimum of four weeks from the date of your X-ray before calling us with any questions.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI scan uses magnetic and radio waves to produce very clear images of the structure of the body part. This means there is no exposure to any radiation.
They are useful to see if there is any structural cause for symptoms that may treated by surgery, or orthopaedic intervention such as injections.
It is also useful in rare circumstances where serious pathology needs to be ruled out, e.g. cancer, infection, or fractures.
MRI appointments
Routine MRI scan waiting times can vary but most are completed within eight weeks.
The radiology department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital will contact you to arrange this.
You can contact them directly if you have not heard from them.
Call 0118 322 7991
Private MRI appointments
If you have already had imaging in the last 6 -12 months for the same problem privately, please let us know. With your consent, we can request these images which may speed up your treatment planning.
MRI results
Once you have had your scan, the images will be viewed and reported on by a Consultant Radiologist. We receive most results within six weeks.
When we receive your results, the clinician who referred you for the scan will discuss your case and your MRI scan results with one of the Orthopaedic Consultants at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Following this, the clinician will contact you by telephone or letter to discuss your results and agree upon the recommended management/treatment plan.
Until this process has been completed, we can’t give you your MRI results. Please allow a minimum of six weeks from the date of your scan before calling with any queries.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound use high frequency sound waves to look at soft tissue structures.
It is widely used for diagnosing a wide range of vascular or musculoskeletal conditions.
Visit the NHS website for more information about Ultrasound scans.
Ultrasound scan results
Routine ultrasound scan waiting times can vary but most are completed within eight weeks. The radiology department at the Royal Berkshire Hospital will contact you to arrange this.
You can call them if you have not heard from them.
Call 0118 322 7991
Once you have had your scan, the images will be viewed and reported on by a Consultant Radiologist. We receive most results within six weeks.
When we receive your results, the clinician who referred you for the scan will discuss your case and your ultrasound scan results with one of the Orthopaedic Consultants at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
The clinician will contact you to discuss your results and agree on the right treatment plan.
Please wait for a minimum of six weeks from the date of your scan before calling us with any questions.
Blood tests
Following assessment with one of our Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioners (APP) you may be sent for blood tests to further investigate the cause of your symptoms.