Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound in Toronto & the GTA
A scan of tendons, muscles and joints, done while you move so we can see how they work.
At a glance
- How long
- About 20 to 45 minutes depending on the exam
- How to prepare
- See the steps below
- Cost
- Covered by OHIP With a requisition. Without OHIP from $80
- Results
- 24 to 48 hours Report sent to your doctor
A musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound is a scan of the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. It uses sound waves to make live pictures, so the sonographer can watch a tendon or joint while you move it. It is often used for the shoulder, knee, wrist, ankle and heel. There is no radiation and usually no preparation.
Your doctor, nurse practitioner or another licensed provider orders it on a requisition. They will explain what the report means for you.
Areas we commonly scan
- Shoulder, including the rotator cuff tendons
- Elbow, wrist and hand, including the wrist for carpal tunnel
- Hip, groin and the abdominal wall, for example for a hernia
- Knee, calf, ankle, Achilles tendon and foot, including the plantar fascia
- Lumps and soft tissue under the skin
How to prepare
- No preparation is needed. You can eat, drink and take your medication as usual.
- Wear loose clothing that lets us reach the area easily, for example a tank top for a shoulder or shorts for a knee. You may be asked to change into a gown.
What happens at your appointment
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early with your health card and your signed requisition.
- You sit or lie down, depending on the area. The sonographer puts gel on the skin.
- A small probe moves over the area. You may be asked to move the joint, tighten a muscle or change position so the sonographer can see it working.
- Tell the sonographer if a position is painful. They can adjust.
- When it is done you wipe off the gel and carry on with your day.
- A radiologist reads your images. Your results are sent securely to your referring provider, who will review them with you.
How long: About 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the exam.
Cost and OHIP coverage
With a valid Ontario health card and a requisition, this exam is covered by OHIP. There is no charge for the exam, the report or your images.
Without OHIP, Bluewater's cash fee schedule lists most MSK ultrasounds, such as the shoulder, knee, wrist or ankle, at $80 for one side or $150 for both sides, per area, as of October 2026. The full list of self-pay prices is on our Insurance & Billing page.
Where to have it done
Belleville lists MSK ultrasound. To check whether a clinic closer to you does MSK ultrasound, call 416-462-0064.
Common questions
Can an ultrasound show a torn tendon?
Ultrasound is one of the tests doctors use to look at tendons, and it can show swelling, thickening and tears. A radiologist reads the images and sends a report to your doctor, who explains what the findings mean for you.
Ultrasound or X-ray for a sports injury?
They show different things. An X-ray shows bones, and an ultrasound shows soft tissue such as tendons, muscles and ligaments. Your doctor decides which test fits your injury, and sometimes orders both.
What should I wear for an MSK ultrasound?
Wear loose clothing that makes the area easy to reach, like a tank top for a shoulder or shorts for a knee. You may be asked to change into a gown. There is usually no other preparation.
Is an MSK ultrasound covered by OHIP?
Yes, with a valid Ontario health card and a requisition. Without OHIP, Bluewater's self-pay price for most MSK areas is $80 for one side or $150 for both sides, as of October 2026.