DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

Providing The Most Accurate And Timely Diagnosis

Offering The Latest Technology In Diagnostic Services

VCOM Sports & Osteopathic Medicine of Blacksburg, VA offers the latest technology in diagnostic services to provide patients with the most accurate and timely diagnosis. We perform Digital X Rays, Gait Analysis, Orthopedic Assessment, EMG/NCS and Diagnostic Ultrasounds, also referred to as musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound (MSK ultrasound) and Rehabilitation Ultrasound Imaging.

Ultrasound technology is used to guide therapeutic injections with pinpoint accuracy. The specialized injections can be guided into the joint or the soft tissue in exactly the place they will be most effective, offering patients better outcomes. The ultrasound provides constant visualization so that the doctor can avoid blood vessels or nerves on the way to the target location.

Contact us at
540-232-8405

diagnostic services
diagnostic assessment in Blacksburg va

WHAT IS MSK ULTRASOUND?

We perform diagnostic ultrasounds, such as musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound (MSK ultrasound), in the office to evaluate muscle, tendon, and soft tissue injuries. Our physicians have received additional courses and practical training to meet rigorous guidelines for diagnosing patients using MSK ultrasound.

Ultrasound technology uses high-frequency sound waves transmitted through a handheld instrument called a transducer to examine soft tissue. MSK ultrasound is a noninvasive, radiation-free, external, and painless tool used to visualize real-time images of joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage throughout the body.

At VCOM Sports & Osteopathic Medicine, your doctor may perform an MSK ultrasound during your visit to our clinic to identify and diagnose an injury or the cause of pain. Sometimes pain is generated through the movement of a joint or muscle. The diagnostic ultrasound can provide images during motion which gives your doctor a better understanding of your injury. Diagnostic ultrasound can also be performed throughout the healing process to inform and guide doctors and care teams (physiatrists, physical therapists, massage therapists) towards appropriate treatment options.

A diagnostic ultrasound is a highly effective and economical way to determine the source of pain or evaluate an acute or chronic injury.

Some common conditions that may be evaluated on the diagnostic ultrasound include:

  • Bursitis
  • Rotator cuff tear or shoulder injury
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Knee injuries
  • Ankle sprain
  • Hip injury
  • Fluid buildup

There are many benefits to using ultrasound technology to help diagnose and guide treatment options for patients with acute injuries or chronic conditions.

Some of the benefits of using this technology are:

  • Radiation-free
  • Performed in an open space so no confinement as with other diagnostic tools
  • Real-time images for a faster diagnosis
  • Video imagery
  • Collect images from several viewpoints
  • Visualize more intricate structures and detect anomalies
  • Dynamic imaging – capture images during a movement or a motion that causes pain
  • Create very specific diagnoses to inform and guide treatment
  • Guide therapeutic injections with pinpoint accuracy
  • Improves patient comfort and pain relief

While diagnostic ultrasound technology provides real time images of soft tissues, such as muscles and joints, an x-ray provides images of bone and hard tissue. The combination of these diagnostic services and tools can create a very clear picture of the structures in the body and provide enough detail for your doctor to make a highly accurate diagnosis.

OUR DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

Sports Osteopathic Medicine Clinic VCOMDIGITAL X-RAYS

If you have had imaging such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT in the past 2 years, please bring the images on a flash drive or CD to your appointment. Our doctors may order additional imaging after your evaluation.

Digital X-ray technology is used for a wide variety of orthopedic conditions including:

  • Identify and diagnose fracture or joint dislocation

  • Check alignment of bones

  • Monitor and track progressive diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis

  • Guidance during orthopedic procedures or surgeries

GAIT ANALYSIS

VCOM Sports & Osteopathic Medicine performs gait analysis evaluations to assess the way the body moves by walking from one location to another. The purpose of a gait analysis is to identify any issues or abnormalities during walking that may be indicative of joint problems, visual, somatosensory or vestibular system problems. Unusual walking patterns identified during the gait analysis evaluation can lead to pain in other joints such as the neck, back, hips, knees, ankles and feet. This tool is an excellent, non invasive method of detecting certain medical conditions and can help determine if further testing is required. Gait analysis can be repeated to monitor the progression of certain diseases or conditions.

ORTHOPEDIC ASSESSMENT

Also known as an orthopedic evaluation, an orthopedic assessment is performed at your first appointment and consists of collecting medical history, diagnostic imaging such as digital X-rays, as well as physical tests. This exam helps your orthopedic specialist to consider a wide range of information that is beneficial in determining the best treatment for your musculoskeletal condition.

During the medical history exam, your doctor will learn how long you have had your symptoms, any previous injuries you have had, previous surgeries related or unrelated to your pain and you can describe your pain and how it affects your life. It is important to give as much information as you can so that your orthopedic specialist can consider all possibilities and effective treatment options.

The physical tests performed during this evaluation will aim to gain physical information about your flexibility, range of motion and your reflexes. Your doctor will also examine your joint or area of pain and check for swelling, bruising and alignment. Performing certain motions like bending, walking and going up or down stairs helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

After your orthopedic assessment is complete, your Blacksburg orthopedic specialist will discuss the results of your tests and suggest treatment options and activities that will help get you back on the road to wellness. Call VCOM Sports & Osteopathic Medicine today to begin your journey towards healing at (540) 232-8405.

REHABILITATIVE ULTRASOUND IMAGING (RUSI)

Used primarily as part of a rehabilitation program, the trained therapists at VCOM Sports & Osteopathic Medicine can use Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI) to evaluate muscles and soft tissue changes to help a patient retrain muscles to alleviate chronic pain. Most often used for patients with low back pain, a therapist can visualize a patient’s deep core muscles of the abdomen and lumbar spine region in real time video format. The ability to see these core muscles during movement and the pattern of contractions can help identify the root cause of your low back problems. Once identified, a therapist can give more targeted exercises to help you heal faster and feel better. The combination of RUSI and OMT is generating more successful treatment outcomes and long-term relief of long standing symptoms.