Shoulder pain in Sonologists – Can it be prevented- By Dr. K. Sai Prajwal Reddy , Consultant Arthroscopy, ONUS Robotic Hospitals
75.8% of sonographers suffer shoulder pain from scanning. Learn causes (90° arm abduction, 20kg probe force), prevention (30° rule, palmar grip), exercises. Ortho-One Coimbatore treats sonologist MSDs.
75.8% of sonographers experience musculoskeletal pain and 60% of the pain affects shoulders. A 2024 meta-analysis of 13,000+ practitioners confirmed that sonography ranks among highest-risk professions for work-related shoulder injuries.
(Causes more pressure on shoulder)
Why do sonologists develop shoulder pain?
Sonography demands holding the arm high for hours, pressing hard with the probe and staying frozen in a position that reduces blood flow to shoulder muscles.
Most common shoulder injuries
- Supraspinatus tendinopathy (most common)
● Subacromial bursitis
- Bicipital tenosynovitis
As we age, shoulder tendons become weaker and get less blood flow making sonologists get injured faster during scans.
: Rotator cuff tendon degeneration in sonographers
3 reasons why sonologists get shoulder pain
| Mechanism | Scan Trigger | Force Generated |
| Arm Abduction (arm is elevated) | Reaching across patient | 90°+ shoulder strain |
| Probe Pressure (heavy pressing) | Obese patients | Normal scans – 4kg pressure → difficult patients – 20kg force |
| Static Posture (no movement) | 4+ hour shifts | Muscle ischemia (Muscles are starved) |
What are the top risk factors for sonologists?
- Ergonomic: The couch may be too far and the monitor height not placed ideally.
- Grip: Pinch grip vs palmar grip. A pinch grip uses the tips of the fingers and thumb for precision offering low power. A palmar grip wraps all fingers around the object for strength and stability.
- Volume: Scanning daily for over 4 hours( Avoid continous sitting for more than 1 hour , take stretching breaks atleast 1 for every hour for 5 minutes )
- Personal: women sonologists with a higher BMI and low scapular strength are higher at risk for shoulder pain
How to prevent it.
Here are sonographer ergonomics that can prevent shoulder pain in sonologists.
Fix the equipment
– Get height adjustable chairs and consoles for a neutral shoulder.
– Get forearm and elbow supposts to reduce muscle activity by 30-50%.
– Get monitors placed at eye-level to prevent neck compensation.
-Use narrow couch for the patient that prevents reaching out for scans.
Change your technique
– Use the palmar grip by using all your fingers and the palm, with light pressure, while holding the instrument.
– Use ambidextrous scanning by alternating hands during the scans.
– Take micro-breaks and rest the working forearm after each measurement.
Reduce doing scans reaching across , never hesitate or be lazy to switch sides and switch hands whenever needed that reduces the strain on shoulder and reduces impingement.
Shoulder strengthening exercises for sonographers.
Exercises to be done daily before starting the work
Try this daily 5-minute exercise routine
- Scapular retraction – 3×15
- External rotation – 3×12
- Dynamic warm-up – 2×20
Try this stretches between scans every 1 hour:
Consult a doctor if:
- Knee pain lasts more than 2 weeks
- Pain interferes with daily activities
- Swelling develops
- Movement becomes difficult
- Pain worsens over time
Early treatment can delay or avoid surgery.
Stretches to be done between scans
When to seek help for shoulder pain?
Get an immediate orthopaedic consultation when you notice these red flags.
- You have pain at night for more than 2 weeks.
- You are unable to hold the probe anymore
- The pain is affecting the quality of the scan.
An early intervention prevents frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis.
For Appointments:
Dr.K.Sai Prajwal Reddy, Robotic Orthopedic Surgeon
ONUS Robotic Hospitals – Hyderabad
👉 link: contact-us or book-appointment
