MRI, Scans and X-rays - Do you need one?
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re nearly ready to book a physiotherapy or osteopathy appointment… but you’ve opened another tab first.
You might be typing things like:
“Should I have an MRI before physio?”
“Do I need an x-ray or scan?”
“Which scan do I need?”
These are sensible questions. And the chances are you're asking them because you've been trying to cope on your own for a long time.
Do I need a scan first?
We've been brought up to believe that a scan equals a diagnosis, and that a diagnosis equals safety.
If your GP has said, “Let’s wait and see,” or you’re on a waiting list for an MRI, it can feel frightening. You might worry that it's risky to do any exercises before you’ve seen inside the joint or spine.
And it's hard to challenge this belief.
But here’s what’s often misunderstood: most musculoskeletal problems are diagnosed clinically, that means through a case history, movement testing and a thorough assessment, not through scans. Or not just through scans.
In fact, MRI findings often show “degenerative changes” in people who have no pain at all. Yes, you read that right. Imaging is helpful in specific situations, but it isn’t the starting point for most back, neck, hip or shoulder issues.
Good news:
Our team are able to work out from your clinical signs and symptoms, and a full assessment, whether you need a scan. If it's safe to treat you we'll start treatment so you can get out of pain and back to your normal activities.
If we think a scan is necessary we can refer you to the GP or privately.
So be reassured that we're able to make this decision for you, you don't have to keep worrying about whether to scan, which scan to have and how to book it. We'll do all that for you.
For more information about osteopathy or physiotherapy follow these links, or call and ask us.
