Joint and Muscle Pain Assessment in Malta

Joint, muscle and bone pain can affect daily life in ways that are hard to ignore. From persistent back or shoulder pain, to swollen joints, stiffness, or unexplained aches, getting the right diagnosis early makes all the difference.

At LifeScan, we bring together expert rheumatology assessment and advanced musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging in one coordinated service. This allows us to understand not just where the pain is, but why it is happening — and how best to treat it.

Common Symptoms We Assess

You don’t need to know what the condition is called. These are some of the reasons patients come to us:

Persistent joint pain or stiffness
Swollen, painful or warm joints
Back, neck or shoulder pain
Muscle pain or weakness
Sports or overuse injuries
Suspected arthritis or inflammatory conditions
Reduced mobility or joint function
Pain that has not improved with rest or simple treatment

If pain is ongoing, worsening, or affecting your quality of life, it deserves proper assessment.

Why Combine Rheumatology and MSK Imaging?

Joint and muscle conditions are often complex. Symptoms alone don’t always tell the full story. By combining: Clinical assessment by a consultant rheumatologist, and Targeted MSK imaging performed and reported by a specialist radiologist, we can reach a clearer diagnosis and avoid unnecessary delays, repeat tests, or trial-and-error treatments.

Rheumatology Assessment
Dr Christian Vassallo – Consultant Rheumatologist & Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr Chris Vassallo is a dual-accredited Rheumatologist and Internal Medicine Specialist with over a decade of clinical experience managing joint, autoimmune and musculoskeletal conditions.

Having trained in Malta and the UK, he provides expert care in:
- Inflammatory and degenerative arthritis
- Connective tissue diseases
- Osteoporosis
- Complex musculoskeletal pain

Dr Vassallo also performs joint injections where appropriate and focuses on individualised treatment plans aimed at improving long-term quality of life. Alongside his clinical work at Mater Dei Hospital, he remains active in research and medical education, ensuring patients benefit from up-to-date, evidence-based care.

Musculoskeletal Imaging
Dr Geraldine Dean – Consultant MSK Radiologist

Dr Geraldine Dean is a British-trained, GMC-registered Consultant Radiologist with subspecialty expertise in musculoskeletal imaging.

She graduated from the University of Malta and has over 17 years of experience working in the UK. Her specialist training includes:
- University College Hospital, London
- Yale University Hospital, USA
- Johannesburg Hospital, South Africa

Dr Dean has extensive experience in MRI, CT and ultrasound imaging of:
- Joints and bones
- Muscles and soft tissues
- Rheumatological conditions (including adult and adolescent arthritis)
- Sports and overuse injuries

She also performs ultrasound-guided procedures, including joint injections, aspirations and other image-guided interventions.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr Dean is the Artificial Intelligence Lead for Radiology in Southwest London and an advisor to the Royal College of Radiologists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a rheumatologist?
- No. You can book directly without a referral. If you already have blood tests or scans, bring them with you, but they are not required to book an appointment.

What does a rheumatologist actually treat?
- Rheumatologists diagnose and manage joint, muscle and autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory joint disease, connective tissue disorders, osteoporosis and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

When should joint or muscle pain be checked?
- Pain should be assessed if it lasts more than a few weeks, keeps returning, causes stiffness or swelling, or interferes with daily activities, sleep or work.

What scans are used for joint and muscle pain?
- Depending on symptoms, assessment may include ultrasound, MRI, CT or X-ray. These scans help identify inflammation, arthritis, tendon injuries, soft tissue problems or structural causes of pain.

Is ultrasound or MRI better for joint pain?
- It depends on the problem. Ultrasound is excellent for assessing inflammation, tendons and guided injections. MRI provides detailed images of bones, joints and soft tissues. The appropriate scan is chosen based on clinical findings.

Can arthritis be diagnosed with imaging alone?
- Imaging is important, but diagnosis usually combines clinical assessment, imaging and sometimes blood tests. Imaging helps confirm the diagnosis and assess severity or complications.

Do you offer joint injections?
- Yes. Joint injections can be performed when clinically appropriate and are often done under ultrasound guidance for accuracy and safety.

Can joint and muscle pain be treated without surgery?
- In many cases, yes. Most rheumatological and musculoskeletal conditions are managed with medication, targeted injections, physiotherapy and lifestyle adjustments rather than surgery.

How long does the assessment process take?
- This varies depending on the condition. Some diagnoses can be made after one visit and scan, while others require follow-up or additional tests. The aim is to reach clarity as efficiently as possible.