How important is an MRI?

“Do I need an MRI?”

“How will you know whats wrong without an MRI?”

I get this question all the time. And it’s a good one.

But here are some factors to consider regarding imaging (MRI’s):

1.     Its impossible to know if the image findings are whats actually causing your pain. Take this scenario for example. Your knee hurts, you get an MRI which reveals a meniscus tear so you opt to get surgery. Months after the surgery, the pain is still there. Now what?

2.     Its impossible to know when the findings on the MRI took place. Sure, your pain started 2 months ago and now the MRI reveals a tear, so it must be because of that right? But what if the tear was there a year or two ago? It very well could have been.

3.     What if you don’t have pain but your MRI findings show a problem? Do you listen to your body or the MRI? If you’re over the age of 35, theres a good chance you probably have wear and tear changes throughout your body.

Ulimately, a physical therapist will usually go with a functional movement screen as their measure of progress. Meaning, progress is measured by how well you can move and achieve your goals.

Of course there are times to get an MRI. Sudden onset of weakness or a possible bucket handle tear of your meniscus. But there are very few scenarios where an MRI is needed before starting physical therapy.

Your body is resilient, it heals, and its adaptable. Let your body speak for itself and give it the right circumstances to get better instead of letting an MRI hold you back