MRI imaging is relatively common in the physiotherapy world. Countless physiotherapists use MRI imaging to help diagnose specific ailments and examine damaged or irritated joints, tissues, bones, and more. However, physiotherapists only use MRI imaging in specific situations, leaving many patients wondering when the process is necessary during evaluation.
Fortunately, this Vaughan Physiotherapy practice, Premier Spine and Sport Rehabilitation and Wellness, put together a guide to teach you about MRI imaging and when it’s required to treat medical conditions during the evaluation process.
Premier Spine and Sport is a team of experienced physiotherapists dedicated to improving their patients’ quality of life. We help people overcome their ailments and injuries through running therapy, advanced technology, and other medical treatments. Our team will help restore your vigor so you can live life to the fullest virtually pain-free.
What is MRI Imaging?
MRI imaging allows physiotherapists to view detailed pictures of your body’s internal structure. They help medical experts analyze a person’s bones, tissue, muscles, and more to understand their patient’s ailment or injury better. Sports medicine experts and physiotherapists also use MRI imaging to rule out potential causes of a patient’s pain or discomfort.
However, physiotherapists don’t use MRI imaging to evaluate or diagnose every ailment or injury. They assess and treat most patients without diagnostic test results and usually use the MRI as just a piece of the diagnostic puzzle.
MRI imaging alone doesn’t affect the therapist’s prescribed exercises or treatment plan. It’s just a tool to help medical professionals better understand specific issues affecting a patient.
MRI imaging also helps uncover medical problems and injuries within asymptomatic patients (people suffering from an injury or condition without experiencing symptoms). Many patients don’t realize they have an injury or physical ailment until they receive an MRI imaging scan.
When is MRI Imaging Necessary During a Physiotherapy Session?
Many physiotherapists utilize MRI imaging when a patient’s recovery process stalls or regresses. They examine the affected area and the surrounding region to see how the problem affects the sector. An MRI helps physiotherapists analyze the issue and understand how to treat the ailment or injury efficiently.
Another reason physiotherapists use MRI imaging is to confirm a hypothesis that may require surgery. They assess the patient’s MRI images, medical history, recent test results, and more to see if surgery is a viable option.
What Are Some Injuries and Conditions MRI Imaging Helps Uncover?
MRI imaging can find multiple injuries and conditions within asymptomatic patients, ranging from herniated discs to tissue inflammation. Below are some common issues MRI imaging helps uncover.
● Spinal stenosis
● Nerve compression
● Arthritis
● Disc herniations
● Shoulder and hip labrum tears
● Rotator cuff tendon tears
● Meniscus tears
● Inflammation
● Tendonitis
MRI imaging helps physiotherapists understand ailments and injuries in people of all ages and walks of life. However, older patients usually require MRI imaging more than younger people.
It’s important to note that most people require different treatments even if they suffer from the same condition or injury. If two people suffer the same bulging discs, one patient may need more intense physiotherapy sessions than the other patient. Physiotherapists analyze the following to determine a patient’s recovery regimen.
● Physical presentation
● Injury location
● Injury quality
● Symptom intensity
● Aggravating movement
● Medical history
● Physical activity
● The patient’s healing stage
● The patient’s personal goals
As stated before, MRI imaging is only a tool to help physiotherapists understand a patient’s injury or condition. They don’t determine the treatment or prescribed exercises.
Most physiotherapists examine and treat patients without MRI imaging. They work with you to discover the best treatment option for your unique condition or injury. Although MRI imaging is sometimes necessary, most patients won’t undergo the process.
Contact Premier Spine and Sport Rehabilitation & Wellness for World-Class Physiotherapy in Vaughan, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, Woodbridge, and Markham
If you need physiotherapy in Vaughan, contact Premier Spine and Sport. We will help you recover from your ailment or injury swiftly so you can enjoy your favorite activities without severe pain or discomfort. Our team always prioritizes your needs and won’t hesitate to go above and beyond to give you a pain-free life.
Whether you need help recovering from a bulging disc or require shoulder rotator cuff therapy, Premier Spine and Sport is here for you.
If you’re ready to take the first step to a more active and pain-free lifestyle, contact Premier Spine and Sport Rehabilitation & Wellness in Vaughan at 289-472-5571 and see what our physiotherapists can do for you today!
